Themba Marasha

Results-Driven Executive Leader | Strategic Operations & Compliance Expert | Entrepreneurial Franchise Owner
Kempton Park, ZA.

About

Dynamic and highly experienced executive with over 19 years in strategic management, operations, and regulatory compliance, complemented by recent entrepreneurial success. Adept at driving business growth, optimizing operational efficiency, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes within the gambling, finance, and automotive sectors. Seeking to leverage proven leadership, strategic thinking, and a people-centric approach to energize and lead high-performing teams towards achieving ambitious organizational objectives.

Work

Battery HQ
|

Owner and Franchisee

Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa

Summary

Led all facets of franchise operations for an automotive battery outlet and aircon regassing business, driving profitability and market presence.

Highlights

Initiated and managed daily operational activities for the automotive battery outlet and aircon regassing franchise, ensuring efficient service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Developed and implemented local marketing strategies to expand customer base and increase sales volume within a competitive market.

Managed comprehensive inventory, supply chain, and vendor relationships to optimize costs and maintain consistent product availability.

Oversaw financial performance, including budgeting, P&L management, and operational cost control to ensure business profitability.

Sun International
|

General Manager: Flamingo Casino, Kimberley

Kimberley, South Africa

Summary

Directed comprehensive casino operations and strategic initiatives for Flamingo Casino, driving performance and achieving group objectives.

Highlights

Managed full profit and loss (P&L) responsibility for casino operations, consistently achieving strategic deliverables and contributing to group revenue targets.

Developed and executed comprehensive casino strategies, enhancing guest experience and optimizing operational efficiency.

Led cross-functional teams in daily operations, ensuring strict compliance with gaming regulations and maintaining high service standards.

Oversaw resource allocation and performance management, fostering a high-performance culture within a dynamic hospitality environment.

Sun International
|

General Manager: Meropa Casino, Polokwane

Polokwane, South Africa

Summary

Orchestrated casino operations and strategic development for Meropa Casino, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and driving market share.

Highlights

Managed end-to-end casino operations, successfully meeting strategic objectives and contributing to the group's financial performance.

Formulated and implemented effective casino strategies, optimizing operational workflows and enhancing competitive positioning.

Directed operational teams, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and delivering exceptional customer service.

Spearheaded initiatives to improve operational metrics and drive guest engagement, fostering sustained growth.

National Gambling Board
|

Chief Compliance Officer

South Africa

Summary

Led national compliance strategy and oversight for the gambling industry, ensuring regulatory adherence and influencing legislative frameworks.

Highlights

Developed and implemented comprehensive compliance strategies that ensured the National Gambling Board met its mandate across the country.

Monitored and enforced compliance within the national gambling industry, significantly reducing regulatory risks and ensuring fair play.

Advised the Board, government departments, and parliament on critical gambling legislative frameworks and compliance policy, shaping national regulations.

Cultivated and managed international relationships with African countries and global gambling jurisdictions through the Gambling Regulators Africa Forum secretariat.

Directed research and policy development for emerging forms of gambling, preparing the industry for future regulatory challenges.

Managed the strategic oversight of gaming systems and IT infrastructure, ensuring robust and secure operational environments.

National Gambling Board
|

Chief Operations Officer

South Africa

Summary

Directed core operational functions and strategic initiatives for the National Gambling Board, ensuring the fulfillment of its regulatory mandate.

Highlights

Spearheaded the development and execution of operational strategies that ensured the National Gambling Board effectively met its mandate.

Oversaw the monitoring and enforcement of compliance across the national gambling industry, upholding regulatory standards.

Provided expert counsel to the Board, government, and parliament on legislative frameworks and compliance policies, influencing national governance.

Managed key international relationships and partnerships with African and global gambling jurisdictions, enhancing cross-border regulatory cooperation.

Led research and policy formulation for new gambling forms, proactively adapting regulatory frameworks to industry evolution.

National Gambling Board
|

Chief Inspector

South Africa

Summary

Directed and enforced gambling inspectorate operations across the national gambling industry, ensuring regulatory adherence and integrity.

Highlights

Managed, monitored, and enforced gambling inspectorate activities, ensuring strict compliance with national gambling legislation.

Led and mentored teams of inspectors, providing guidance and oversight to maintain high standards of regulatory enforcement.

Developed and implemented inspection protocols that improved the efficiency and effectiveness of compliance checks.

Identified and addressed non-compliance issues, contributing to the integrity and public trust in the gambling sector.

Mpumalanga Econ Regulator
|

Senior Investigator

Mpumalanga, South Africa

Summary

Conducted high-level investigations and advised on licensing for the gambling industry, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.

Highlights

Led complex investigations into licensing applications and existing operations, ensuring full compliance with gambling legislation.

Managed the entire investigative process, from evidence collection to report generation, supporting informed decision-making.

Formulated recommendations for the issuance or denial of licenses, directly impacting regulatory integrity and industry standards.

