Our People

Jonathan Gadiah

Chief Executive Officer

It’s a privilege and an honour to have already been a part of the Tourism Industry for 22 years and I look forward to many more exciting years ahead. Starting at grass root levels, I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve been given while working my way up the ranks to my current role as CEO. Great respect and acknowledgment to all those who guided and mentored me on this incredible journey. People are assets to any organisation and here at Thompsons Africa, we are no different. I am proud to be part of a super, amazing team and relish the thought of coming to work every day. I often remind our people that they are not just admin staff in a corporate office but rather, are responsible for making other people’s dreams come true…. what an incredible responsibility and opportunity to make a lasting impression on any guest visiting our shores. Southern Africa is still viewed as an exotic destination. What a privilege that we live and work in this remarkable place! To quote Earl Nightingale ‘The biggest mistake you can make is to believe that you are working for somebody else. The driving force of a career must come from the individual and people need to remember that jobs are owned by the company, but it is you that owns your career’.

Ali Abdullah

General Manager: Cape Town

Born, raised and educated in Cape Town, and like most Capetonians, I am a relaxed and outgoing person that enjoys all of the nature and beauty that surrounds us.  I completed school in 1994, the year of our democracy, and have revelled in the opportunities that have followed. My passion for tourism started in 1999 when given the opportunity as a temporary driver for Thompsons Africa, mainly doing airport transfers. A few months later I was offered a permanent position that allowed me to completed courses in Cultural guiding, the Wine Industry, Fauna and Flora of South Africa. One of my highlights as a guide, was visiting and completing a service level course with The Disney Company in Orlando. I was then chosen to be one of only 2 South African Guides to lead Adventure by Disney Guests around South Africa. I currently lead a team that manage customers, and all their requirements, from Asia, Africa, Middle East, GCC countries and Russia. I continue to dedicated myself to ensuring that every guest experiences the best our amazing piece of Earth has to offer.

Adele Saunders

Human Resources Manager

It is truly remarkable how the happiest moments in life often arise when we unexpectedly discover something while pursuing another goal! This is how I came to embrace two of my greatest passions: my dedication to people and my love for the travel and tourism industry. After completing my studies in Industrial Psychology, I was fortunate to encounter incredible career opportunities, serving in Human Resources roles across various industries, both as an in-house team member and as a consultant. When I joined Thompsons Africa in 2011, I instantly felt this was my place, and many years later, I proudly still call it home. Being the caretaker of Human Resources and part of a forward-thinking team that introduces people from around the globe to the beauty, charm, and adventure of Southern Africa is truly priceless.

Darren Shea

Chief Financial Officer

I have been part of the Thompsons Africa family for the past 15 years where I am still filled with the same excitement and enthusiasm that I felt when I walked through the door of this great company for the first time.  For me it offers a person endless opportunities to grow not only in knowledge, but as a person, where the boundaries of our roles are only defined by our own efforts and imagination.    
 
For me, tourism is a way of life and allows us to be part of the most memorable experiences that the world has to offer. I feel extremely privileged and grateful to be working in such a dynamic business and industry with people whose love and passion for tourism is demonstrated on an ongoing basis through the truly wonderful experiences that are created and become a reality to many.

Renier Friis

General Manager: Sales, Contracting & Proposals

From a young age, my love for travel shaped my journey, inspiring me to pursue a degree in Tourism Development and later an Honours degree in the same field. My passion lies in making dreams come true and creating unforgettable travel experiences for others.  As part of the team at Thompsons Africa, I thrive on building meaningful connections with our incredible industry partners and dedicated staff. Over the years, I’ve learned that tourism is a people-driven industry, where every individual, from the end consumer to the hotel receptionist who warmly welcomes our guests, plays a vital role in crafting exceptional experiences.  There’s no greater joy than being part of this dynamic chain that contributes to turning dreams into reality and celebrating the transformative power of travel.

