Debbie Whittaker

Debbie Whittaker is the founder of Coolcumba Communications.

Debbie qualified with a Bachelor of Physical Education and mathematics major from Wits University in 1992. She has worked and gained experience in the following fields: teaching, project management, change management consulting and business process re-engineering, Internet consulting, market research, marketing, Public Relations and event management.

Debbie began her career in 1993 as a mathematics teacher at Bryanston High School where she taught for three years. In 1995 she joined The Centre
for Proactive Marketing where she conducted market research surveys and developed Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) research reports for Delta Motor Corporation.

She was then appointed as a consultant at REL Consulting in 1996 where she worked on query management reporting and business process re-engineering for the Credit Control Department at SA Breweries and Afrox.

Debbie's experience in the ICT sector started in 1997 when she was employed at BMI-TechKnowledge Group as an Internet analyst and was later appointed as BMI-T's marketing and communications manager. In 2000 she was approached by Digital Planet.co.za to start and manage its marketing division.

In January 2001 Debbie started Coolcumba Communications with Digital Planet as its first client. The company has grown from strength-to-strength, thanks to the COOL clients that have made this possible.
Rene Richardson
Rene Richardson joined Coolcumba Communications in February 2008 and is the company’s operations manager.

She brings with her over 20 years experience in IT sales and marketing in both hardware and software, and 5 years of international experience in call centre service. This experience was gained both in South African and Dublin, Ireland

Rene’s greatest attributes include attention to detail, exacting professional standards and an OCD personality which makes her determined to ensure that commitments are met on time, every time!
She is passionate about service at all times and strives for the highest standards of delivery, not only to clients, but colleagues and suppliers as well.

Just for fun, Rene completed her National Diploma in Field Guiding.
Kelly Conradie

Kelly Conradie joined Coolcumba Communications in May 2008 as the company’s Communications Consultant. Kelly completed her diploma in Events Management at Damelin in 2006. She has gained working experience in the event management industry at Castle Kyalami Hotel as Assistant Events Coordinator and as Events Coordinator for a professional conference organizing Company.  Kelly has worked with the likes of Unilever, SAB, The South African Planning Institute and Tigerbrands.  In her spare time, Kelly enjoys extreme sports, Latin American dancing and socialising.

Kelly is very passionate about events and brings with her to Coolcumba her greatest asset - her hard working, can do attitude.
Tracey Hansen
Tracey Hansen joined the Coolcumba Communications team in September 2008 as PR and Marketing manager.

Tracey completed her PRISA diploma in Public Relations at Varsity College in 2006. 
She has worked on various projects for communications and promotional companies. 
She also worked for Crabtree & Evelyn as marketing assistant and gained extensive knowledge of retail, customer service, media liaison and corporate gifting.

Tracey strives for perfection in all aspects of her work and life.
Philisiwe Ndimande
Philisiwe Ndimande obtained a diploma in Media Studies that she completed in 2006, a diploma that is accredited by the University of Johannesburg, majoring in Advertising.

Philisiwe gained experience at Dog Creative as an Advertising intern, as a result gaining experience in marketing and promoting an internet café called Siso Technology, this is were her passion for wanting to satisfy the needs of customers began, Philisiwe has worked as a call centre consultant for Vodacom and Netsurit. She co-ordinated events at Remba Connections, were she exposed a new product line for Old Mutual.

Philisiwe has also conducted an annual nation wide survey for SME (Small and Medium Enterprises).

Philisiwe is dedicated to work in the community and strives for the best in what ever she does.
Michael Daymond
Michael Daymond is the Creative Manager of the CooleROOM which is the creative space that surrounds all Coolcumba Communications’ PR and marketing initiatives.

Michael joined Coolcumba Communications in May 2005 after working at Scribble Solutions CC, a company specialising in SMS software applications. He also worked as a freelance designer for AIS, an IT integration company, and Liquid Force, a company specialising in extreme sports gear.

Michael has design and multi-media diplomas from Allenby Campus in Bramley and Bournemouth Poole in the UK. He specialises in corporate identity management, print and graphic design, Web and multi-media design and development, e-mail template design and distribution.
Glenn Whittaker

Glenn Whittaker manages COOL promotions specialising in corporate clothing, promotional items and gifts, corporate hospitality and team building events.

Prior to joining the corporate world Glenn was a squash professional and played for South Africa from 1995 to 2004. He was the number one squash player in the country for seven years and reached an international ranking of 28 in the world on the PSA rankings.

Glenn brings his experience, understanding and relationships from sport into Coolcumba Communications’ business of PR, marketing and event management.