Lyn Kyriacos
Johannesburg,South Africa
Summary
Entrepreneurial and results-driven business leader with extensive experience in launching, growing, and managing multiple successful ventures across retail, healthcare, and service industries. A proven track record as a franchise owner and multi-site operator, including being the first Sorbet franchisee in Northcliff and expanding to four branches, as well as building and selling other businesses such as a dry-cleaning service and food retail outlet.
Combines strong commercial acumen with hands-on operational expertise in staff leadership, financial management, client relations, and business development. Skilled at navigating challenges, from scaling franchises to restructuring operations during Covid-19, with a consistent ability to deliver profitability, efficiency, and customer loyalty. Recognised for resilience, adaptability, and a career that reflects both entrepreneurial drive and corporate account management expertise at national level.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work history
Practice Manager
Dr Brook Dental
07.2021 - 08.2025
- Oversee daily operations of a busy dental practice, including staff management, scheduling, and patient communication.
- Handle financial functions: billing, reconciliations, debt collection, and supplier payments.
- Implement stock control and process improvements to ensure cost efficiency.
- Manage confidential personal and business affairs for the principal dentist, demonstrating trust and discretion.
Owner & Manager
Savoy Dry Cleaners
01.2019 - 07.2021
- Acquired and successfully managed a well-established dry-cleaning business with 12 employees and multiple long-term corporate contracts.
- Oversaw all operations including staffing, training, payroll, customer service, and quality control, ensuring the highest service standards.
- Negotiated and maintained lucrative contracts, strengthening business reputation and client retention.
- Implemented systems to improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and reduce operational costs.
- Adapted business strategies during the Covid-19 pandemic, including restructuring staff schedules and service models, demonstrating resilience, agility, and strong crisis management.
Co-Owner & Silent Partner
AGW Aluminium & Glass
10.2017 - 12.2019
- Invested in and co-managed an aluminium and glass business, contributing to strategic planning, financial oversight, and growth initiatives.
- Supported operations by advising on business development opportunities, sales approaches, and supplier negotiations.
- Helped establish sustainable structures for long-term operations, later transitioning to a 10% silent shareholding following a change in business ownership.
- Gained valuable experience in manufacturing and B2B sales, broadening entrepreneurial and operational expertise.
Franchise Owner
Sorbet (L Corro, Blairgowrie, Menlyn, Cresta)
01.2009 - 01.2019
- Became the first Sorbet franchisee in Northcliff, expanding portfolio to four branches across high-traffic retail locations.
- Directed all aspects of franchise operations, including recruitment, HR, training, sales, marketing, stock control, and financial management.
- Built high-performing teams through hands-on leadership, staff development, and strong performance culture.
- Implemented marketing campaigns and local community engagement initiatives that significantly increased client loyalty and sales growth.
- Negotiated supplier and landlord agreements to ensure cost efficiency and maximise profitability across multiple sites.
- Successfully exited the business, selling three franchises in 2017 and the final branch in 2019, having established a track record of strong revenue performance and loyal customer bases.
Key Accounts Executive
Creative Productions & SA Greetings
04.1997 - 09.2009
- Handpicked by former management to manage national key accounts, including large chain retailers such as Makro, Clicks, and Trade Centre.
- Oversaw a team of roving merchandisers across multiple regions, ensuring strong product visibility, brand consistency, and sales growth.
- Negotiated terms and managed high-value contracts, consistently meeting and exceeding revenue targets.
- Built and maintained strong client relationships with senior stakeholders, ensuring long-term business retention.
- Played a key role during the company's acquisition and rebranding by American Greetings, supporting operational integration and maintaining stability with clients.
- Recognised for ability to drive sales growth through strategic account management, merchandising excellence, and relationship building.
Founder & Manager
The Pie Works
09.1994 - 03.1997
- Established a successful retail food outlet from concept to daily operation, including store design, staffing, equipment sourcing, and supplier management.
- Created and implemented marketing strategies to attract and retain customers, building a strong local client base.
- Secured a product listing with Norwood Hypermarket’s Kosher Deli, managing daily deliveries, merchandising, and customer service.
- Gained valuable entrepreneurial experience in launching and running a business, balancing financial, operational, and customer-facing responsibilities.