Ryan Thole

General Manager: FIT

I joined Thompsons Africa in 2004, bringing with me a background in finance. I initially took a position in the Reservations Team, hoping it would be a stepping stone to a role in the Finance Department. However, once I became part of the dynamic Reservations Team, I quickly realized this was where I truly wanted to be—no longer focused on numbers but on helping make people’s travel dreams come true. The role has also allowed me to travel the world, connect with clients, and experience diverse cultures. Thompsons Africa has given me both personal and professional opportunities that I never thought possible, and I am proud to continue representing the company globally.

Viki Haasbroek

Marketing Manager

I quite accidentally ‘fell’ into travel and tourism when I moved to Cape Town, joining a luxury lodge in their marketing department and just like that, the travel and tourism bug bit!  A few years later in Johannesburg I joined a tour operator and when I relocated back home to Durban, was very excited to join Thompsons Africa in their marketing department in 2006.  Now, all these years later, I am still here as Marketing Manager where I am the custodian of all things marketing and brand related.  It is such a privilege to be a part of a team of wonderful colleagues whose passion is to turn dream trips into dreamy experiences.

James Hassan

Inbound Sales Manager: India, South East Asia, Middle East, Russia, Africa

I am a seasoned professional in the hospitality and tourism industry, with extensive experience dedicated to creating unforgettable travel experiences. With a deep passion for turning customers' dream holidays into reality, I have been instrumental in curating seamless journeys that resonate with each traveller’s unique aspirations. Having travelled extensively across the globe, I bring a wealth of personal insight and cultural understanding to my work. This firsthand experience fuels my ability to design bespoke travel experiences that are both enriching and memorable. My love for exploration and discovery ensures that every trip I plan or organise is imbued with authenticity and attention to detail. My tenure at Thompsons Africa, Southern Africa's leading destination management company (DMC), has been a pivotal chapter in my career. Working with this renowned organisation has not only honed my expertise in the intricacies of the tourism industry but has also allowed me to realise my professional dream of contributing to the growth of travel and tourism in Southern Africa. Driven by a commitment to excellence, I continue to inspire and assist travellers, ensuring their journeys exceed expectations and create lifelong memories.

Johanna Zerbib

Key Accounts Sales Manager: Europe, LATAM and Indian Ocean Islands

My dream came true when I arrived in South Africa in August 2015 to look after the French Market.  I’m French, from Nice, and was in the Hotel industry for 10 years before coming here. I travelled quite a lot, but I can definitely say that South Africa is unique with its rainbow nation and rainbow countryside. I just fell in love with the country and the culture, and I’m so proud and blessed to be able to sell it to my compatriots.

Naiomi Perumal

Sales & Contracting: Europe & Germany

My journey with Thompsons Africa began in 1998 on Switchboard—a stepping stone that opened doors to numerous opportunities across the company. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working in various departments, including Reservations, Systems, Procurement, and now as the Sales Manager for the Germanic Market. I’ve been fortunate that my roles have allowed me to travel extensively throughout Southern Africa and internationally, enriching my perspective and deepening my passion for the travel and tourism industry. My expertise lies in crafting and implementing strategic sales initiatives that cater to the unique needs of my markets. However, my success wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of the dynamic team I work alongside. Together, we bring ideas to life and consistently deliver exceptional results. Thompsons Africa gave me my first opportunity in this industry, and I am forever grateful to call this remarkable company my home.

Samantha Kisten

Sales & Contracting: United Kingdom & Ireland

Serina Pillay

Sales & Contracting: North America & Australasia

My career in Travel and Tourism began in 2005.  After completing my qualification in Financial Management, I joined Thompsons Africa in the Finance Department - the start of my amazing adventure!  Two years later I changed direction and moved into the Operations department where I spent time learning, growing, and expanding my knowledge. Since then, I have been presented with incredible opportunities in the Procurement, Proposals, Reservations and Sales Departments. I am passionate about our amazing industry, one that I am so privileged to be involved in. I love working with our industry partners and truly appreciate the wonderful relationships that we build along the way!  I am immensely proud to be a part of the Thompsons Africa Family!