Durbanite revving up auto show
A DURBAN WOMAN IS TO TAKE ON THE LEADING ROLE IN A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY TRADE SHOW,WRITES NABEELAH SHAIKH
SALES and marketing fundi Tracy Gounden will be the show director for Automechanika SA from October 1, moving up from sales manager.
Automechanika is linked to Germany-based company Messe Frankfurt, which is responsible for more than 380 trade shows around the world.
It’s a business-to-business automotive trade fair with a network of 17 events in 15 countries. The breadth and depth of its product range is exceptional – backed worldwide by about 20 000 exhibitors, 600 000 trade visitors and a network of 120 trade associations.
“The show is a one-stop shop for automotive innovation across the value chain and an international meeting place for industry participants. It’s a major platform for business and technological knowledge transfer,” said Gounden.
Gounden, who grew up in Malvern and saved up to study marketing, is not fazed by the prospect of operating at top level in a male-dominated industry.
She said she was ready for the challenge and planned to grow the South African footprint of the Automechanika brand.
She has worked as an account manager for Sun International and in sales and was marketing manager for a well-known Durban hospitality group.
“Change is always daunting, but I am excited about the prospects. It will be an honour to run such a highly regarded brand in South Africa.”
Gounden, who spends much of her time travelling to places like Dubai, Poland and Shanghai, to monitor other Automechanika shows, says the job has kept her on her toes.
“Now that I’ll be taking on the role of show director I have big shoes to fill, but I am confident in my abilities. I will be taking over from Phillip Otto, a remarkable person who has taught me a lot,” said Gounden.
She said the Automechanika show, staged every two years in South Africa, required considerable organisation.
“So much planning goes into the exhibition. Planning starts the moment one show ends. Every day counts,” said Gounden.
She will go to Shanghai in December for Automechanika to network with her international counterparts and bring fresh ideas to the South African market.
Her advice to other women in sales and marketing is to keep pushing.
“Don’t let anything stop you from fulfilling your dreams and from climbing the ladder. Your success depends on what you put into your career and a woman shouldn’t feel that she can’t take on any role even in a male-dominated sphere,” said Gounden.
Messe Frankfurt chief executive Kontantin von Vieregge said Gounden was well prepared for her role.
“In the exhibition industry we look for strong individuals who can make decisions in stressful situations. Tracy has this capability, so it was a logical step to increase her level of responsibility.
“She is passionate about delivering the best results for our exhibitors – and that is what it is all about. She has the full support of the entire Messe Frankfurt team and I am confident she will make her mark on the industry.”
The Automechanika Trade Show will take place at the Nasrec Expo Centre between September 27 and 30.