Leading supplier Bearings International (BI) has appointed Sharon Van Niekerk as Business Development Leader (BDL) – Cement, Pulp & Paper and Chemicals with effect from 1 February. Van Niekerk’s remit is to assist Bi in acquiring new customers, and selling additional products or services to existing ones within her defined segment.

Reporting directly to Bearings International Manager Shenton Botes, Van Niekerk forms part of the larger BDL team structure established by BI, with a dedicated and focused approach to core market segments. These segments are Mining, Agriculture, Sugar, OEMs, Steel, FMCG, Automotive, Services and Infrastructure, and Wholesale and Retail.

With seven years’ industry experience, and holding a marketing certificate, Van Niekerk explains that BI’s unique approach is to target existing and potential customers at grassroots level. The salesforce will therefore service the daily customer requirements.

The BDL team, on the other hand, will look specifically to nurturing co-operative relationships with all relevant internal and external stakeholders. In this regard, Van Niekerk cites her management style as encompassing “a collaborative approach, encouraging teamwork, and working proactively towards a common goal.”

“BI is a house of world-class leading brands, and we are working closely with our suppliers to penetrate new market segments and grow through innovative marketing initiatives,” Customer Offer Marketing Manager Victor Strobel highlights.

Apart from its 49-branch network in South Africa, BI is also focusing on unlocking opportunities elsewhere on the continent, as well as diversifying into other segments such as the retail market,” Strobel concludes.