Tom Westphal

Executive Director SAMIC

City of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

About

Tom is a driven, results-orientated, entrepreneurial, hands-on microbiologist and food scientist with proven business acumen. This follows 29 years in food manufacturing, microbiology, quality, product innovation, technical, manufacturing and general operational and supply chain management. He has experience in various food sectors including dairy, juices, jams, meat, fresh and frozen vegetables, salads, sauces, sterilized foods, prepared meals, bakery, pasta, dry blending, ground and tree nut processing, confectionery, extrusion technology and animal feed. He has the ability to lead and motivate teams of people to accomplish business objectives, improve quality, increase productivity, innovate and improve general operating standards. Areas such as product and process innovation, food safety, quality management, operational management, project management, performance improvement, food microbiology, crisis management, research and development are all part of his current and prior expertise. He has also successfully run his own manufacturing businesses and therefore understands the importance of business needs and systems thinking.

Experience

  • Executive Director at SAMIC
    May 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 3 mos

  • Consultant of Food Market Supply Chain and Agriculture Development. at 🌿Simplyfresh Pty Ltd - Simple Solutions Fresh Ideas
    Sep 2023 - May 2024 · 9 mos

    Development of bankable food projects to develop local agriculture, food and feed manufacturing to produce great products for local consumption and export from South Africa and other African countries.

  • Clover S.A. Proprietary Limited (Full-time · 4 yrs 11 mos)
    • GM Market Development
      Nov 2022 - Sep 2023 · 11 mos

    • New Business Development and Engineering Projects
      Nov 2018 - Dec 2022 · 4 yrs 2 mos

      My mission is searching for new business opportunities and creating new categories for the Clover business. Supporting New Business Development and Innovation with quick and solid Engineering solutions for the fastest "concept to shelf" innovation.

  • Head of Supply Chain at Export Trading Group
    Nov 2017 - Nov 2019 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    Supply Chain Head responsible for efficiency, cost effective operations, food safety and quality of Vamara Africa and Europe operations

  • Head of Innovation at Clover South Africa
    Aug 2014 - Nov 2017 · 3 yrs 4 mos

    Market trends and consumer demand leading to new product, packaging and process concepts and successful launch of existing products in existing and new categories.