Liesl Kannenberg
London,UK
Summary
Demonstrated success in providing executive-level administrative and operational support, fostering cross-functional collaboration, streamlining operations, and implementing innovative solutions to complex challenges. Track record of facilitating seamless communication between executives, board members, and key stakeholders. Credible history of leading and mentoring cross-functional teams to facilitate achievement of short- and long-term strategic business objectives.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Executive Assistant to CEO & Deputy CEO
Kelly Group
Johannesburg, South Africa
11.2002 - 05.2006
- Extensive preparation of data for senior management for strategy sessions & workshops
- Design, generation & delivery of presentations, board packs, proposals & contracts for meetings which included the set up of all technology requirements & providing IT support
- Taking minutes at Board level, attended strategy sessions, summarising outcomes & distribution of notes
- Drafted financial charts, matrix’s, invoicing, monitoring of petty cash & personal finance matters for Executives Extensively coordinated & booked complex travel arrangements both nationally & internationally
- Full diary management of C-Suite
Personal Assistant/Office Manager to MD
Strauss Daly Inc
Johannesburg, South Africa
08.2001 - 10.2002
- Implementation of all office processes (filing systems, admin processes etc)
- Keeping record of all staff’s leave
- Issued monthly invoices and statements and receipt of payments
- Liaised directly with debtors to assist with account related queries
- Typed all correspondence such as legal documentation & contracts
- Organised of all company events & client functions
Personal Assistant/Administrative Coordinator for Director
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Johannesburg, South Africa
08.1998 - 07.2001
- Updated company database regularly to maintain accurate records.
- Liaised with clients and stakeholders for effective relationship management.
- Resolved administrative issues promptly, minimised downtime in operations.
- Provided personal assistance to CEO whilst travelling overseas on business trips.
- Acted as champion for the administrative database
- Organise company events
Chief of Staff
Fajr Capital Group
London, UK
07.2022 - 03.2026
- Organise and oversee meetings for board of directors and senior leadership team aimed at ensuring timely distribution of materials and achievement of objectives. Engage in stakeholder management by actively participating in client and management meetings. Extensive travel arrangements and diary management over various time zones. Offer executive support by composing emails on behalf of CEO, anticipating needs, and preparing agendas and supporting documents for CEO's meetings. Social media liaison and engagement. Attend to CEO office-related matters outside of regular working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Key Achievements/Contributions:
- Developed and managed dashboard system to track and prioritise CEO office's key projects and tasks.
- Promoted organisation's objectives by planning and coordinating international roadshows.
- Investor relations stakeholder management for CEO office.
- Resilience to adapt and overcome obstacles and roadblocks and thrive in change.
Manager in CEO Office
Fajr Capital Group
London
01.2012 - 01.2022
- Led remote team, including overseeing all operations and recruiting executive assistants for Dubai offices. Scheduled tasks and coordinated workflow to ensure efficient operations. Created and compiled confidential reports and documents tailored to CEO's requirements. Assisted CEO in resolving challenging issues with ongoing projects and provided first-line IT support. Travel arrangements and complex schedule management. Manage and submit expense claims for the CEO. Provided high-level support to CEO and Board, whilst offering C-level assistance.
- Key Achievements/Contributions:
- Ensured smooth operations of CEO office and London office by managing stakeholder communication.
- Optimised processes by developing and maintaining client database, online filing system, and audio typing system.
- Collaborating closely with the Executive Assistant to the CEO to prioritise items and deliver strategic imperatives.
- Assisting the CEO in fulfilling responsibilities to the Board of Directors and Board Sub-Committees.
Senior Executive Assistant to CEO
Fajr Capital Group
London, UK
10.2008 - 06.2012
- CEO diary management to improve effectiveness.
- Setup and arrange meetings and conference calls taking the various time zones.
- Manage travel arrangements and arranging logistics (drafting of complex international travel itineraries, booking flights, hotels, airport transfers, setup meetings, provide supporting paperwork, etc).
- Updated Corporate calendar and travel folders.
- Develop and maintain top contact list for CEO and manage CRM.
- CEO email management and keeping CEO updated of outstanding items.
Office Manager
Sponsorship Consulting
London, UK
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Prepared detailed reports for senior management's strategic planning.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, ensuring cost-effective services and supplies.
- Liaised with IT department to rectify technical issues promptly.
- Updated office policies to reflect changing business needs and regulations.
Manager, Special Projects
Deposita Systems Ltd
Johannesburg, South Africa
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Drafted and executed project plans leading to timely completion.
- Led cross-functional teams for successful project delivery.
- Identified opportunities, resulting in innovative project solutions.
- Database creation for special projects within the company
Education
Master of Business Administration - Project Management
University of Wales
Diploma - Fundamental Project Management
Damelin College
Skills
- Confidentiality Management
- Business process reengineering
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Documentation & Reporting
- Managing admin team
- End-to-End Project Management
- Efficient and professional operations management
- Team Building & Leadership
- HR and Corporate Operations
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Board level communication
- C-Suite liaison
- Microsoft office suite proficiency
- Staff training and development
- C-level Executive Support
- Meeting management
Certification
- Foundations of Delivery, Delivery Associates/Apolitical
- Certificate in Advanced Office Management, Damelin College
Affiliations
- Music
- Exercising
- Reading
Accomplishments
- Recognised by the executives and promoted to senior executive assistant for the CEO, followed by office manager in the CEO Office to provide c-level support to Board and CEO and more recently to the Chief of Staff within the CEO Office at Fajr Capital Group.
- Headhunted to establish office and deliver business and risk control support for successful delivery of projects at Deposita Systems
- Studied for my MBA while working full time and starting a family
Timeline
Chief of Staff
Fajr Capital Group
07.2022 - 03.2026
Manager in CEO Office
Fajr Capital Group
01.2012 - 01.2022
Senior Executive Assistant to CEO
Fajr Capital Group
10.2008 - 06.2012
Office Manager
Sponsorship Consulting
01.2007 - 01.2008
Manager, Special Projects
Deposita Systems Ltd
01.2006 - 01.2007
Executive Assistant to CEO & Deputy CEO
Kelly Group
11.2002 - 05.2006
Personal Assistant/Office Manager to MD
Strauss Daly Inc
08.2001 - 10.2002
Personal Assistant/Administrative Coordinator for Director
PricewaterhouseCoopers
08.1998 - 07.2001
Diploma - Fundamental Project Management
Damelin College
Master of Business Administration - Project Management
University of Wales