Heimirich van der Merwe

National Sales Director | Operations Strategist | Sales Incentive Tactician | Key Account Manager

Belgium

About

I am a high-performing Sales Director with 20+ years of progressive experience in sales leadership roles within the tobacco industry. I built my career foundation in South Africa and have since transitioned into a leadership role in the Middle East where I have expanded product sales 5X in just 3 years while managing a multi-tiered sales staff of nearly 800. My competitive and analytical approach to business has been incredibly helpful in positioning me to identify the optimal strategic directions for my regions and leading my team to execute those strategies. I also take a very intentional approach to talent development, incentive structures, and relationship development among my team. This has been very helpful in positioning my teams to succeed in executing my vision. When I have some time away from work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, trying new activities, and travelling whenever I have the chance.

Experience

  • JTI (Japan Tobacco International) (31 yrs 1 mo)
    • Sales Director BeLux
      Jun 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 1 mo

    • Sales Director
      Jun 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 1 mo

      In this senior sales leadership role, portfolio entails leading a multi-tiered team of 840 staff to drive tobacco product sales across 4 Divisions in the country as well as managing distributors, commercial planning, logistics, and warehouse operations.

    • Sales Director
      Oct 2012 - Jun 2019 · 6 yrs 9 mos

      Promoted to the Director level to take ownership of 4 Regional Sales Managers, as well as 2 Distributor Agencies in Namibia and Botswana, overseeing 145 total sales and operational staff to facilitate sales growth across the region.

  • Sales Manager at L Suzman Distributor
    Feb 1992 - May 1995 · 3 yrs 4 mos

    Understnding the business, provided assistance when regional manager went on leave