Key Accounts Executive
Sylko Paper
02.1989 - 08.1994
- Promoted from Sales Representative to Key Accounts Executive within four years, reflecting strong sales performance and client management.
- Managed national retail clients including Hypermarket, Hyperama, Makro, Clicks, and Trade Centre.
- Negotiated pricing, contracts, and promotional campaigns, consistently achieving revenue growth targets.
- Strengthened brand presence within the stationery and household goods markets, securing repeat business and long-term relationships.
- Recognised for exceptional commercial acumen and the ability to drive results within competitive retail environments.
Sales Representative
Colcra (Craig Laboratories)
12.1987 - 01.1989
- Managed and serviced an existing client base, increasing market penetration through attentive customer service and consistent follow-up.
- Introduced new products to clients, contributing to revenue growth and stronger market positioning.
- Developed early skills in account management, communication, and relationship-driven sales.
Sales Assistant
Northcliff Bowling Centre
12.1982 - 11.1987
- Worked part-time while studying, managing pro-shop sales, customer support, and event promotion.
- Recruited and encouraged bowlers to participate in leagues and tournaments, helping to grow club membership.
- Developed a strong foundation in customer service, sales, and teamwork.
Sales Assistant
Northcliff Bowling Centre
12.1982 - 11.1987
- Worked part-time while studying, managing pro-shop sales, customer support, and event promotion.
- Recruited and encouraged bowlers to participate in leagues and tournaments, helping to grow club membership.
- Developed a strong foundation in customer service, sales, and teamwork.
Education
Marketing Diploma -
Johannesburg College of Education
JohannesburgHigh School Diploma -
Northcliff High
JohannesburgSkills
- Practice & Business Management
- Key Account Management
- Franchise Operations & Entrepreneurship
- Staff Leadership, Recruitment & Training
- Customer Relations & Retention
- Financial Control & Payroll
- Supplier & Stock Management
- Sales, Marketing & Negotiation
- Crisis & Change Management
- Strategic Planning & Growth
Websites
Timeline
Practice Manager
Dr Brook Dental
07.2021 - 08.2025
Owner & Manager
Savoy Dry Cleaners
01.2019 - 07.2021
Co-Owner & Silent Partner
AGW Aluminium & Glass
10.2017 - 12.2019
Franchise Owner
Sorbet (L Corro, Blairgowrie, Menlyn, Cresta)
01.2009 - 01.2019
Key Accounts Executive
Creative Productions & SA Greetings
04.1997 - 09.2009
Founder & Manager
The Pie Works
09.1994 - 03.1997
Key Accounts Executive
Sylko Paper
02.1989 - 08.1994
Sales Representative
Colcra (Craig Laboratories)
12.1987 - 01.1989
Sales Assistant
Northcliff Bowling Centre
12.1982 - 11.1987
Sales Assistant
Northcliff Bowling Centre
12.1982 - 11.1987
Marketing Diploma -
Johannesburg College of Education
High School Diploma -
Northcliff High
Similar Profiles
SEEMONA PERSAUDSEEMONA PERSAUD
Dental Hygienist at Waterdown smiles and North star Dental, Dentistry on living Arts, Dr Caplash Dental Center, Erindale village dental, beach kids dental, Broadway dental clinic, fort dental clinicDental Hygienist at Waterdown smiles and North star Dental, Dentistry on living Arts, Dr Caplash Dental Center, Erindale village dental, beach kids dental, Broadway dental clinic, fort dental clinic
Anum KhanAnum Khan
Scribe at Dr. Kim M.D., Department of Urology Stony Brook University HospitalScribe at Dr. Kim M.D., Department of Urology Stony Brook University Hospital
Tyler PotterTyler Potter
Research Project Assistant at Dr. Sara Hamideh - SOMAS, Stony Brook UniversityResearch Project Assistant at Dr. Sara Hamideh - SOMAS, Stony Brook University
Ronewa DavhanaRonewa Davhana
Labour relations officer: Intern at Department of Roads and TransportLabour relations officer: Intern at Department of Roads and Transport
GHISLAIN CEDRIC WEMBEGHISLAIN CEDRIC WEMBE
French Language Teacher (IB) at Redhill SchoolFrench Language Teacher (IB) at Redhill School