People on the move: Singita appoints new GM of Sales

Taryn van Heerden has been appointed General Manager of Sales for Singita.

Singita has appointed Taryn van Heerden GM: Sales. She will be taking over from Caroline Burke, who is moving into a new role as GM: Business Development for Singita.

After many years managing the global sales team, Burke will now be focusing on business development and strategic, accelerated growth in new regions.

“I’m very much looking forward to my new role, focusing on strategic growth for the business, and we are thrilled to welcome van Heerden to the sales team,” says Burke, who’s been with the company for the past ten years.

Most recently, Van Heerden held the position of Chief Marketing Officer at Wonga Finance SA. Prior to this, she worked in various positions at Media 24, including Business Development Manager. At Singita, she will manage the sales team, looking after valuable trade partners globally.

“Singita’s values, purpose and incredible product have always stood out in a league of their own. I can already tell that the drive and passion for a single-minded purpose gives energy and fulfilment, and I’m looking forward to being part of the team and to contribute in a meaningful way,” says Van Heerden.

Both Burke and Van Heerden are based at Singita Management Company in Cape Town.

The Liz McGrath Collection has appointed Martina Barth as Sales Manager responsible for inbound leisure.

Barth joined the five-star luxury hotel in Constantia, Cape Town, in mid-January after a decade as Sales Manager at The Vineyard Hotel in Newlands.

She has been active in the hospitality industry for over two decades, having started her career as Assistant F&B Manager at the V&A Hotel. Speaking on her past work experience, Barth says: “I have had the great fortune to work with leading hospitality brands such as Arabella-Sheraton (now The Westin) as PR and Promotions Manager, and Peermont, as its Cape Town sales arm.”

In her new role, Barth’s key responsibilities are to maintain the already strong partnerships with the hotel’s STO accounts and industry stakeholders, in addition to forging new relationships within emerging markets.

In 2018, Barth was elected to the Western Cape Board of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association, and held the role of Africa Liaison for The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.

The Liz McGrath Collection looks forward to enhancing and leveraging her experience and relationships in order to stay relevant in the fast-changing landscape of the tourism Industry.

BON Hotels has appointed Shaun Boyd as Sales Executive for the STO market, overseeing market growth and brand development in the sector. In addition, BON Hotels has also appointed Thobile Shange as Sales Executive based in KwaZulu Natal to oversee market growth, market penetration and development of the brand in the region.

From his first position as a receptionist, Boyd quickly climbed the ranks. In a statement, BON Hotels said: “Boyd is a team player, extremely self-motivated and ever up for a challenge – coupled with his personable nature and innovative approach to sales and the many good relationships he has built in the industry, it makes him an excellent candidate for the position.”

Shange has a diploma in travel and tourism, with a passion for the hospitality industry. She started her career as a travel agent and says the move into sales was a turning point in her life.

“Shange’s ambition makes her an ideal candidate for the job and we are sure she is going to do remarkable things for BON Hotels,” read a statement issued by BON Hotels on her appointment.