West Stowell, England, United Kingdom
With experience managing some of Africa’s most iconic safari lodges, including Singita and Londolozi, I bring a deep understanding of luxury hospitality, conservation-led travel, and guest experience at the very highest level. I have led multi-cultural teams, overseen lodge openings, managed logistics and supplier relations, and delivered exceptional guest satisfaction for some of the world’s most discerning travellers. Now based in the UK, I am looking to bring my on-the-ground knowledge of Africa’s safari destinations into the outbound travel industry — working with a luxury operator or travel consultant team to design authentic, memorable journeys. I am especially passionate about aligning conservation, community, and guest experience in a way that builds loyalty and trust. Spoken French and basic Spanish, I enjoy connecting with people across cultures and am ready to help UK travellers discover the magic of safari through bespoke, detail-driven service.
My role was mostly within the operational sector of the business, however being a small family business we would fill the gaps as and when they popped up no matter where they lay. We have a dynamic team of over 20 staff. Much of the HR function and operational management fell to me - staff management and recruitment were part of my portfolio as well.
While living in South Africa (with the clinic in London) I was the liaison for the doctors and the patients. Booking them in, providing pre and post treatments care and advice. Following up in terms of the treatment next steps. Managing the doctors time and ensuring getting the most out of it. As each doctor with us for 2-3 days a week, so it was a case of making sure their time was maximised.
Justine O'Keeffe Fine Art represents artists both locally in South Africa and abroad in the UK. It has sought up and coming talented artists looking for a vehicle to exhibit and curate their work. Justine O'Keeffe Fine Art partners with the artist and guides them in creating work that will be unique and interesting to the market. We have set up exhibitions and taken part in art shows in the United Kingdom, South Africa and the USA. Some of the artists include Ken Gibson, David Filer, Ianthe Hudson, Emily Lamb, David Tomlinson, Edward Selematsela, Kelly Higgs and Bruce Little. I also worked with interior designers for residential and office buildings, curating art collections to decorate and compliment design schemes.
I was the global events director for The Rugby Business Network. My role was to run the event administration for the business. This entailed having guest celebrity speakers, managing the event attendance and develop business processes to help the online and offline experience for all stakeholders. These include members, event organisers, event hosts, sponsors, speakers, charity partners, players on our Life After Rugby Programme and staff. Working on the strategic side - together with the founder I worked on franchising the organisation. This included the streamlining the memberships, the processes and then managing and implementing the vision and goals for the RBN.
I would go into 5 star game lodges for a fixed period of time to help the management identify and work through problem areas of the operation. I started off by experiencing the product as a guest or client would. Creating reports with feedback and constructive criticism to use as a road map for growth and development. Staff training would also form an important part of the process too. This would be done over a few different visits to the lodges allowing the staff to implement and make use of their new skills before follow ups and check ins were done. I covered all areas of housekeeping, front of house as well as back of house and the kitchens. If menus needed rewriting, then I designed and implemented that too. At the end of each job I would write a detailed report on the staff members from each department as well as the functionality of the departments and the areas the management need to watch out for.
Covering Lodge Managers on sabbatical and leave, looking after the most discerning guests with high demands in very remote lodges. Facilitating logistics and management of the staff. Ensuring correct procurement of supplies for full lodge. Entertaining guests and ensuring a world class safari experience from food, to wine, game drives and daily activities. The logistics Director took a 3 month sabbatical where I covered her roll, working closely with the Managing Director ensuring back of house support to 3 lodges and 600 staff.