Tharusha Naidoo
@tharushanaidoo
Chief of Staff and executive assistant, I streamline leadership operations and drive flawless execution.
What I'm looking for
I’m a highly organised, proactive executive assistant supporting senior leadership, including CEOs, Vice Chairmen, Directors, and VPs. In my current role at SaudiAramco, I coordinate domestic and international meetings, manage travel orders, visas, badges, gate passes, and transfers, and ensure day-to-day administrative operations run smoothly.
Previously, as Executive Assistant to the Vice Chairman and Co-Founder at CNBC and ForbesAfrica (ABN Group), I oversaw the Vice Chairman’s calendar, screened calls, and liaised with managers, CEOs, suppliers, government officials, and embassies. I handled comprehensive travel bookings, visa applications, accommodation, and high-autonomy administrative work—while maintaining confidentiality and consistently upholding the ABN image.
Earlier roles expanded my breadth across HR and finance administration, executive committees, and board-pack coordination, where I documented minutes, managed executive diaries, and supported operations end-to-end. With at least 7 years at a senior management level, I bring meticulous attention to detail, strong time management, clear communication, and reliable execution under pressure.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Assistant to Directors and VP
Saudi Aramco
Feb 2023 - Present (3 years 5 months)
Provided administrative support to directors and a VP, coordinating meetings, travel, visas, and guest arrangements while managing a range of operational and leave-related administrative tasks.
Executive Assistant to Vice Chairman
CNBC and ForbesAfrica (ABN Group)
Aug 2021 - Feb 2023 (1 year 6 months)
Supported a Vice Chairman and co-founder by managing calendars, screening calls and enquiries, coordinating meetings, and arranging travel including visas and accommodation.
Temporary Executive Assistant
Blue Ion Support Services
Jun 2020 - Jan 2021 (7 months)
Provided temporary executive assistant support across HR, finance, and office administration, including diary management, travel coordination, expense reporting, and HR administration.
Executive PA to the MD
PanSolutions
May 2014 - Apr 2018 (3 years 11 months)
Supported the Managing Director and senior finance leadership by managing diaries and boardroom operations, producing board packs and minutes, and coordinating travel, procurement, and office maintenance.
Executive Assistant to CEO & HR/Finance
IPS Communications and MFDT
Oct 2013 - May 2014 (7 months)
Provided executive assistance and administrative support, including office administration, travel coordination, payroll and HR administration, and finance administration using accounting systems.
Recruitment Assistant / PA
NewGeneration Management Consulting
Feb 2013 - Aug 2013 (6 months)
Supported recruitment and executive office activities, including submitting sales expense claims and providing assistance with tenders and CEO-office support.
Temporary Operations Manager/PA
Business Capital Group
Jan 2013 - Jan 2013 (0 months)
Provided PA and operations support to the Managing Director, including diary management, interview scheduling, and involvement in recruitment and project coordination.
Temporary Executive Business Support
Rentworks
Jul 2012 - Dec 2012 (5 months)
Provided executive business support across senior leadership roles by managing schedules, communications, meeting logistics, travel coordination, and minute-taking.
Temporary Account Executive
Platinum Public Relations
Apr 2012 - May 2012 (1 month)
Provided proactive administrative and account executive assistance to the owner and director, including diary and schedule management and support to media professionals.
Business Assistant to Vice President
MasterCard
Feb 2012 - Apr 2012 (2 months)
Supported a Vice President by managing workflow and office deadlines, preparing expense reports, handling communications, and assisting with presentations and meeting materials.
PA to National Sales Manager
Verimark
Oct 2010 - Feb 2012 (1 year 4 months)
Provided national sales PA support by managing diaries and communications, arranging travel and visas, producing management updates, and handling vehicle and expense reconciliations.
Temporary Product Line Administrator
Weatherford International
Jul 2010 - Aug 2010 (1 month)
Supported international operations by arranging daily flights and visas, preparing monthly expense reports, and maintaining documentation and reporting for senior staff.
Sales Administrator / PA
Harcourt’s
Jul 2007 - May 2010 (2 years 10 months)
Administered property listings and listings-related documentation, including updates to property websites and systems and providing reception and client support where needed.
Sales Secretary / Administrator
Natal Property Consultants
Mar 2006 - Jun 2007 (1 year 3 months)
Supported property sales operations by capturing and updating listings, completing municipal and deed searches, maintaining schedules and boardroom minutes, and updating company systems and website content.
Head Reservationist
Croit Anna – Leisureplex
Sep 2004 - Dec 2004 (3 months)
Managed reception and reservation operations by welcoming guests, coordinating staff schedules and training, resolving guest issues, and ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements.
Au Pair / Nanny
Au Pair in America
Jan 2002 - Jan 2003 (1 year)
Provided childcare and responsible care for an infant and school-age children while holding First Aid certification.
Human Resource Officer
African Bank - KZN
Jan 1999 - Jan 2002 (3 years)
Performed HR operations including managing employee queries, maintaining HR records, supporting recruitment processes, handling study loan administration, and supporting payroll-related queries.
Personal Assistant
Peerless Insurance Broker’s - KZN
Jan 1999 - Jun 1999 (5 months)
Provided general personal assistant and office administration support with a focus on computer operations for client data updates and quotation preparation.
Temporary Executive Assistant (HR)
FNB
Provided temporary executive assistant support, including diary and meeting scheduling, appointment management, and handling office and client services tasks.
Executive Assistant to Chief Executive
Liberty
Assisted senior executives with EXCO pack preparation, meeting scheduling and minutes, and managed executive diaries and in-country/international travel documentation.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Professional Computing and Business College
Diploma in Advanced IT, Information Technology
1997 - 1999
Diploma in Advanced IT (Advanced Information Technology) from Professional Computing and Business College, recognized by Durban London Institute of Information Business, completed from 1997 to 1999.
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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