Well-known industry player Darryl Erasmus officially took the helm as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of South African Tourism (SAT) yesterday (Tuesday, January 7).
As COO, Erasmus will be responsible for overseeing SAT’s Corporate Services functions while supporting its internal business units to ensure effective operations. In addition, he will be responsible for driving in-country localisation and execution of global strategies.
“We are pleased to welcome Darryl Erasmus back to SAT. This appointment will not only strengthen our management structures but will also contribute to driving our strategic objectives forward while improving our destination’s competitiveness. I have no doubt that his leadership will enhance our operational excellence and global impact,” said Nombulelo Guliwe, SAT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Erasmus, previously SAT’s Chief Quality Assurance Officer in the Tourism Grading Council business unit, brings a wealth of expertise and leadership experience from the hospitality, tourism and corporate communications sectors.
He has worked in senior marketing, sales and leadership roles with brands such as Travelport, Protea Hotels and InterContinental. He was also Managing Director of BLAZE Integrated Hospitality Marketing.
Most recently, he shared his advisory and consulting skills with commercial services in the tourism and hospitality sectors as a director of DAX Advisory Services.
Erasmus noted: “I'm excited to be rejoining SAT – returning to an organisation for which I have a deep affinity and personal connection. I extend my sincere gratitude to the CEO and Board for the opportunity to serve South Africa and the tourism sector at large again.
“I am committed to collectively building a capable, high-performance entity that champions the growth of tourism, amplifying its economic impact, raising the sector’s profile and displaying the beauty of our country to the global community.”
His appointment was approved by the SAT Board in December last year.
Erasmus is currently advancing his education by pursuing a postgraduate diploma in business studies at Henley Business School. He has already completed the Gordon Institute of Business Science postgraduate global executive development programme and has a BCom in marketing and business management from Oxford Brookes University. He also has qualifications in financial and training management, manager development, marketing and business management.
“I eagerly anticipate reconnecting with the team and collaborating with industry stakeholders domestically and abroad to promote our exceptional destination that delivers unforgettable and uniquely authentic South African experiences,” he said.
