Judges

Martin Bailey

Martin is a Professional Engineer and has 40 years’ experience in developing logistic systems.

Martin is a Professional Engineer and has 40 years’ experience in developing logistic systems. He has a Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical & Industrial) and has undertaken hundreds of facilities development projects in the Logistics industry for most of the leading industrial, mining, cargo, courier and retail groups (in South Africa and internationally).

Martin has lectured throughout the world and has a passion for education and building world class infrastructures.

Kathy Bell

Specialist at Standard Bank Group

David Crewe-Brown

David is a passionate supply chain practitioner who has more than 20 years of experience in supply chain management across the FMCG and more recently health supply chains.

David is a passionate supply chain practitioner who has more than 20 years of experience in supply chain management across the FMCG and more recently health supply chains. He is currently the General Manager for Vitalliance, a global organisation which is working to transform humanitarian aid and pharmaceutical supply chains in Africa and emerging economies. Prior to this David was the Technical Supply Chain Lead on a large, multi-year USAID project to strengthen health supply chains in South Africa. David has also led the implementation of a centralised planning operation for SABMiller across Southern Africa and implemented S&OP for the South African operation. He serves on the Board of SAPICS. He is an Industrial Engineer and holds an MBA from the University of Cape Town. He loves outdoor extreme sports and his family and faith are high priorities.

Deen Gielink

Deen Gielink is the CEO of BidAir Cargo and has 22 years’ experience in the aviation industry.

He started his career as a Commercial Pilot flying cargo in West Africa and thereafter worked for a major South African airline for 18 years. He has held various positions which include Operations Executive, Chief Pilot, Fleet Manager and Captain.

Deen is passionate about leadership, change management and strategy. His qualifications include a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA) and an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).

Mike Johnston

B.Sc., MBA, CSCP.

Logistics Management cc

B.Sc., MBA, CSCP.

Logistics Management cc

Involved in the Transport, Distribution, Logistics & Supply Chain Industries since 1974 as a Line Manager, Consultant & Trainer.

Member of ASCM, SAPICS & CSCMP.

Gavin Kelly

Gavin has been involved in the resource, strategy and operations field for 32 years – from operations leadership, coordination and training to leadership development, lateral management, operations and business survival training.

Gavin is currently finalizing appointment as a SACAS qualified auditor for the ISO39001, ISO4500 and SANS1395, SANS15004 range of standards.

Mesela Kope-Nhlapo

Holding a BCom in Marketing and an LLB degree, she has more than 20 years of experience in manufacturing and technical business development. She started her career as a quality control manager at Pro-Tech Galvanizers. Mesela is the Department of Transport Economics and Logistics Management advisory board member at North-West University. She also serves as Africa director for the Rail Working Group.

In 2019, Mesela was a finalist for the Women in Transport awards, under the “ Excellence in Leadership” category.
Mesela has recently voted the top speaker at the 2021 Railway Regulator Conference.
In 2022, Mesela was the winner of the Women in Transport Award under the “ Excellence in Leadership” category.
In March 2023, DAILY MAVERICK named Kope-Nhlapo as the Rail industry Kope-Nhlapo
In April 2023 Mesela was featured in the Sunday Times Business News as a Newsmaker
Mesela is a renowned speaker and passionate about integrating the continent to increase Inter Africa Trade.

Mesela Nhlapo is Chief Executive Officer of the African Rail Industry Association, having headed its predecessor, the RailRoad Association of South Africa.

Garry Marshall

Garry Marshall has worked in the Logistics Industry, specifically related to courier and aviation, for the last forty years.

Having worked for several airlines, including a stint in the Air Force, he has been the CEO of Bidair Cargo for the last 13 years. Bidair Cargo is a domestic airline which operates a fleet of Boeing 737 freighters on overnight express routes serving the courier industry.

In 2004 he was appointed CEO of the South African Express Parcel Association (SAEPA), the voice of the South African Courier industry, a position which he still holds today. Passionate about training and people development, he has been deeply involved in the design and evolution of the da Vinci Supply Chain program.

Ronald Mlalazi

Ronald is an accomplished procurement professional who has also achieved the coveted Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply – (FCIPS)

Ronald is an accomplished procurement professional who has also achieved the coveted Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply –FCIPS) UK Fellow and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (FCILT) Fellow status, as a result of his outstanding contributions over the years in field of Procurement and Supply Chain management.

He also holds a master’s degree in procurement and supply chain from South Wales University (UK) and an MBA from Mancosa.

Thobekile Nxumalo

With over a decade of experience in supply chain and logistics, Thobekile is a highly skilled professional who delivers excellence at every turn. Driven by a desire to establish meaningful relationships and deliver customer value, Thobekile always goes above and beyond to create a positive experience for everyone she works with. Throughout her career, Thobekile has held various roles in both the private and public sectors, leading a diverse range of supply chain projects and facilitating key activities within business development, continuous improvement and strategy development. With a keen eye for solutions development, she has honed her skills and is currently finalizing her master's research focused on supply chain strategy. With her extensive experience coupled with her dedication to delivering exceptional results, Thobekile is poised to make a significant impact in the field and is excited to bring her extensive expertise to the management consulting space.

With over a decade of experience in supply chain and logistics, Thobekile is a highly skilled professional who delivers excellence at every turn.

Léon Raath

Léon is a Chartered Accountant with additional specialisation in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, and Logistics and the first Honorary Professor of Supply Chain Management.

Léon is a Chartered Accountant with additional specialisation in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, and Logistics and the first Honorary Professor of Supply Chain Management (Department of Business Management - University of Pretoria)

He was a Judge for the Logistics Achiever Awards for over 20 years.

Some initiatives were globally acknowledged as a “global reference site” spanning hundred plus countries and others were referenced as ‘’this is a benchmark or standard of excellence in warehousing and distribution” in the university logistics textbook.

He has spoken at many conferences including in the United States of America and Malaysia.

Clayton Thomas

Clayton Thomas has 25 years’ experience in the design and development of warehouse facilities for the “who’s who of industry.

Clayton Thomas has 25 years’ experience in the design and development of warehouse facilities for the “who’s who of industry. He has extensive experience in implementing operational improvements in distribution operations across a

broad range of industry. Clayton has developed numerous world-class facilities from concept to execution. Clayton’s experience includes work for many of the major players in the South African industry in industries such as clothing, food, manufacturing, 3rd Party Logistic Provides, Transport Providers and other market sectors. Clayton has spoken at many conferences and is heavily involved in education in warehousing and related areas. Clayton is a Director of ILS and was a Judge for the Logistics Achiever Awards for over 10 years. He is proud and excited to be a judge at the very first Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards.