Heritage & Team

Third generation meets new generation

ACDOCO SA has been operating in South Africa since 1993 and is a subsidiary of Astley Dye & Chemical Co., a third generation company founded in the UK in 1919 with strong roots in manufacturing and international distribution. Today, Astley Dye & Chemical Co. is headed by the founder’s grandson, Brandon Pilling, who is also the chairman of ACDOCO SA.

In 1992, Brandon became MD and took the group on a new growth trajectory globally, also exploring investments in South Africa, which eventually led to the establishment of ACDOCO SA. The group now supports a number of businesses and brands in the international retail market with representation in over 70 countries.

The team

Bronwen Kramer

Marketing Head

Bronwen is an experienced multidisciplinary marketing professional with over 28 years’ experience in the advertising and marketing arena. Over 9 years were spent at an executive management level working across various categories including health and beauty, personal care and pet nutrition. Brand associations include Russell Hobbs, Revlon Realistic and Bob Martin.

Thabiso Ngwatle

Export & HFS Head

Thabiso joined ACDOCO SA in 2003 as a Field Marketer. He holds a NDip in Logistics from University of Johannesburg. He has worked in several positions including Sales Analysis, Brand Management, Trade Marketing and Informal Markets.

Naude Maneje

Warehouse Manager

Naude joined ACDOCO SA in 2003 as a picker and checker. He has worked in several positions including finance, outbound logistics and warehousing. Naude was promoted to Warehouse Supervisor in 2014. Having a well-rounded approach and a very clear understanding of ACDOCO SA’s supply chain, Naude was promoted to the management team as Warehouse Manager in 2017.

Saul Rivkind

Commercial Head

Saul has held a R500m portfolio housing leading brands like Canderel, Equal, Duracell, Old Spice, Tampax, Fixodent and Clear Blue. In his hands, these brands achieved exceptional category beating double-digit growth.

Brandon Pilling

Chairman

Brandon joined Astley Dye & Chemical in 1985 and became MD in 1992. He led the group’s global expansion, including the establishment of ACDOCO SA in 1995. The Astley Dye group now services brands in over 70 countries.

Jason Frichol

Managing Director

Jason has led several retail successes over his career. He was part of the team that grew the Fore Good FMCG Group from 4 to 4,500 people and to +R 1 billion revenue in under 7 years. As Western Cape MD for Hirt & Carter, he helped deliver exponential growth for the region in just 18 months. Jason also headed up the South African operation for the world’s largest shopper marketing group, Integer.

Jeremy Bird

Director

Jeremy’s impressive international retail experience includes a five-year lead role at Wickes, one of the largest DIY retail chains in Europe. He was also chairman of the consumer division at Travis Perkins, a British builders’ merchant and home improvement retailer that operates over 1,900 outlets.

Our approach

Shopper-centric

ACDOCO SA is focused on creating consumer demand. Without consumer demand there’s no pull from the shelf.