Skill set
Ingrid in a few words
With over two decades of senior leadership experience in the FMCG space, I’ve led brands from startup to scale-up, from shelf to cart, and have consistently demonstrated long-term, sustainable results. I specialise in growth strategy, retail negotiation, and go-to-market execution — always with a sustainability mindset.
My mission now? Helping founders, retailers, and investor-backed brands win in retail, wholesale, and DTC environments with clarity, structure, and speed.
- What I bring to your table:
Route-to-market development across South Africa and with a network for UAE and other markets.
Joint business planning (JBP) & advanced negotiation with buyers
Retail pitch deck building that actually lands listings
Expansion playbooks for scaling into new markets
ESG integration frameworks across sourcing, packaging, and messaging
Digital + AI retail mindset for insight-driven growth
Fractional Leadership that allows for flexibility for both talent and company and access to high-calibre expertise earlier in a company’s journey
- Preferred Projects:
Brand or category launch advisory
Strategic sales & retail planning
Product innovation frameworks
ESG/impact storytelling for retail & investor decks
Talent acquisition and Building capability
Process Improvement & Cost Saving Initiatives
Change Management
Coaching & Mentorship
Industries:
FMCG | Beauty | Health & Wellness | Confectionary | Pet Care | Retail | Sustainability | E-Commerce| Start-ups
Experience
- Neo Trading THB HoldingsChief Executive OfficerMarch 2024 - September 2024 (6 months)Directly reported to the Group CEO and Board 52 employees Managed 40+ brands (both local and international) Reason for Being: Route to market of 'Better for You' brands in the SA market Directive: To grow both the local and international brand's footprint, recruiting of talent, and leading a team through a culture of excellence and genuine caring, underpinned by sound commercial decision making and partnerships for growth.
- Skoon skincareHead of SalesApril 2020 - November 2023 (3 years and 7 months)Reported directly to CEO and a MANCO member Build the Sales organization (talent & capability) Internal and external stakeholder management S&OP champion (with HOD Supply Chain) Innovation/R&D: provide trade and category insights and ensure best in class launch execution Geo-Expansion project to identify opportunities Sales Budget and P&L ownership and accountability Increased distribution of a clean beauty brand in SA market to all major retailers and e-commerce platforms Vendor agreements & Trading Term Contract negotiations
- Indigo BrandsChannel Lead - Health & BeautyApril 2017 - March 2020 (2 years and 11 months)Spearheaded strategic direction of both omnichannel and e-commerce plus operations 45 direct/indirect employees Senior Management (EXCO) team member Cross functional collaboration/S&OP implementation Multiple project work streams, eg, field management app roll-out, colour cosmetic wall bays, launch execution of English Blazer deodorants and body lotion in aggressive competitor environment
1 recommendation
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Account deleted recommend Ingrid
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4/30/2025
I had the privilege of working with Ingrid Jacobs during her 4-year tenure as Head of Sales at SKOON. Skincare. Initially joining as a consultant, she quickly proved invaluable and stepped into a leadership role where her impact was immediate and profound. Ingrid led our commercial growth with precision—expanding distribution, rationalising channels, and negotiating some of the most favourable retailer terms in the industry. For a young brand, this enabled vital reinvestment and sustainable growth.
Her strategic thinking, unmatched negotiation skills, and ability to mentor and lead high-performing teams make her a true asset. Ingrid is passionate, committed, and consistently goes beyond expectations. She’s a powerhouse—whether for a start-up or an established brand—and any business would be fortunate to work with her.
Her strategic thinking, unmatched negotiation skills, and ability to mentor and lead high-performing teams make her a true asset. Ingrid is passionate, committed, and consistently goes beyond expectations. She’s a powerhouse—whether for a start-up or an established brand—and any business would be fortunate to work with her.
Education
- B.Comm Honours-Stellenbosch UniversityB.Comm Honours-
- Bachelor's Degree Industrial Phycology1992Bachelor's Degree Industrial Phycology
- B. CommStellenbosch UniversityB. Comm
- Bachelor's Degree1991Bachelor's Degree