Collaborated with legal and regulatory teams to uphold the integrity and transparency of the licensing framework.

Mpumalanga Dev Corporation
|

Manufacturing Advisor

Mpumalanga, South Africa

Summary

Provided critical financial and strategic advisory services to small manufacturers, fostering growth and economic development in Mpumalanga.

Highlights

Extended business loans to small manufacturers, facilitating capital access and supporting their growth initiatives.

Delivered expert business and management advice, improving operational efficiency and strategic planning for clients.

Conducted financial assessments and market analyses to guide manufacturers in sustainable business practices.

Contributed to regional economic development by empowering local manufacturing businesses through tailored support.

African Bank
|

Loans Officer

Nelspruit, South Africa

Summary

Managed a portfolio of individual loan accounts, providing financial services and ensuring client satisfaction at African Bank.

Highlights

Originated and processed individual loans, meeting client financial needs and adhering to lending policies.

Managed a diverse portfolio of client loan accounts, ensuring accurate record-keeping and timely repayments.

Provided personalized financial advice to clients, fostering strong relationships and promoting financial literacy.

Assessed creditworthiness and mitigated risks associated with loan applications, contributing to portfolio health.

Volunteer

South African Responsible Gambling Foundation
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Member: Audit and Risk Committee

South Africa

Summary

Contributed expertise to the Audit and Risk Committee, supporting financial governance and risk mitigation.

Highlights

Provided expert input on audit processes, financial statements, and risk assessments to ensure organizational integrity.

Collaborated with committee members to evaluate and strengthen internal control systems and compliance frameworks.

Assisted in identifying and assessing potential risks, developing strategies to safeguard the foundation's assets and reputation.

Flamingo Community Trust
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Trustee

South Africa

Summary

Served as a Trustee for the Flamingo Community Trust, contributing to community development initiatives.

Highlights

Oversaw the governance and strategic direction of the community trust, ensuring alignment with its charitable mandate.

Participated in decision-making processes regarding funding allocations and community project support.

Ensured responsible stewardship of trust assets and compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements.

South African Responsible Gambling Foundation
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Board Member

South Africa

Summary

Contributed to strategic governance and oversight for responsible gambling initiatives as a Board Member.

Highlights

Provided strategic guidance and oversight to the foundation's initiatives for promoting responsible gambling practices.

Participated in board meetings to review organizational performance, financial health, and strategic direction.

Supported the foundation's mission to minimize the harm of problem gambling through effective governance.

South African Responsible Gambling Foundation
|

Chairperson: Audit and Risk Committee

South Africa

Summary

Chaired the Audit and Risk Committee, overseeing financial integrity and risk management for the foundation.

Highlights

Led the Audit and Risk Committee, ensuring robust financial oversight and effective risk management strategies.

Guided the committee in reviewing internal controls, financial reporting, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Provided critical insights and recommendations to the main board on audit findings and risk mitigation plans.

Education

University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, Nevada, United States of America

Executive Development Program

Strategic Leadership in Gambling Operations

Courses

Confronting challenges and embracing opportunities – Strategic leadership in gambling operations

MANCOSA
South Africa

Post Graduate Diploma

Management Studies

Courses

Marketing

Business Finance

Research

HR

Strategic Management

University of Zululand
South Africa

B.Com (Hons)

Business Economics, Industrial Psychology & Economics

Courses

Advertising

Business Finance

Strategic Management

Marketing and Research methodology

Research paper: The attitude of small business men towards VAT in substitution of GST at Empangeni area

Thembeka H School
Nespruit, South Africa

Matric

Skills

Executive Leadership

Strategic Leadership, Team Leadership, People Management, Performance Management, Mentorship, Cross-functional Collaboration, High Cognitive Thinking.

Business Strategy & Operations

Strategic Planning, Operational Management, P&L Management, Business Development, Franchise Operations, Market Analysis, Process Optimization, Productivity Enhancement, Resource Allocation, Project Management.

Regulatory & Compliance

Regulatory Compliance, Gambling Legislation, Policy Development, Risk Management, Audit Oversight, Legislative Advisory, Government Relations, International Regulatory Relations, Investigative Reporting.

Financial Management

Financial Acumen, Budgeting, Cost Control, Loan Origination, Account Management, Financial Advisory, P&L Management.

IT & Systems

Gaming Systems Management, IT Infrastructure Management, System Oversight.

Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder Management, Government Liaison, Board Communication, Community Engagement, Client Relationship Management, Vendor Management.

Personal Attributes

Self-motivated, Integrity, Dependable, Reliable, Calm Under Pressure, Confident, Flexible, Responsive, Decisive, Work Ethic, Compliance-conscious.

References

Khati Makhobo

Chairperson: Flamingo Casino Board of Directors

Themba Ngobese

Executive Manager: Gauteng Gambling Board

Chris Fismer

Practising Attorney, Former Chairperson of National Gambling Board