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WHO WE ARE

InnSight Advisory Africa is a strategically sound and operationally smart Hospitality Advisory company working across Africa and Indian Ocean Islands.

With a strong track record in both Strategy, Operations and Advisory, the experienced team of Partners and Associates specialises in Feasibilities, Development, Branding, Commercial, curated Operations and Guest Journey planning and localised launch solutions across regions and cultures. Our portfolio of work includes Hotels, Lodges, Branded Residences, Mixed-use Developments and Ports.

InnSight is a perfect partner to developers, property owners, investors, and management companies who are seeking superior returns for their properties – or prudent greenfield advice and supervision for new projects.

We pride ourselves in delivering superior business implementation plans in straight forward speak and always with a partnership mentality. We call this the InnSight Way.

Taking Hospitality Personally

Mission

To deliver innovative, personal, and intelligent hospitality solutions that build trust, drive growth, and create real value for owners.

Vision

To be the trusted advisory partner of choice for any hospitality company , setting new standards in strategy, development, branding and operationally smart solutions, to deliver results for clients.

At InnSight Advisory, our values define who we are and guide how we work. These principles drive our dedication to delivering impactful results for our clients.

Personal

We respect individual client needs and will strive to build a strong personal relationship with you.

Integrity

Uphold honesty, transparency, and trust in every partnership.

Communication

We talk to you honestly, accurately and regularly and adhere to timelines.

Innovation

Embrace creativity to deliver future-proof solutions.

Collaboration

We work in partnership with your team to achieve shared success.

Sustainability

Prioritise environmental and community care in every project, balancing profit with purpose.

Excellence

Strive for the highest standards and best value-for-money in all aspects of hospitality advisory.

OUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

InnSight Advisory offers our cumulative expertise across strategy, development, operations management, branding, and commercial planning. This robust foundation enables the delivery of tailored solutions that consistently drive results.

Expertise: Decades of excellence in strategy, operations, branding, and commercial planning.

Tailored Approach: A bespoke advisory approach working alongside owners and your team.

Proven Success: A strong track record of delivering results across Africa and Indian Ocean islands.

InnSight delivers advisory services that drive measurable success across the hospitality landscape.

Delivering impact where it matters most.

MEET THE TEAM

The InnSight Advisory Africa team – a collection of experienced hospitality experts who have worked across blue-chip international brands and organisations, and who offer multi-disciplinary capabilities, combining smart strategy with strong operations nous, to deliver superior results.

Managing Partner Business Development

Mike Devereux

Michael Devereux is a seasoned hospitality executive with over 30 years of experience in hotel acquisitions, development, and operations across Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean region. As an Executive Director of InnSight, Michael has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s hotel landscape. His expertise spans project design, turnkey developments, corporate strategy, brand expansion and business development for leading global hotel groups.

Key Experience & Exposure

  • Leadership & Advisory: Executive Director at InnSight, providing strategic hospitality management and advisory services.
  • Hotel Development & Brand Expansion: Former Senior Development Director at Hilton Sub-Saharan Africa and Business Development Director at Starwood/Marriott, driving the growth of 48+ hotel brands in the region.
  • Notable Projects: Spearheaded the establishment of six Four Points by Sheraton hotels in East Africa. Numerous high profile Hotel deal oversight roles across Africa
  • Operational & Project Expertise: Extensive experience in hotel operations, project design, and turnkey developments. Previous owner and operator of independent restaurants.
  • Consultancy & Corporate Strategy: Former Development Manager at Legacy Hotels & Resorts and various managerial roles at Southern Sun and Sun International.
  • Education & Personal Interests: Holds a National Diploma in Hospitality Management from Wits Hotel School; passionate about cooking, entertaining, golf, cycling, and fine wines.
Managing Partner Advisory

Mark Jakins

Mark Jakins is a highly accomplished executive with over 30 years of experience in strategy, marketing, and operations, and Board experience, across the hospitality, media, and FMCG industries. As Executive Director of InnSight and Founder of Futuredrum, he specialises in driving commercial success, revenue growth, and brand development. With a track record of leadership in major hospitality groups, media corporations, and consumer brands, Mark has played a key role in transforming businesses through strategic innovation, commercial interventions and operational excellence.

