Open to opportunities

Winnie Wangoru

@winniewangoru

Message

Experienced CEO and business developer in the travel industry.

Kenya

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a dynamic role that fosters innovation and growth in the travel industry, emphasizing strategic partnerships and technological advancements.

I am a seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience in business development and communication across Africa. My journey has equipped me with extensive leadership skills, strategic communication planning, and brand asset management. I have successfully collaborated with major brands such as Coca Cola, Airtel Africa, and Unilever, driving impactful media negotiations and advertising strategies.

In 2020, I leveraged my expertise to establish ViuTravel, Kenya's first locally owned online travel agency, where I served as CEO until 2022. Currently, I am the founder and CEO of The Vacation Marketplace, a pioneering platform that centralizes travel services and embraces blockchain technology for secure bookings. My vision is to transition our operations from WEB2 to WEB3 by 2024, enhancing customer experiences through cryptocurrency payments and real-time booking access.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Chief Executive Officer /Founder

Current

The Vacation Marketplace Ltd

Jan 2023 - Present (2 years 5 months)

Founded The Vacation Marketplace, a centralized platform for the tourism industry in Kenya, focusing on secure travel bookings and transitioning to WEB3 technology. Responsible for overall company operations, B2B onboarding, and strategic partnerships.

Business Development Digital Marketing B2B Sales Blockchain Technology Partnership Development

Chief Executive Officer

Viutravel Ltd

Jul 2017 - Jan 2022 (4 years 6 months)

Led Viutravel, an online travel agency, focusing on strategic leadership, operational policies, and profitability while managing a team and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Leadership Strategic Planning Operational Management Team Management Policy Development Marketing Strategy

Media Director Consultant

JCDecaux

Jan 2017 - Jun 2017 (5 months)

Provided strategic sales solutions and media support across East and Central Africa, fostering relationships with key clients and delivering high-level presentations.

Sales Strategy Client Relationship Management Market Intelligence Team Collaboration Outdoor Advertising

Regional Media Director

WPP Scangroup

Jul 2015 - Dec 2016 (1 year 5 months)

Created advertising strategies and managed media negotiations across multiple African markets, achieving significant savings for clients and overseeing major advertising projects.

Advertising Strategy Client Management Team Leadership Market Research Campaign Management Performance Analysis

Media Director Out of Home

Ogilvy Africa

Jan 2013 - Jul 2015 (2 years 6 months)

Liaised with media teams to build a network structure for servicing clients across Africa, focusing on Out of Home advertising strategies and client solutions.

Media Strategy Team Coordination Strategic Planning Performance Metrics Client Engagement

General Manager

Prime Outdoor Network Ltd

Jun 2008 - Jun 2009 (1 year)

Increased billboard placements and managed operations, finances, and client relationships to ensure company growth and service delivery.

Operations Management Financial Planning Team Leadership Project Management

Sales & Marketing Manager

Prime Outdoor Network

Apr 2006 - Jan 2007 (9 months)

Prepared sales proposals and managed a sales team, significantly increasing sales and client database through strategic marketing initiatives.

Sales Management Marketing Strategy Team Leadership Proposal Development Market Analysis

Sales Manager

A1 Outdoor (K) Ltd

Apr 2004 - Jan 2005 (9 months)

Managed client relationships and sales operations for billboard advertising, ensuring client satisfaction and effective service delivery.

Client Management Sales Operations Advertising Sales Relationship Building Market Penetration Team Coordination Sales Strategy

Marketing Manager

Nyuki Ltd

Jan 2003 - Aug 2003 (7 months)

Oversaw promotional campaigns and branding for clients, managing a large portfolio of accounts and ensuring effective marketing strategies.

Marketing Management Campaign Management Branding Client Management Marketing Strategies Team Leadership Market Research Client Engagement

Head of Sales

ST Nation Media Group

Jan 1999 - Jan 2002 (3 years)

Managed advertising accounts and introduced innovative advertising concepts, leading to successful market penetration and client satisfaction.

Sales Leadership Account Management Advertising Strategy Innovation Team Management Performance Tracking

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Hull

Bachelor of Laws, Law

1994 - 1997

Activities and societies: Organizing Secretary of the Afro Caribbean Society at the University of Hull (1995-1996)

Attained LLB (Hons) Second Class Degree comprising Company Law, Law of Contract, Family Law, Public International Law, Jurisprudence, International Property Law, Civil Procedure, International Law of Human Rights, and Labor Law. Dissertation focused on a comparison between collective bargaining in Kenya Labor Laws and European Labor Laws.