Marc Wetselaar - Chief Operating Officer, Smartfill
Overview
Marc Wetselaar is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and co-founder of Smartfill, a company committed to creating sustainable retail solutions through next-generation, package-less technologies. As COO, Marc plays a pivotal role in the operational and strategic development of Smartfill, focusing on scaling the company's innovative retail solutions globally.
Professional Achievements
- Pilot Programs and Sales Growth: Under Marc's leadership, Smartfill conducted a successful pilot with Tiger Brands in spaza shops in Tembisa, dramatically growing sales by 400% and the number of purchasing transactions by 450% per month.
- Innovative Product Launches: Marc has been involved in launching the next-generation Smartfill IoT dispenser, which has been implemented at NUDE FOODS in celebration of World Environment Day. This technology supports package-less retail and enhances food affordability.
- Awards and Recognition: Marc has been recognized for his efforts, including a notable presentation that drew significant attention at Reset Connect Conference. Moreover, Smartfill won multiple awards for their Gcwalisa prototypes in South Africa and globally.
Key Projects and Initiatives
- SPAR South Africa Partnership: Smartfill’s pilot project with SPAR South Africa demonstrated significant success by achieving over 550kg in package-less retail in March alone, showcasing the effectiveness of their technology in mainstream retail environments.
- Sustainable Retail Solutions: Marc spearheads Smartfill's mission to provide package-less dispensers, integrating sophisticated IoT technology that offers real-time stock level data and reduces management costs for retailers.
Educational Background
- MBA from WITS Business School, with a focus on finance and entrepreneurship.
- Undergraduate studies in Law and Psychology.
Recent and Relevant Developments
- Marc recently completed an amazing presentation at a notable conference, which received high praise and acknowledgment from industry peers and sectors interested in cutting-edge sustainable technology.
- Smartfill achieved over 16,000 customer transactions in 2023, marking a significant milestone in their operational scale and consumer acceptance.
- Ongoing successful collaboration with Smollan, a global retail specialist, to further develop and implement Smartfill’s advanced dispensing technology.
Notable Mentions
- Marc often expresses his commitment to sustainable business practices and improving food affordability through innovative retail technology.
- Smartfill’s technology aligns with European legislation changes, such as the French mandate requiring up to 20% of retail floorspace to be dedicated to package-less retail by 2030, underscoring their strategic market focus.
Conclusion
Marc Wetselaar's professional journey exemplifies a strong dedication to advancing sustainable retail technologies at Smartfill. His leadership has driven significant growth and innovation within the company, enabling it to expand its influence in the FMCG sector and beyond. His substantial educational background and practical industry experience position him as a key figure in shaping the future of eco-friendly and package-less retail solutions.
