Meet the Team

With over six years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Slade Williams brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Giraffe and Co. His journey in the sector began in the telecommunications reseller market, where he honed his skills for three years before transitioning to the telecommunications distribution market. This dual exposure has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s dynamics, from the ground level to strategic distribution channels.

In 2021, Slade joined Giraffe and Co, initially taking the reins of the finance department. His analytical mindset and keen eye for detail quickly became invaluable assets to the team. Recognizing his capability and drive, the company expanded his role to include logistics and procurement, where he has since played a pivotal role in streamlining operations and optimizing supply chain efficiencies.

Slade holds a BCom Financial Accounting degree, which underpins his strategic decision-making and financial acumen. His ability to bridge finance and logistics has been instrumental in ensuring Giraffe and Co’s operations run smoothly and efficiently, contributing to the company’s continued growth and success.

With nearly three decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, Jakes Lombard has been a key player in the evolution of telephone systems since 1995. His expertise spans a wide range of Siemens technologies, including Hicom, Hipath 3000, and Openscape Business systems. Jakes’ technical prowess extends from installation and commissioning to ongoing maintenance, ensuring systems operate seamlessly.

In 2021, Jakes brought his extensive knowledge and hands-on experience to Giraffe and Co as a Pre-Sales Technical Consultant. Here, he plays a crucial role in providing technical support and remote maintenance assistance, addressing the complex needs of partners and resolving technical challenges with precision and efficiency.

Danie Marais brings over four decades of expertise to the telecommunications industry, starting his career in 1982 as an apprentice with SA Transport Services, where he qualified as an Electrician Telecommunications. His technical journey began in 1986, working with two companies before joining Siemens Telecommunications in 1996 as a technician. Danie has amassed extensive experience across small and medium-sized systems, evolving with the industry from Siemens to Unify’s OpenScape Business, and earning certifications along the way.

Throughout his career, Danie has also gained valuable experience with larger systems like Hicom 300 and HiPath 4000. His role has expanded over the years to include selling services and products to existing customers, combining his technical knowledge with customer-facing skills.

Since joining Giraffe and Co in 2020 as a Pre-Sales Technical Consultant, Danie has been instrumental in assisting partners with quotations and resolving technical issues, ensuring seamless communication solutions for clients.

With over 15 years of experience in IT sales, Samantha Proctor-Parker brings excels at driving channel growth and  building strong partner relationships. As the Channel Development Manager at Giraffe and Co, she leverages her extensive background to create and execute strategies that foster growth, even in the dynamic telecommunications sector, which is a new and exciting challenge for her.

Samantha’s success in sales is rooted in her commitment to understanding partner needs and delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. Her proven ability to cultivate lasting relationships and her strategic approach to channel development make her a key player in Giraffe and Co’s mission to innovate in the telecommunications industry.

Shawn Thompson, Managing Director of Giraffe and Co, brings over 25 years of expertise in the distribution industry. With a notable 17-year career as Regional Manager at Tarsus Distribution, Shawn's leadership played a key role in driving growth and operational excellence.

Brought on board to manage and expand Giraffe and Co, Shawn leverages his deep experience to grow the company’s presence in the communication sector. Renowned for his strong industry relationships and approachable management style, Shawn’s strategic insight and ability to streamline processes have earned him widespread respect within the industry.

At Giraffe and Co, Shawn is focused on delivering innovative communication solutions and fostering strong partnerships to support the company’s ongoing success. His leadership continues to shape the future of the company, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the distribution space.

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Peter Gees matriculated from the German School Cape Town before earning a BA.LLB and a PGDA (accelerated BCom Honours) at the University of Cape Town. Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court in 1984, Peter later completed his accounting articles of clerkship in 1990, passing the Board Exam to qualify as a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)).

Leveraging his dual expertise in finance and law, Peter played a pivotal role in corporate and tax structuring during his articles, advising executive management at a high level. Following this, he established a specialist legal-financial consultancy and became involved in various business ventures, spanning diamond mining, property development, and communications.

Peter’s journey in communications led him to Unify during the Covid-19 pandemic, where he stepped in after Tarsus, the previous Tier 2 distributor, exited the market. In response, Peter founded Giraffe & Co (Pty) Ltd to take over Unify’s distribution. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Giraffe & Co has successfully grown Unify’s presence, particularly in South Africa and across Africa. Peter sees immense potential in Africa’s rapidly growing young workforce, which he believes is key to the future of digital communications. Giraffe & Co is poised to seize this opportunity with a strong team committed to expanding the Mitel-Unify brand across the continent.