The executive management team of the Durban International Convention Centre is a force to be reckoned with. The team is spearheaded by three dynamic women who are making their mark in the global events industry.
Operations Director Nicolette Elia-Beissel, Marketing, Sales and Events Director Mala Dorasamy and Financial Director Melanie Rambally are leading the company to new heights through their respective contributions to the success of the Durban ICC.
Having joined the Durban ICC in September 2008, Nicolette Elia-Beissel has served as Operations Director since June 2012. She boasts over 14 years' experience in the industry and has had the privilege of contributing to the industry as a Board Member of various industry associations such as SATSA and EXSA. She has also been serving as the Centre's Acting Chief Executive Officer since the 5th July 2014.
Elia-Beissel is passionate about Business Tourism and thrives on the dynamics of Operations; a portfolio that includes Functions, Food & Beverage, IT, Technical, Security, Health & Safety, Parking and Cleaning Services. In addition, she oversees the annual Tourism Indaba and successfully project managed the COP17/CMP7 Climate Change conference, one of the three largest conferences held in the world in 2011.
Commenting on her role at the Durban ICC, Elia-Beissel noted, "As a team, we operate on the highest international standards and although the Durban ICC holds a number of local and international quality certifications, this industry is always evolving. This challenges us to take every opportunity to enhance our processes and ensure that our clients' experience is constantly improving."
Marketing, Sales and Events Director Mala Dorasamy took up the reins in September 2013. She was part of the original team which opened the Durban ICC in 1997 and boasts seventeen years of experience in the Marketing, Sales and Events department. She brings a wealth of first-hand knowledge and insight to the position owing to her extensive organisational knowledge and creative energy.
Dorasamy has been instrumental in securing many of the world-class events which the Centre has hosted over the years, as well as personally organising and overseeing the launch of the Durban ICC Arena in 2007.
Commenting on her strategy for the Durban ICC, Dorasamy noted, "We target specific events in key economic sectors that will directly contribute to the future economic growth of the city of Durban. We also strive to maintain the position we have established as Africa's leading convention centre and achieving accolades such as the World Travel Awards and being rated in the world's top 15 convention centres in the recent AIPC Apex Awards.
In her role as Financial Director, Melanie Rambally is keeping the lines tight and ensuring that the Durban ICC maintains its commitment to strong internal controls and strict adherence to the principles of good governance. She assumed the position in February 2014 and brings extensive experience in financial management and local government legislation.
Although great strides have been made in the last 20 years of our democracy, gender inequality still remains a major issue in the industry. According to recent research conducted by Grant Thornton only 26% of senior management jobs in South Africa are held by women. The Durban ICC is proud to lead by example in this regard, where women represent 52% of the workforce and 60% of the company's senior management positions are held by women.