Connecting the dots and opening the doors – this, in a nutshell, is Paul Matthew, newly appointed director at GCCA Africa.
Understanding the local dynamics against the macroeconomic realities of a global stage makes Matthew an asset on any team, especially in a leadership position. He is a seasoned business director, executive, and global humanitarian who brings an entrepreneurial mindset to any position he fills. With extensive experience in the logistics industry, development and global trade value chains, he has developed a unique skill set that enables him to navigate both industry and government requirements and policies, while always seeking to empower and grow the industry he serves.
This is clear from his experience within the transport logistics and Non-Government Organisation (NGO) sector where he led the team that set the bar for better business through HIV/Aids project management and earned him global recognition. His leadership in the meat import and export industry was also marked with multiple wins for the industry where he led the charge in lobbying for consumer-minded policies that will grow the economy, brought stakeholders together to initiate industry-first programmes, and elevated the standing and reputation of the organisation he served.
With a considerable business and NGO background, he is an excellent strategist with out-of-the-box innovations, focused on getting the job done in the best possible way. He is passionate about designing and facilitating competitive growth within industries and value chains. A consummate negotiator and public speaker, Matthew is comfortable having tough discussions that yield positive results. Navigating government and industry policies with equal authenticity as he would media interviews and stakeholder engagements, he demonstrates a steadfast vision for the business he leads, dauntless to achieve the goals set out with agility and realism.
He has substantial programme management experience including conceptualising, implementing, monitoring and evaluating multi-annual, regional programmes in southern Africa. Through his honed interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, he influences strategic decisions enabling private sector organisations – including for-profit and non-profits – to achieve growth and expansion.
A leader of high-impact teams, Paul empowers teams to play to their strengths, building key stakeholder relations internally and externally that set the stage for problem-solving and collaborative co-competition.
His multi-faceted experience with executive management of organisations lends to:
• Developing and implementing innovative programmes, products and services in the global trade, logistics and health field.
• Ability to work with a range of constituent groups including boards, committees, volunteers and external audiences.
• Building strong organisational culture and motivating programme teams.
• Overseeing and co-ordinating all aspects of budgeting and financial management.
• Leading organisations and departments through periods of substantial growth and transition.
Source: Supplied by GCCA Africa