14 Jul 2024 New MD for Coca-Cola Beverages SA
Meet the new boss of Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA)….
Rakesh Rajbally has been appointed as the new M) at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) – it has further announced strategic appointments within its Commercial and Manufacturing function aimed at strengthening leadership and driving growth.
Rajbally officially took up the position on 1 February, replacing Velaphi Ratshefola who formally retired at the end of January after seven years with the company.
“With 26 years of diverse experience spanning general management, sales, marketing, logistics, and finance within the Coca-Cola bottling system, Rajbally brings invaluable insights and leadership to the team,” says the press release.
“His track record of driving revenue growth and route-to-market strategies in both modern and emerging markets makes him a sought-after industry thought leader.
“As a key architect of CCBSA’s strategic and operational customer management, Rajbally achieved a remarkable number-one ranking across FMCG companies in the Advantage survey for two consecutive years.
“His journey within the Coca-Cola business, starting as a temporary filing clerk at ABI in 1997, is an inspirational testament to the company’s commitment to self-development and rewarding a strong work ethic, self-empowerment, and a growth mindset.”
Other appointments
CCBSA’s Commercial Department has also been restructured to enhance efficiency and responsiveness to market dynamics. This reinforces CCBSA’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences and sustainable growth.
Hannes Prinsloo has been appointed as country sales director. With over three decades of experience within the bottling system, Prinsloo brings expertise in sales operations, revenue growth, route-to-market strategies, category management, and channel development.
In his previous role as commercial general manager, Prinsloo successfully led revenue growth initiatives, optimised route-to-market strategies, and enhanced category management practices.
Janett Forbes has joined CCBSA as the commercial excellence director, bringing a rich background in finance, logistics, and commercial management.
Forbes’ extensive experience, gained from her tenure in the logistics industry and previous roles within the Coca-Cola system, equips her to drive excellence in sales processes, performance, and strategies.
The company has also appointed Moses Lubisi as manufacturing at technical director for CCBSA. He was formerly group head of supply chain excellence at Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA),
The trio join current directors, Mkuseli Dlikilili (Human Resources); Nozicelo Ngcobo (Public Affairs Communications and Sustainability) and Desilan Pillay (Logistics) as part of CCBSA’s EXCOM team.
Source: CCBSA