Kelly B

I am an experienced professional with a background as a Client Account Manager, Chief Operating Officer, and Senior Executive Assistant. I bring a unique combination of strategic leadership, operational management, and high-level administrative support. My experience includes managing key client relationships, overseeing daily business operations, and providing executive-level support in fast-paced environments. 

I am highly organised, adaptable, and skilled at coordinating complex schedules, streamlining processes, and ensuring smooth business performance.

As one of the co-founders of Houtbosch Winery, I set out a business plan, starting from a concept to selling the brand to one of our big competitors within eight years, which we are proud to have achieved with great success. As a founding member, I worked closely with the Owner and CEO of the company and managed the team members on product strategy, vision and development of the brand.

My experience being a premium client account manager at Marlin Apartments, London, along with running a high end boutique winery makes me the perfect candidate.

Employment

February 2021 - February 2026

Floyds Vintage Guitars/Riviera Guitars - International

Co-Owner, Chief Operating Officer, Financial Administrator, Senior Customer Services Manager and Logistics Manager.

As Co-Owner of Floyds Vintage Guitars/Riviera Guitars, I manage all client relationships, manage all logistics and manage all finances for the company while selling famous guitars to famous clients. Clients include Slash, Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa, Sting, Weezer and many other famous musicians and collectors around the globe.

My role also includes growing our client base internationally as well as all product acquisition and across the globe.

I manage all sales platforms, being a Senior Customer Specialist as well as online sales partnerships across the globe with our biggest client base being in the USA, UK and Europe but also includes Asia and parts of Africa.

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January 2015 - February 2023

Houtbosch Wines and Spirits, George, South Africa Co-Founder, Chief Operations Officer (COO), Product Manager, Chief Marketing Office (CMO), Senior Customer Services Manager, Financial Administrator, Business Development Manager, Human Resources

As one of the founders of Houtbosch Winery, we set out a business plan of starting the company and selling the brand to one of our big competitors within eight years, which we are proud to have achieved.

For this plan to succeed it was essential that I managed all of the roles below to ensure success and the eventual sale of Houtbosch Winery to Boplaas Wines, one of the biggest wineries in South Africa.

My role was the management of the day-to-day operations that kept the business running.

As a founding member, I worked closely with the Owner and CEO of the company and managed the team members on product strategy, vision and development of the brand.

I was responsible for interviewing, hiring and training of all new staff to Houtbosch Wines.

I managed all customer servicing and marketing of the company, which focused on growing the business, expanding the customer base, brand awareness, new products and services offered.

I was in control of all ad campaigns and handled social media marketing.

Our marketing would focus on customer engagement by getting to know our target audience, maintain positive relationships between our business and customers. I also negotiated marketing cost and contracts with agents and clients alike.

I was responsible for managing all in house funds, also managed all the aspects of the company’s finances, procurement, wine and spirit sourcing (along with all the logistics attached to it).

I dealt with stock, daily, weekly, monthly and yearly reports, balancing of the books, leases and all other aspects pertaining to finances.

It was my job to develop relationships with other businesses which increased revenue and potential growth, and eventually finalising the sale of Houtbosch Wines.

I dealt with all customer service queries, daily management of the Tasting Room and staff and did all the administrative work.

My role included handling attorney and legal advisors, content editing, digital media contracts, Human Resources, payroll, web development and most other aspects of the company .

21st March 2013 – January 2015

Kuehne-Nagel, Airport Industria, Cape Town, South Africa

Personal Assistant to management / QSHE manager / Office manager

I managed the Cape Town branches’ Human Resources, staff matters, procurement, facility administration, general office management, general secretarial functions to both the Branch Manager and National Oil and Gas Manager along with being the QSHE representative and Health & Safety Committee Member.

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14th March 2010 – 31st August 2012

Itron, Plattekloof, Cape Town, South Africa

Office and Travel Coordinator (Metering Solutions)

I managed all local and international travelling processes for all staff domestically and internationally and arrange venues and conferences. I managed Reception (and Receptionists) for all sites, general office administration and procurement of general office consumables and equipment for Head Office (stationery; furniture, etc) in conjunction with the Procurement Function, as well as organizing catering, pause areas, cleaning contractors and security .

I assisted the Itron Learning University (ILU) with the coordination and arrangement of training together with assisting the

Marketing and Communications Department with corporate functions, such as Managing the Corporate Gifts and assisting with User-Conference and other events as and when required.

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May 2008 – January 2010

Marlin Apartments, London City, SE1

Client Account Manager (Self serviced apartments)

I managed a portfolio of over 500 quality medium to larger corporate clients and property agents across an array of different industries as well as direct leisure clients for our serviced apartments in the City of London. Prior to setting up a client's account, I negotiated rates, and dealt with all bookings, including group bookings, enquiries, confirmations, viewings, and on-going customer service. Clients included end to end bookings with Micheal Jackson and his crew of three hundred and fifty staff during his 50 Date Tour of London. I also managed The Britney Spears Circus Tour, which had a very similar booking schedule.

Main key points of my job:

Bring in new clientele (Corporate, leisure and agents); Arrange and attend meetings with corporate, agent and leisure clients; Negotiation; Keep current business; Customer service; Administration (reports); Monitor bookings and work with the reservations team; Deal with maintenance issues; After hours work due to dealing with worldwide clients; Apartment viewings; Respond to enquiries (rates and apartment information); Marketing (to advertise and promote the Company); Accounts (daily revenue); Research into new clientele and current market conditions

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October 2007 – May 2008

Kinleigh Folkard and Hayward, London, SW14

Negotiator (Residential Lettings in Property)

The overall purpose of the role was to ensure maximum commissions in renewal negotiations between the landlord and tenant, and to build and maintain relationships with the landlord and tenant (Head office call centre)

July 2005 – October 2007

Kinleigh Folkard and Hayward, London, N10

Legal Secretary (Residential Lettings in Property)

My role was to provide secretarial and administration support to the Residential Lettings team and deliver outstanding client service at all times, in accordance with the company's formal service standards. I would produce legal Tenancy Agreements, and all other correspondence related to new lets, renewals and terminations. I would ensure all IT systems and workstation housekeeping requirements were observed, including preparation of daily backup tapes. I would control of all financial administration systems including weekly statistics and invoicing procedures.

Access Course In Marketing and Advertising