Key Experience & Exposure

  • Leadership & Advisory: Executive Director at InnSight and Founder of Futuredrum, focusing on business transformation and revenue growth.
  • Hospitality & Gaming Expertise: Former Group Marketing and Operations Executive at Peermont Hotels & Casinos, with Subsidiary Board roles overseeing operations, brand launches, commercial performance, and strategic planning.
  • Brand, Marketing and Sales Strategy: Senior management roles at Premier Hotels & Resorts, Budget Car Rental, Southern Sun, Sun International, Unilever, and Nabisco, driving brand expansion and commercial results.
  • Media & Broadcasting Leadership: Former Chief Executive: Commercial Enterprises at the SABC, leading brand portfolio strategy, commercial operations and the successful commercial turnaround strategy for 23 radio and TV channels, Multi-media departments, ancillary divisions and TV Licences.
  • Industry Recognition & Contributions: Named one of South Africa’s top marketers (Sunday Times, 2004 & 2005), co-founder of the Marketing Association of SA, and Trustee of Vega School.
  • Education & Personal Interests: Holds a B Soc Sciences (Economics & Marketing) from UKZN; passionate about golf, tennis, wildlife photography, and media, including a hobby as a previous Hot 102.7 radio sports presenter.
Partner

Caitlin Du Preez Winson

Caitlin is a dynamic hospitality and marketing professional with over 15 years of award-winning experience across the advertising, marketing, events, and catering industries. She combines her expertise as a qualified chef with a strategic marketing acumen honed through global brand leadership. Caitlin has successfully launched and managed high-profile brands, demonstrating her ability to integrate operational insights with impactful marketing strategies.

Key Experience & Exposure

  • Hospitality & Culinary Expertise: Began her career in the kitchens of The Hyatt Rosebank and Michelangelo Sandton, later catering for high-profile clients such as Zunaid Moti and the Mandela family.
  • Brand Leadership & Marketing Strategy: Spearheaded marketing initiatives for Lufthansa, SWISS, Samsung, and played a key role in launching Starbucks and Domino’s Pizza in South Africa.
  • Global Brand Expansion: Former Group Marketing Executive and Brand Custodian for Galito’s Flame-Grilled Chicken, overseeing marketing and operations across 16 countries.
  • Agency & Corporate Marketing Experience: Managed client portfolios at Artifact Advertising, working with major brands such as Taste Holdings, Innscor/Simbisa, and Disney.
  • Board & Executive Roles: Held Directorship at Jackal Creek Golf Estate and served on the Executive Board of Galito’s Holdings.
  • Education & Personal Interests: Holds a Higher Diploma in Professional Cookery and Culinary Management, a Global Wine Diploma from the Cape Wine Academy, and a Digital Marketing Specialisation from UCT. A 200-hour qualified yoga instructor, she enjoys travel, cultural exploration, and spending time with her family.
Norbert Wurm – Senior Associate and Lead InnSight Partner in Namibia
Experienced Financial Executive for Capital Raising, Investment modelling, Operations, Mergers and Acquisitions and Strategic Planning
Elri Neervoort – Senior Associate: Financial Management
Accomplished Hospitality Financial lead in South Africa for operations and projects
Imtiaz Amod – Senior Associate Hospitality & Tourism Technology
Experienced Hospitality systems, revenue management and reservations expert, with a strong project management and implementation track record
Paul Leishman – Associate: Golfing Projects
Award-winning Golfing Hospitality expert and lead for Golf Project Management
Robin Nicholson – Senior Associate: Business Rescue and Turnarounds
Professional Business Rescue Practitioner and seasoned Turnaround Strategy Specialist in Management and Financial restructuring
Tebogo Maoto – Senior Associate: Business Rescue and Turnarounds
Professional in financial structuring, corporate recovery, governance and strategic business solutions
Jacques Jacobs – Associate: Project and Property Management
Built & site environment professional in project management and real estate construction management
Tim Cooper – Associate: Project and Property Management
Project Director and specialist project and construction management management for Hospitality, Harbour and Legacy projects
Adri Williams – Associate: Recruitment

Global Expertise, Local Impact

We align seamlessly with our Middle East office and regional partners to provide hospitality best practice and locally, tailored advisory solutions. Whether acquiring or doing feasibilities, developing or launching new properties, repositioning assets with curated brands or international affiliations – or improving profitability – we are the intuitive, immersive, and intelligent partner you need.

Let’s shape the future of hospitality together!