Willem Marais

Willem Marais initially joined Liquid Telecom in May 2015 as CEO for South Africa & Group Managing Executive leading the wholesale data business, and brings over 20 years’ of experience and expertise in the Telecommunications, Information Technology and Media industries.

Prior to joining Liquid Telecom, Willem served as Chief Commercial Officer at SEACOM responsible for group revenue across all lines of business where he led the sales, product, marketing and commercial teams responsible for customer engagement and strategic channel development, globally. He also previously held numerous senior management positions in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT), media and telecoms industries, including the Siemens Group of companies.

Before his promotion, Willem led the wholesale data business where his focus included sales and product management for mobile and fixed line operators, global carriers, services providers and Over-The-Top (OTT) content providers.

In mid 2017, Willem was appointed Chief Business Development Officer to oversee the group’s business development and expansion into new markets. In addition to his previous role, his responsibilities are expanded to include focusing on new market growth, strategic partnerships, large infrastructure projects and acquisitive growth.

Willem Marais has a proven track record in the development of long-term customer partnerships and leading negotiations on multi-million dollar transactions in the USA, Europe, Middle East and Africa, within the Telecommunications, ICT, Broadcasting and Financial Services sectors.