Wildlife and Conservation
Kenneth Thuo
DIRECTOR OF SALES
NAIROBI,NAIROBI
Summary
Results-driven sales performer with solid history of success in bringing in new customers, managing revenue streams and maintaining solid account relationships. Continuously monitor competitors and research market conditions to stay responsive and successful in dynamic environments. Persuasive negotiation and program management abilities.
Performance-oriented Sales Leader offering exceptional record of achievement over 7 years sales career. Tenacious manager with strategic and analytical approach to solving problems, bringing in customers and accomplishing profit targets. Talented in identifying and capitalizing on emerging market trends and revenue opportunities.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Goal-oriented manager with distinguished experience in hotel/hospitality industry and proven leadership abilities. Expert in increasing productivity and customer satisfaction while driving revenue and sales. Committed to streamlining procedures while optimizing employee talent.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Director of Sales
JW MARRIOTT MASAI MARA LODGE
Nairobi
03.2023 - Current
- Managed team of sales representatives, providing guidance, coaching and support.
- Established pricing strategies to maintain competitive pricing and maximize profits.
- Maximized profitability with effective pricing structures, aligning offerings with market demand while maintaining competitive positioning.
- Connected with prospects through trade shows, cold calling and local-area networking.
- Launched of the Lodge successfully into the market, coordinating marketing initiatives and comprehensive sales campaigns.
- Collaborated cross-functionally to optimize end-to-end sales processes, from prospecting through post-sales support services.
- Established strong partnerships with industry influencers to expand brand recognition and drive business growth.
- Leveraged data-driven insights to adjust sales strategies in real-time, adapting to shifting market demands and competitive landscapes.
- Developed high-performing sales teams through targeted recruitment, training, mentoring, and coaching activities.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to help sales campaigns reach target audiences.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction levels by addressing concerns promptly and providing tailored solutions.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing strategic plans and setting performance goals for the sales team.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Liaised with sales, marketing, and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives.
- Achieved established KPI for company, team and individual performance through teamwork and focus on customers.
- Prepared sales presentations for clients showing success and credibility of products.
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness and branding initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
Director of Sales
CROWNE PLAZA NAIROBI AIRPORT
07.2023 - Current
- Managed team of sales representatives, providing guidance, coaching and support.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Spearheaded the adoption of cutting-edge sales tools and technologies designed to enhance team productivity and streamline workflow processes.
- Established pricing strategies to maintain competitive pricing and maximize profits.
- Maximized profitability with effective pricing structures, aligning offerings with market demand while maintaining competitive positioning.
- Managed complex negotiations with key accounts resulting in long-term contracts that bolstered annual revenue figures significantly.
- Established strong partnerships with industry influencers to expand brand recognition and drive business growth.
- Negotiated favorable contract terms with suppliers, optimizing profit margins while maintaining product quality standards.
- Established ambitious sales targets, managed deployment strategies, and developed go-to-market plans to capitalize on every revenue opportunity.
- Leveraged data-driven insights to adjust sales strategies in real-time, adapting to shifting market demands and competitive landscapes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction levels by addressing concerns promptly and providing tailored solutions.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to help sales campaigns reach target audiences.
- Streamlined sales processes by identifying inefficiencies, implementing new tools, and providing training to the team.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for product expansion, leading to increased revenue streams.
- Enhanced profitability by developing pipelines utilizing marketing and sales strategies.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
- Coached and promoted high-achieving sales and account management employees to fill leadership positions with qualified staff and boost company growth.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
- Achieved established KPI for company, team and individual performance through teamwork and focus on customers.
- Connected with prospects through trade shows, cold calling and local-area networking.
Sales Manager
LAZIZI EXPEDITIONS
06.2020 - Current
- Maintained relationships with customers and found new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Managed key accounts with strategic planning and relationship building, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities, leading to expansion into profitable territories.
- Negotiated contracts with clients, ensuring the best pricing and terms for company profitability.
- Overcame objections from potential clients by addressing concerns effectively and offering customized solutions based on their unique needs.
- Developed comprehensive product knowledge, enabling tailored solutions for clients'' specific needs.
- Evaluated competitor offerings to adapt sales strategies and maintain competitive advantage.
- Conducted comprehensive market research to identify new opportunities and trends.
- Optimized sales funnel management, enhancing lead generation and conversion rates.
- Improved sales forecasting accuracy, utilizing data analytics to predict market trends and adjust sales strategies accordingly.
Sales Manager
CROWNE PLAZA NAIROBI AIRPORT
06.2020 - 07.2023
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Maintained relationships with customers and found new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Participated in the RFP process and negotiations
- Organized regular sales meetings to review progress, share best practices, and set achievable targets for continued success.
- Negotiated contracts with clients, ensuring the best pricing and terms for company profitability.
