Heritage & Team Draft
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
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.
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.
Jason Frichol
Managing Director
Jason has led several CPG & OTC successes over his career. He joined ACDOCO SA in 2014. His passion and focus span sales, strategy, marketing, merchandising, logistics/distribution, business process automation, new business development, innovation, shopper marketing and channel development. He has worked with leading brands over the last 15 years, including Alpecin, Andolex, AnuSol, Batiste, Braun, Brochostop, Canderel, Clearblue, Creche Guard, Contempo, Dr. Beckmann, Duracell, Equal, Flugon, Jordan, LifeStyles, Norflex, Old Spice, Pearl Drops, PregOmega, Pringles, SKYN & Tampax.
Saul Rivkind
Commercial Director
Saul is a high achieving professional with a rich background in commercial and marketing roles. He joined ACDOCO SA in 2014. His expertise extends across a wide array of product categories and brands, including AnuSol, Alpecin, Andolex, Batiste, Braun, Bronchostop, Coca-Cola, Contempo, Canderel, Clearblue, Creche Guard, Duracell, Dr Beckmann, Equal, Flugon, Jordan, LifeStyles, Norflex, Old Spice, Pearl Drops, PregOmega, Plantur, SKYN & Tampax. Saul’s proven ability to excel in various business models and categories underscores his versatility and effectiveness which have consistently driven growth and success for both brand and business.
Thabiso Ngwatle
HFS, eCommerce & Export 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 & Logistics Head
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.
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.
Zanele Mlipha
Finance Manager
Zanele joined ACDOCO SA in 2017 as a commercial accountant and was promoted to Finance Manager in February 2020. Zanele holds a BCom Finance degree and National Diploma in Cost Accounting from the University of Johannesburg. Zanele has over 10 years’ experience in accounting and tax.
Prometha Wentzel
Organisational Development Head
Prometha recently joined ACDOCO SA in 2023. She is an HR Professional whose career has spanned over different sectors, namely, Legal, Consulting, Mining, Oil and Chemicals, IT and Pneumatics. She has an Honour’s degree in Strategic Human Resources Management and Advanced Labour Law, and looks forward to the future with ACDOCO SA!
Boitumelo Molefi
Demand Planning Manager
Boitumelo has demonstrated managerial experience in supply chain, demand planning, forecasting, procurement, and logistics, with working experience in the pharmaceutical, mining, heavy-duty equipment, and manufacturing industries.
She has expertise as an ERP and forecasting superuser, inventory controller, and interface manager. Her leadership proficiencies enable teams to achieve production targets and quality benchmarks, while developing new supply chains and vendor relationships.
Patricia Macheka
Head of Regulatory & Compliance
With over 15 years of telecommunications/projects experience, including working with brands like Vodacom, Nokia and Telkom, Patricia has been promoted to Head of Regulatory & Compliance at ACDOCO SA.
Her understanding of regulatory frameworks alongside a proactive approach ensure our operations meet the highest standards, thereby maintaining the ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certifications.
