Open to opportunities

Phiwe Bacela

@phiwebacela

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Senior marketing leader with 10+ years driving brand growth in automotive and digital sectors.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I seek a senior marketing role where I can lead integrated brand and digital strategies, drive measurable growth, work cross-functionally, and build strategic partnerships in a collaborative, performance-driven environment.

I am a senior marketing leader with over a decade of experience in the automotive and digital industries, focused on translating business objectives into measurable marketing outcomes. I have led integrated brand and product marketing initiatives that drove performance, lead generation, and heightened customer engagement across multi-brand portfolios.

At AutoTrader I led strategic brand initiatives that reinforced the company’s position as South Africa’s most trusted automotive marketplace and contributed to growth that outpaced competitors. I have directed group-wide marketing for digital solutions, managed multi-channel campaigns, stewarded national partnerships and events, and overseen agency and internal creative execution.

I bring strong stakeholder engagement, cross-functional leadership, and hands-on experience in campaign management, digital and social strategy, PR, and governance. I prioritize consistent brand custodianship, measurable results, and building strategic partnerships to expand market reach and reputation.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Brand Manager

Current

AutoTrader

Led strategic brand initiatives reinforcing AutoTrader’s position as South Africa’s most trusted automotive marketplace, driving integrated marketing and creative direction that contributed to growth to three times the size of its nearest competitor.

Brand Management Integrated Marketing Creative Direction Campaign Management Stakeholder Management Event Planning

Marketing Specialist

Daimler Truck Southern Africa

Jan 2022 - Dec 2022 (11 months)

Defined and implemented integrated marketing and PR strategy for TruckStore, delivering multichannel campaigns, managing budget and agencies, and coordinating national events to strengthen brand positioning.

Integrated Marketing Public Relations Budget Management Agency Management Event Management Multichannel Campaign Management

Marketing Communications Coordinator

Mercedes-Benz South Africa

Jan 2018 - Dec 2022 (4 years 11 months)

Created marketing communication materials, implemented digital initiatives for after-sales, and managed the national Takata Airbag Recall campaign, improving stakeholder communications and customer retention.

Communication Digital Marketing Campaign Management Crisis Communications Stakeholder Engagement

Business Development & Marketing Executive

Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles

Jan 2017 - Dec 2018 (1 year 11 months)

Supported commercial vehicle divisions with shared marketing, sales, and event coordination, developing tailored campaigns across Vans, Trucks, and FUSO to strengthen client relationships and sales performance.

Business Development Campaign Development Event Coordination Sales Support performance reporting Client Engagement

Sales Executive

Outsurance

Jan 2016 - Dec 2017 (1 year 11 months)

Achieved sales and client retention targets through consultative selling and relationship management, delivering professional presentations, proposals, and compliant documentation.

Sales Consultative Selling Proposal Development & Compliance Customer Relationship Management

Sales and Marketing Manager

Creative Direction & Design

Directed marketing, sales, and contact centre operations for a national technology provider, driving acquisition, retention, and revenue growth and building strategic partnerships with over 200 global OEM partners.

Sales & Management Marketing Operations Partnership Development Revenue Growth Budget Management Event Execution

Group Marketing Manager

Digital Solutions Group

Led group-wide marketing for digital products and services, driving brand visibility, revenue growth, and market positioning while overseeing multiple brand portfolios and cross-functional teams.