Debbie Whittaker: Founder
Debbie Whittaker is the founder of Coolcumba Communications and is a 60% managing member. 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. 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 to head up its marketing division.
In January 2001 Debbie started Coolcumba Communications. The company has since grown from strength-to-strength and successfully implemented numerous marketing campaigns and events over the past 12 years.
Email: debbiew@coolcumba.com
Tel: +27 83 273 5337
Kelly Conradie: Co-owner/Event Manager
Kelly conradie joined Coolcumba Communications in May 2008 as the company’s senior event manager. Kelly completed her diploma in Events Management at Damelin in 2006.
She gained work experience in the event management industry at the Castle Kyalami Hotel as assistant events coordinator and as events coordinator for a professional conference organising company.
Kelly has worked with the likes of Unilever, SAB, The South African Planning Institute and Tigerbrands.
In March 2011, Kelly became a 10% managing member of Coolcumba Communications.
Email: kellyc@coolcumba.com
Tel: +27 82 561 7531
Bev Kibby: Marketing Assistant
Bev Kibby joined Coolcumba in January 2013 and brings an enthusiasm and love for people to the team. In 2009, Bev matriculated from St Dominics in Boksburg, and then travelled abroad experiencing different cultures. In 2012, Bev followed her passion and studied the Events, Conference and Exhibition Management course at Damelin, graduating and obtaining distinctions in all 11 subjects.
Bev is involved in various community service outreach projects and has a particular interest and involvement in the St Francis Care Centre in Boksburg.
Bev is excited to be part of Coolcumba, where she did her internship during 2012 as part of the Damelin course.
Email: bevk@coolcumba.com
Tel: +27 83 2332 6080
