Scan Display celebrates its amazing women

This month, Scan Display is celebrating its amazing women! Despite operating in a male-dominated industry, the team comprises 30 per cent women.

Scan Display’s managing director, Justin Hawes, is proud of the women in the team and all they have accomplished: “It has been exciting to see the personal growth and development of my female colleagues. Their attention to detail, determination and commitment to their work have set them up for success in our company and industry.”

The following women are long-standing Scan Display employees who have made a meaningful contribution to the company’s growth over the years.

Martina Komane, production director

Martina joined Scan Display’s Johannesburg branch straight out of school in 2002, as part of the company’s learnership programme. Over the last 20 years, Martina has taken on different roles in production. She was appointed to the company’s executive management committee in 2013 and was made Production Director in 2014. She is also Chairperson of the Scan Display BEE Trust, which was established in 2005 to empower previously disadvantaged staff members.

Martina has excellent leadership skills, managing the company’s predominantly male production team in Newtown, Johannesburg and overseeing the production function throughout the company.

Martina is always approachable and willing to help others. She has played an important role in mentoring staff members and helping them to improve their skills. She has earned the respect of her colleagues and is recognised for her passion, tenacity and drive for self-improvement.

Martina provides inspiration for young women, showing what is possible with hard work and determination.

Boitumelo Pooe, account executive

Boitumelo joined Scan Display’s Johannesburg branch as an account executive in 2013. Over the last decade, Boitumelo has proved herself to be an exceptional account executive and project manager, calmly overseeing complex and last-minute local and international projects. Boitumelo has experience managing numerous large pavilion projects overseas. She is extremely level-headed under pressure and is a reliable member of Scan Display’s team.

Over the years, Boitumelo has set an example for new staff members. In 2022, she was elected to the Brussels-based International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services (IFES) Talent Team committee which represents under 40s working for global events suppliers. The committee is tasked with bringing fresh ideas, sharing best practice and highlighting new innovations in the industry.

Sharon Heuvel, Cape Town office manager

Sharon joined Scan Display’s Cape Town team in 2003 as an account executive. Over the years her role has evolved, and she is currently office manager in the Cape Town branch. Sharon is consistently calm under pressure and an excellent problem-solver — both very useful attributes in our industry. She is a valuable member of the team.

Sharon reflects on her years as part of the Scan Display team: “Working for Scan Display has been a wonderful journey of personal growth and development for me. The company culture constantly motivates you to move out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges and roles, encouraging you to engage in the broader enterprise. I love the creativity and the solution-driven environment.”

René Fielies, head of design

René has 19 years’ experience in the exhibition industry. She joined Scan Display’s Johannesburg branch as an interior designer in 2008 and was appointed head of design in March 2018.

René is a strong leader of the design team, but she isn’t afraid of getting her hands dirty, even stepping in to apply vinyl when needed. She is very hardworking and consistently pleasant, making her highly respected by her colleagues, who enjoy working with her. She is a real asset to the company and to the broader industry.