Unitrans
John Kettlewell has a diverse work history spanning various industries. John currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer for mining at Unitrans since 2023, where they oversee operations. Prior to this, they held the role of Operations Executive for agriculture at the same company from 2020 to 2023.
Before joining Unitrans, John was the Managing Director at Respublica (Pty) Ltd from 2018 to 2020. In this role, they had full accountability and responsibility for specific operational aspects of the company's student accommodation management and operational business. John also coordinated various departments to meet company goals and actively managed cost control and revenue generation.
From 2017 to 2018, John worked as the MD Sports Nutrition at Ascendis Health. Their responsibilities included overseeing sports nutrition operations.
John's longest tenure was at South African Breweries from 2001 to 2017, where they held various roles. As the Head of Profitable Revenue Growth Management from 2015 to 2017, they focused on delivering efficient supply-chain management to drive maximum sales. John also served as the Head of Demand Creation from 2013 to 2015, where they advised the MD and senior leadership team on strategic decisions. Additionally, they held roles such as Integrated Plans & Innovation Manager, Regional Business Development Manager, Sales Development Manager, Ops Services Manager, Depot Manager, Distribution Manager, and Ops Management Trainee during their time at South African Breweries.
Prior to their tenure at South African Breweries, John worked as an Account Manager at Howitt Group from 1996 to 1998.
John Kettlewell attended St Andrew's College in Grahamstown from 1990 to 1995, where they obtained a Post Matric degree with Unisa Credits. Later, they enrolled at Stellenbosch University from 1998 to 2000, earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a focus on Logistics Management.
Unitrans
Unitrans is a diversified contractual logistics company serving the needs of selected sub-Saharan African markets. Our company’s successful business model incorporates the design, implementation and ongoing provision of supply chain solutions for its customers. Africa presents great commercial opportunities for those with a bold vision and persistent drive to find the right way. Unitrans Africa has demonstrated this ability and ongoing desire to leave a positive mark on the economic development of Sub-Sahara Africa serving more than 650 million people. Unitrans serves several leading global companies with its service offerings whilst building and developing mutually beneficial and trusted commercial partnerships. Decades of fostering deep relationships have laid the foundations for a growing logistic network spanning 9 countries. Unitrans Africa moves millions of tons of goods and operates on 9 of the biggest African agriculture estates covering more than 100,000 hectares in total. Unitrans' purpose is to help build economies in Africa by providing leading supply chain solutions to business partners and stakeholders in our chosen markets.