CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Salesforce establishes African presence and makes key appointments

By our News Team | 2022

Global CRM specialist recognises local potential and aims to meet the continent’s high demand for these skills.

Salesforce, the global customer-relationship management (CRM) specialist, has announced expansion plans in South Africa by establishing its first legal entity in the country. In addition, it has confirmed the appointment of its first two SA leaders: Zuko Mdwaba as Head of Sales and Linda Saunders as Head of Solution Engineering.

According to the company, South Africa is a rapidly developing and youthful market with enormous potential. Salesforce has been operating in the country for the past decade through a system of local partners.

Salesforce said in a media statement that its “growing customer base has been fuelled by businesses accelerating their digital transformation and partnering with Salesforce as their trusted digital advisor”. SA clients vary from micro-businesses to publicly listed multinationals.

Zuko Mdwaba of Salesforce. Photo via LinkedIn

“I am delighted to welcome Zuko Mdwaba and Linda Saunders to Salesforce to lead our growth in South Africa by working with our customers, partners and broader ecosystem,” says Robin Fisher, Senior Area Vice President for Emerging Markets at Salesforce.

Provide skills and local job opportunities

“Africa has a great talent pool and we intend to collaborate closely with our partners and local institutions on programs that provide skills and job opportunities to meet the continent’s high demand for Salesforce skills, while also recognising Africa’s potential as a global talent hub.”

Mdwaba has over two decades of experience leading and developing technology companies in South Africa. Prior to joining Salesforce, he held leadership roles at Atos, Oracle, SAS, and Workday South Africa. Mdwaba will be one of the first Salesforce executives to be based in South Africa and will lead the company’s growth and expansion across the market.

Saunders has a broad experience helping companies in their Digital Transformation journey. In her role as Head of Solution Engineering, Saunders will support Salesforce customers to develop their businesses’ digital capabilities and will also play a leading role in supporting organisations and individuals to gain new digital skills through initiatives such as Salesforce’s online learning platform, Trailhead.

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