Akash Nagessur
About
Seasoned business leader with over 19 years of experience in sales leadership, strategic marketing, business development, and project management across diverse industries. Proven ability to drive revenue growth, build strong client relationships, and deliver sustainable business results through strategic planning and operational excellence. Recognised for a solutions driven leadership style, strong stakeholder engagement, and the ability to perform effectively in fast-paced and evolving business environments. Passionate about mentoring teams, developing talent, and fostering high performance cultures that align with organisational goals. Committed to delivering value, leading with integrity, and contributing meaningfully to long-term business success.
Work Experience
Business Manager- Petroleum Division
Market Strategy & Growth Initiatives • Lead strategic planning, market analysis, and territory segmentation to identify profitable channels and underserved markets across multiple product lines. • Formulate and execute go-to-market strategies tailored to fuels, lubricants, and gas sectors, aligned with national revenue and expansion targets. • Monitor competitor landscape and macroeconomic trends to inform proactive response strategies and product positioning. • Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial and operational risks within provincial markets to protect company assets and reputation. • Build and maintain strategic relationships with provincial government agencies, industry associations, and community groups to support business objectives and regulatory compliance. Sales & Revenue Optimization • Develop, manage, and expand the national sales pipeline across B2B, B2G, B2M, B2C and other aligned commercial segments. Portfolio annual revenue contribution averaged approx. R520mil ZAR (approx. 25mil Ltrs product supplied throughput). • Drive deal acquisition and retention through strategic account management, pricing control, and value-added solution delivery. • Ensure continuous sales force enablement through training, tools, and performance KPIs, managing direct commissioned agents. • Prepare and manage provincial business unit budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation and cost control to meet financial targets. • Analyse financial performance and ROI of growth initiatives, adjusting strategies to optimize profitability. Product & Channel Marketing • Collaborate with marketing to craft targeted campaigns, lead-generating promotions, and customer education programs. • Champion brand visibility through industry exhibitions, roadshows, digital platforms, and local activations. • Coordinate launch strategies for new product variants or bulk supply offers, ensuring alignment with customer segment needs. • Promote adoption of digital sales tools, CRM enhancements, and data analytics to improve market penetration and customer insights. Customer & Partner Relations • Function as key interface for customer lifecycle management—driving satisfaction, solving service issues, and identifying up/cross-sell opportunities. • Oversee dealer and distributor relationships, including performance management, volume targets, rebate programs, and credit exposure. • Negotiate contractual terms for branded/unbranded trade and manage incentive programs tied to throughput and loyalty. • Represent the company in public forums and industry bodies to influence favourable policy development and foster goodwill. Project & Network Expansion • Lead end-to-end execution of new-to-industry retail fuel site builds and refurbishments. • Oversee feasibility, budget control, CAPEX/ OPEX alignment, and multi-stakeholder engagement for project delivery. • Coordinate all regulatory, engineering, and operational approvals in partnership with internal and external teams. • Drive sustainability initiatives within provincial business units, including energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and responsible sourcing practices aligned with corporate CSR policies. Cross-Functional Alignment • Partner with internal and external Supply Chain, HSSEQ, Legal, Finance, and Technical teams to ensure product availability, compliance, and service delivery excellence. • Ensure execution of statutory and policy frameworks across sales and operational domains. • Provide input into R&D and product development where new solutions can improve margins or solve customer challenges. • Lead talent development and succession planning efforts to nurture high-potential provincial team members aligned with corporate leadership frameworks. Reporting & Performance Monitoring • Deliver monthly revenue forecasts, sales analytics, and market insights to National Executive. • Use CRM and business intelligence tools to track conversion rates, margin contribution, and customer behavior metrics. • Implement corrective action plans where KPIs fall short and drive a culture of performance and accountability. • Manage end-to-end risk and compliance monitoring to ensure business activities align with regulatory and internal standards. Team Leadership • Lead and develop a high-performance commercial team including regional consultants, specialists, and sales agents. • Drive a culture of coaching, innovation, and ownership across the business development function. • Manage organizational alignment and succession planning to support sustainable growth. • Champion continuous improvement initiatives in sales processes, customer engagement, and project delivery methodologies.
Education
Advanced Diploma in Sales and Marketing
NQF5 level qualification with Distinction