- Developed comprehensive product knowledge, enabling tailored solutions for clients'' specific needs.
- Assisted in recruiting top talent for the sales team, contributing to a high-performing work environment.
- Evaluated competitor offerings to adapt sales strategies and maintain competitive advantage.
- Attended industry events and trade shows to build on awareness and network
- Conducted comprehensive market research to identify new opportunities and trends.
- Expanded market share by identifying and penetrating untapped markets.
- Pioneered adoption of sustainable practices in sales operations, leading to recognition as industry leader in sustainability.
Assistant Sales Manager
Four by Sheraton Nairobi Airport
07.2019 - 03.2020
- Developed strong client relationships for repeat business and increased referrals.
- Achieved sales targets consistently by driving daily sales activities and managing the sales pipeline effectively.
- Assisted sales team with completing customer transactions and managing issues.
- Trained new associates in successful sales and performance strategies.
- Generated sales report to help upper management make effective decisions and sales plans.
- Resolved customer issues promptly, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and trust in the brand.
- Negotiated contracts with clients that balanced profitability with excellent customer service standards.
- Conducted detailed market analysis to identify new sales opportunities, enhancing market penetration.
- Monitored competitor activities to adjust sales strategies accordingly.
- Developed and implemented innovative sales strategies, capturing new customer segments.
- Streamlined sales processes for efficiency, reducing time to close deals.
- Increased customer satisfaction, ensuring prompt and accurate response to inquiries.
- Negotiated contracts with key clients to secure long-term partnerships.
- Fostered collaborative work environment, encouraging knowledge sharing among team members.
- Drove sales growth by identifying and targeting underserved markets.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
- Facilitated business by implementing practical networking techniques.
SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER
Four Points By Sheraton Nairobi Airport
04.2018 - 07.2019
- Negotiated prices, terms of sale and service agreements.
- Achieved higher client satisfaction ratings through consistent communication and problem resolution.
- Utilized strong analytical skills to track sales performance, making adjustments as needed to meet targets.
- Conducted product presentations and demonstrations, resulting in increased product adoption among clients.
- Anticipated clients' needs by staying in touch on regular basis.
- Increased sales revenue by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
- Implemented effective sales strategies to expand market share within the assigned segment.
- Conduct daily sales calls with current customers and new customers to push for business.
- Created proposals for new and repeat customer business transactions.
- Consulted with clients after sales and contract signings to resolve problems and provide ongoing support.
- Monitored market activity and quoted pricing to maintain healthy profit margins.
- Negotiated contracts with favorable terms for both the company and clients, driving mutual success.
- Built client relationships by acting as liaison between clients and hotel management.
- Developed and maintained long-term relationships with key clients for sustained growth.
Sales Account Manager
Lazizi Premiere Ltd
02.2017 - 04.2018
- Negotiated prices, terms of sale and service agreements.
- Achieved higher client satisfaction ratings through consistent communication and problem resolution.
- Utilized strong analytical skills to track sales performance, making adjustments as needed to meet targets.
- Conducted product presentations and demonstrations, resulting in increased product adoption among clients.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts, ensuring each client received personalized attention and support.
- Increased sales revenue by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
- Implemented effective sales strategies to expand market share within the assigned segment.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless delivery of products and services.
- Created proposals for new and repeat customer business transactions.
- Negotiated contracts with favorable terms for both the company and clients, driving mutual success.
- Contacted regular and prospective customers to educate them on our services and ensure they start using our hotel.
- Analyzed market trends to identify potential areas of growth within the industry landscape.
- Created comprehensive sales reports that informed executive decision making.
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
Reservations Executive
OLE-SERENI
11.2015 - 11.2016
- Provided exceptional customer service over phone calls, emails, and chat support for a seamless reservations process.
- Liaised with housekeeping department to ensure seamless room allocation during high-occupancy periods.
- Handled guest inquiries and complaints with professionalism, ensuring timely resolution and positive outcomes.
- Monitored reservation system regularly to identify overbooking situations and implemented effective solutions.
- Optimized inventory management by forecasting demand patterns and adjusting availability accordingly.
- Assisted in the development of customized packages for special occasions or promotional periods.
- Conducted thorough analyses of room rates, occupancy trends, and competitor pricing to inform strategic decisionmaking.
- Streamlined booking procedures for increased efficiency and improved guest experience.
- Developed productive working relationships with colleagues across departments for efficient coordination of guest needs.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of hotel facilities, promotions, and local attractions to provide accurate information to guests.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing and processing reservation requests.
- Reduced cancellations rate through proactive communication with guests about their upcoming stays.
- Managed and closed reservation calls to increase bookings by maintaining strong knowledge of resort products, services, and facilities.
- Managed online booking inquiries and assisted guests and travel partners with questions throughout entire booking cycle.
- Generated and reported performance metrics to management to inform decision-making.
