Herman Brits
Northriding
Summary
Hospitality Executive with 30+ years of experience in multi-unit operations, luxury hotels, and integrated casino resorts. Expertise in managing large-scale inventories exceeding 1,300 keys and diverse food and beverage portfolios with over 30 outlets. Proven track record in driving GOP growth and enhancing guest experiences in high-pressure markets across Africa. Recognized for excellence in operations, customer care, and team development to boost profitability.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager Complex
FEDERAL PALACE HOTEL & CASINO
Lagos
09.2024 - 10.2025
- Directed a prestigious complex featuring 384 combined keys, high-end casino operations, and extensive leisure facilities.
- Managed the 150-room Hotel and redeveloping 234-room Towers, ensuring 5-star service delivery in a competitive international market.
- Optimized operations for 2 signature restaurants, a Pool Club, and a newly integrated 6-court Padel facility.
- Navigated complex regulatory and logistical environments in Victoria Island to maintain premium asset standards.
General Manager
HYATT REGENCY
Cape Town
07.2023 - 08.2024
- Led the executive team of this 134-bedroom luxury city-centre hotel.
- Focused on brand alignment, elevating the F&B profile of the Pool Bar and signature restaurants, and maximizing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) revenue.
General Manager / Consultant / MD
HB HOSPITALITY SERVICES (PTY) LTD
07.2021 - 06.2023
- Selected to provide executive-level interim management and strategic consulting for high-profile assets.
- Hotel Sky Sandton, Opening GM, directed the operational strategy for this 453-bedroom flagship, including a high-capacity auditorium and multiple restaurants.
- Waterfall Estate, Consulted on luxury Concierge and Hospitality services for one of South Africa’s premier lifestyle estates.
- Park Inn by Radisson, Sandton, Stabilized operations and improved service metrics for this 273-key Sandton property.
General Manager – Resort Hospitality Operations
SUN INTERNATIONAL – SUN CITY RESORT
North West
11.2016 - 08.2019
- Executive leadership of South Africa’s most iconic integrated resort destination, managing a portfolio of 1,310 keys.
- Total oversight of multi-property resort, 5-star The Palace of the Lost City, The Cascades, Sun City Hotel, and The Cabanas.
- Managed a 10,000-pax capacity Convention Centre and hosted world-class international events.
- Directed 33 diverse food and beverage outlets and two world-ranked Gary Player golf courses.
- Focused on maintaining the prestige of the Sun Vacation Club Timeshare Resort (384 units) while driving synergies across the resort’s hospitality ecosystem.
General Manager
RADISSON BLU – GAUTRAIN SANDTON
Sandton
02.2016 - 11.2016
- Optimized operations and upgraded service metrics for 243-key Sandton property
General Manager / Hotel Operations Manager
PEERMONT GLOBAL
Multiple Locations
10.2006 - 01.2016
- Held progressive leadership roles across Peermont’s flagship casino and resort assets.
- Oversaw four-hotel portfolio (674 keys), managing 5-star D’Oreale Grande and Metcourt brands.
- Directed multi-purpose Casino, Hotel, and Convention Resort at Umfolozi, including corporate teambuilding facilities.
- Managed full P&L for Graceland Casino Golf Resort, encompassing golf course and four-star hotel operations.
Education
Coaching For Performance - Business
University of Stellenbosch
Johannesburg, South Africa01.2018
Higher Certificate in Business Management (GMPD) - Business
Regenesys Business School
Sandton, South Africa01.2015
Business Administration - Business Administration
Wits Business School
Johannesburg, South Africa01.2002
Skills
- Strategic asset management: full P&L accountability for multi-property complexes and integrated resorts
- Operational excellence: Expert in luxury brand standards (5-star The Palace of the Lost City, Hyatt Regency, Radisson Blu)
- Revenue optimization: specialized in yield management, casino gaming integration, and diverse F&B revenue streams
- Capital projects and launches: leading hotel openings, renovations, and multi-disciplinary leisure developments
- Executive leadership: coaching and mentoring high-performance teams of up to 1,000 staff members
Executive References
- Nigel Atherton, CEO, Peermont Global, natherton@peermont.com, +27 83 468 5299
- William McIntyre, Westmont Hospitality Group, Federal Palace/Radisson/Park Inn, W.McIntyre@whgafrica.ae, +27 72 584 4781
- Anthony Kilbourn, COO, Hospitality Waterfall, Anthony@waterfall.co.za, +27 83 778 1346
Websites
Technical And Personal Summary
English, Afrikaans, Performance-oriented coach with a focus on high-impact operational delivery, Open to regional and international placements.
Education And Professional Development
- Coaching for Performance, University of Stellenbosch, 2018
- Higher Certificate in Business Management (GMPD), Regenesys Business School, 2015
- Business Administration, Wits Business School, 2002
Timeline
General Manager Complex
FEDERAL PALACE HOTEL & CASINO
09.2024 - 10.2025
General Manager
HYATT REGENCY
07.2023 - 08.2024
General Manager / Consultant / MD
HB HOSPITALITY SERVICES (PTY) LTD
07.2021 - 06.2023
General Manager – Resort Hospitality Operations
SUN INTERNATIONAL – SUN CITY RESORT
11.2016 - 08.2019
General Manager
RADISSON BLU – GAUTRAIN SANDTON
02.2016 - 11.2016
General Manager / Hotel Operations Manager
PEERMONT GLOBAL
10.2006 - 01.2016
Coaching For Performance - Business
University of Stellenbosch
Higher Certificate in Business Management (GMPD) - Business
Regenesys Business School
Business Administration - Business Administration
Wits Business School