Who am I?
I am Walter Ivano Mech. Daddy to Daniela – age 12. Lover of all things good – especially when served with red wine and black olives. I am that Italian person with the British Suites and the diesel jeans and let’s not forget the fine pointy Italian shoes
What I do?
I am the Group Sales and Marketing Director at Garmin Distribution Africa. I am ALSO the dude who has returned to South Africa after living and working in Europe for twelve years, who has come back to finally rediscover South Africa’s gems – the history, e wildlife, the beautiful scenery and above all – the finest wines in the world.
Why should we care?
Because I’m the guy that’s responsible for those funky new Garmin ads and the person that is tasked with taking Garmin into Africa and the future
More recently, the guy that is driving the brand into the highly competitive sport and fitness market. I’m the guy that is taking Garmin fitness into new markets, spearheading fitness and wellness programmes that will make Garmin a mainstream player amongst this nation’s sport crazy people.
I cannot believe how things have changed since I returned to SA 24 months ago. The possibilities and challenges that face South African sportsmen and women wanting to compete on the world stage are tremendous. I’ve come to realise how our schools are bringing to life the raw talent of our youth and how this sector currently needs the support of big business. Any advantage that we can give young sportsmen and women, whether it is though technology, wellness training or education – can only benefit them on the world stage.
Why is your current position important in the greater scheme of things?
Because marketing campaigns are not always measured – this position allows me to see the results through sales, of all that we do. Being responsible for both the Sales & the Marketing of the Group – allows me to adapt the sales or marketing strategy very quickly to meet new challenges and consumer demand. Key to this position is the identification of new and expanding markets – and the challenge of spreading our footprint into the rest of Africa. Making sure the brand maintains its customer intimacy and relevance through reputable service and support is a priority.
What are your key achievements?
Having travelled the world and having sampled some of the greatest food and wines – Oh – you mean work-wise…
Being a South African boykie moving to the UK and having made it onto the Executive team of a global player has been a huge personal achievement. Of late, repositioning the Garmin and Garmap brands in South Africa has been an exciting challenge. Huge personal satisfaction emanated from the instinct (Wildebeest & Salmon ads) campaign – being a nominee at Cannes and of course winning Garmin’s first Loerie award in 2010. Achieving the highest market share and the sustained growth that the launch of our new fitness campaign will produce – will build on these achievements.
Gtribe Magazine a lifestyle magazine speaking to a wide range of audience with interests in the outdoors, travel and adventure sector
Tell us about the things that motivate you?
Shareholder returns (laugh)… seriously, from a personal perspective, sales success and customer satisfaction. Sales success and customer satisfaction are my primary drivers. The highly creative, imaginative and often risky business of advertising in South Africa has been refreshing. It motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of the brand – using local resources and talent to produce world-class material. Being able to demonstrate that South Africa, particularly in the marketing and advertising arena, can be leaders in the field.
Top 5 things I’ve learnt about work…
- That you’ve got to do it – so best you enjoy what you do
- Only you can change what you do
- There is always someone who will be willing to help and support you
- Experience rules supreme – there is a difference between being clever and being smart.
- Finally, imagination is the last free boundary
What would you have done differently?
I would have chosen to travel the world at a much earlier age.
How will you change the world?
By talking, writing, lecturing and inspiring people to live a life less ordinary.
What do you do first thing in the morning, apart from the obvious?
Being Italian, an espresso with something sweet is what gets me going. Beyond that, the mandatory 30-minute news channel hop.
How do you play?
No play makes Jack a dull boy. Friday to Sunday is reserved playtime.
At the top of my bucket list is…
I would like to continue to travel, learn and understand what this planet has to offer. I look forward to getting married at the Italian lakes later this year – and next year, the cherry blossoms and tea ceremony in Japan. Closer to home, I want to be able to experience every vineyard South Africa has to offer.
What will you want written on your tombstone?
Here lies Walter Ivano Mech. He lived a life less ordinary.
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