Reservation Agent
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Kenya
01.2013 - 11.2015
- Provided customers with information about availability and pricing.
- Answered incoming phone calls and developed friendly rapport with callers while answering questions, making recommendations, and leading conversations to bookings.
- Maintained high levels of efficiency by managing multiple phone lines and email correspondence for reservation requests and adjustments.
- Managed online booking inquiries and assisted guests and travel partners with questions throughout entire booking cycle.
Front Desk Agent
Ole-Sereni
11.2012 - 01.2013
- Increased customer loyalty with exceptional communication skills and personalized service.
- Welcomed each new arrival pleasantly and confirmed reservations and identification.
- Greeted visitors and customers upon arrival, offered assistance, and answered questions to build rapport and retention.
- Utilized strong organizational skills to manage daily tasks efficiently while maintaining focus on delivering outstanding guest service experiences.
- Handled incoming calls professionally, directing inquiries to appropriate personnel as needed.
- Developed strong relationships with frequent guests for repeat business through personalized attention to their preferences.
- Took reservations over phone, in person, and via computer for guests and provided confirmation information.
Front Desk Agent
Fairmont Mara Safari Club
09.2010 - 11.2012
- Welcomed each new arrival pleasantly and confirmed reservations and identification.
- Increased customer loyalty with exceptional communication skills and personalized service.
- Greeted visitors and customers upon arrival, offered assistance, and answered questions to build rapport and retention.
- Utilized strong organizational skills to manage daily tasks efficiently while maintaining focus on delivering outstanding guest service experiences.
- Developed strong relationships with frequent guests for repeat business through personalized attention to their preferences.
- Handled incoming calls professionally, directing inquiries to appropriate personnel as needed.
- Supported sales efforts through upselling rooms, amenities, or special packages when appropriate.
- Collected room deposits, fees, and payments.
- Resolved guest issues promptly, resulting in positive feedback and return visits.
- Coordinated group bookings successfully, handling all logistics from reservation confirmation to departure arrangements.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Media and Communication
Mount Kenya University Virtual Campus
10.2023 - Current
Refresher course - Guest relations techniques
Utalii College
04.2012 - 04.2012
Diploma - hospitality management
International hotel and tourism Institute
01.2006 - 11.2008
High School - undefined
Kericho High School
02.2001 - 11.2004
Skills
Pre-Opening
Sales team motivation
Sales funnel management
Sales team training
Sales training and leadership
Deal closing
Social media marketing
Client relationship management
Sales reporting
Sales software proficiency
Marketing campaign analysis
Business development and planning
Accomplishments
- Three successful pre-openings (Lazizi Premiere Ltd, Four Points by Sheraton, JW Marriott Masai Mara)
- Product Launch– Lazizi Expeditions to a Premiere hospitality transport solutions company in the country with a significant YOY revenue growth.
- Awarded three times at the Fairmont as Star of the Month due to good performance
- Increased online revenue by 4% at Ole-Sereni progressively within 3 months
- Awarded as rising star of the Month of August at the Lazizi Premiere Hotel
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 03/19/86
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: Kenyan
References
- Mr..Mathew Ngoka, Group Director of Sales and Marketing JW MARRIOTT MASAI MARA AND CROWNE PLAZA NAIROBI AIRPORT, +254769 474 260
- Mr.Barnabas Wamoto , Group General Manager, JW MARRIOTT MASAI MARA AND CROWNE PLAZA NAIROBI AIRPORT, +254795 746 209
Interests
Timeline
Bachelor of Arts - Media and Communication
Mount Kenya University Virtual Campus
10.2023 - Current
Director of Sales
CROWNE PLAZA NAIROBI AIRPORT
07.2023 - Current
Director of Sales
JW MARRIOTT MASAI MARA LODGE
03.2023 - Current
Sales Manager
LAZIZI EXPEDITIONS
06.2020 - Current
Sales Manager
CROWNE PLAZA NAIROBI AIRPORT
06.2020 - 07.2023
Assistant Sales Manager
Four by Sheraton Nairobi Airport
07.2019 - 03.2020
SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER
Four Points By Sheraton Nairobi Airport
04.2018 - 07.2019
Sales Account Manager
Lazizi Premiere Ltd
02.2017 - 04.2018
Reservations Executive
OLE-SERENI
11.2015 - 11.2016
Reservation Agent
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Kenya
01.2013 - 11.2015
Front Desk Agent
Ole-Sereni
11.2012 - 01.2013
Refresher course - Guest relations techniques
Utalii College
04.2012 - 04.2012
Front Desk Agent
Fairmont Mara Safari Club
09.2010 - 11.2012
Diploma - hospitality management
International hotel and tourism Institute
01.2006 - 11.2008
High School - undefined
Kericho High School
02.2001 - 11.2004
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