O’Keeffe & Swartz flies South Africa’s flag high at Global Contact Centre World Awards

O’Keeffe & Swartz, a leader in the South African telemarketing call centre industry, has walked away with five medals at the Global Contact Centre World Awards held recently in Las Vegas.

Attendees from China, UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, Ukraine, Portugal, Indonesia, Haiti, South Africa, Russia, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Poland, Singapore, Australia and others were present, at what is regarded by many as the ultimate industry recognition.

O’Keeffe & Swartz and its candidates picked up two gold awards, two silvers and one bronze across five different categories.

“Last year we only entered one category and won gold. This year all five of our finalists from the EMEA Regional Awards who went on to compete for the Global Awards in Las Vegas, won awards,” says Michelle Finch, Head of Marketing, Innovation and New Business, O’Keeffe & Swartz.

“Being able to participate in these awards, learn and share best practices, and represent South Africa on the global stage was a phenomenal experience. To win in multiple categories is a true testament to our success and a significant achievement for us, but more importantly for our people. We are extremely proud of the team who represented us both at the EMEA Regional and Global Awards,” she adds.

The categories in which O’Keeffe & Swartz won gold and ranked best in the world are:

•  Best Workforce Planning Professional, won by Vijay Vettiyamkunnath, Head: Campaign Management, O’Keeffe & Swartz.
•  Best IT Support Professional, won by Marco da Silva, IT Operations Manager, O’Keeffe & Swartz.

Vettiyamkunnath says that winning the award is recognition of his personal achievements on an international platform, and a true reward for the passion and hard work that he puts into everything he does. “Personally it is re-iteration of the fact that I work for a great company that is a true leader in the contact centre industry. I really feel honoured having won this award amongst the best in the contact centre world.”

“I am extremely honoured to have been able to represent O’Keeffe & Swartz and myself at these awards. Presenting at this level has taught me a great deal and it’s been an amazing experience,” comments da Silva. “Winning gold in the IT category proves that O’Keeffe & Swartz is a world class business with world class employees across the board. It has not only been beneficial to the business and to me, but to many of my staff who are now aspiring to compete and win in future awards.”

Finch adds that this is a people industry and these awards provide a platform for the sector to come together, engage, learn and celebrate the best in the business. “The industry we operate in, our clients and staff can be proud to be associated with an organisation that strives for excellence in all we do. Winning these awards demonstrates our drive towards world class best practices,” concludes Finch.

Silver awards were given for Best Quality Auditor won by Mxolisi Dube, Quality Assurance Manager, O’Keeffe & Swartz, and for Best Outbound Campaign, won by Trent Lockstone, Head of Client Development, O’Keeffe & Swartz.

The bronze award for Best Supervisor was won by Dillon Pillay, Senior Sales Manager, O’Keeffe & Swartz.