Gonzalo Sawit
Singapore
Summary
Job Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Business Development Leader with over 20 years of experience in the telecom and ICT sectors across the Asia Pacific region. Proven track record of defining and executing high-level commercial strategies that drive ecosystem growth and significant revenue increases. Expert in identifying and pursuing new customer segments and partners, having recently led regional business development efforts to acquire over 100 opportunities across multiple global territories.
Skilled in navigating complex, cross-functional, and cross-cultural environments to bridge the gap between technical product offerings and market needs. Expertise includes:
- Strategic Leadership: Managing daily business operations and implementing growth strategies for wholesale data, subsea cables, and cloud-integrated solutions.
- Ecosystem Development: Deep experience in establishing and managing strategic partnerships with data centers.
- Commercial Excellence: Strong background in P&L management, pricing strategies, and high-stakes contract negotiations that have resulted in 40% cost reductions and multi-million dollar contract renewals.
- Cross-Regional Expertise: Extensive history of driving market expansion in Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia, and Japan.
A self-motivated leader and problem solver with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and advanced certifications in Cloud Technology, Data Centre Management, and Cybersecurity.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
COUNTRY HEAD & GENERAL MANAGER
GlobeTel Singapore Pte Ltd
10.2018 - Current
- Lead and manage daily business operations, commercial, wholesale data business, selling subsea cable, marketing, technical, budget, sourcing, procurement, regulatory and compliance management
- Product and partner management, profit & loss management, pricing strategy, contract negotiation
- Developing strategic plans and implementing growth strategies.
- Achieved $100K savings on first year; cut connectivity cost by 40%; reduced dependency and minimized dealing with legal counsel and outsourced corporate services
- Inked reseller partnership with a data centre, led to developing new product offering to customers and inked 10 business partnerships
- Concurrently - Head of Commercial, Operations, Sourcing & Procurement
- Concurrently – Data Protection Officer (DPO)
- Spearheaded operational strategies to enhance business performance and optimize resource allocation.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives while maintaining cost controls.
- Cultivated partnerships with stakeholders to strengthen market presence and expand service offerings.
Head of Business Development
GTIBH, Inc. (parent company)
01.2023 - 12.2024
- Leads the GTIBH Telco Group’s (GTI US, GlobeTel Japan & GlobeTel Singapore) business development efforts
- Identifying and pursuing new potential customers and partners, and developing strategies to expand customer base and increase revenue
- Acquired over 100 opportunities for the group.
VICE PRESIDENT
IOT Technology Singapore Pte Ltd
09.2016 - 09.2018
- Responsible for IOT sales, business development and account management on a contractual and per project basis only
- Product and partner management, pricing strategy, solution sales, contract negotiation
- Strategic partnership/business collaboration.
- Achieved $200K sales for first year; gained 4 new customers; inked reseller partnership with Microsoft Azure, with Trend Micro, with a cybersecurity firm, and with a bandwidth aggregator
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance product development and market penetration.
SALES & MARKETING DISTRIBUTOR
Globe Telecom (Europe)
09.2015 - 12.2017
- Sales & marketing of Globe Duo international calling service. Stationed in Netherlands for 6 months, traveled occasionally to Belgium and UK to attend Filipino community events, promote, and scout for resellers. Train resellers on how to market and sell product.
- Hunter, business development, direct sales, and channel management.
- Gained 2 resellers for each country - Netherlands, Belgium, and UK
- Euros 50,000
DIRECTOR
Vidal Enterprise Pte Ltd (Singapore)
06.2012 - 08.2015
- Managed daily operations, sales and business development of satellite services, telecom equipment, instrumentation, and automation devices
- Sourcing and procurement of vendors/suppliers including price and contract negotiations.
- Inked reseller partnership with Endress+Hauser
- Customer service (resolve escalated issues on orders, payments, and products)
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR
Ascade Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (Singapore)
07.2011 - 05.2012
- Manage sales and business development of Assure products and solution targeting carriers and mobile operators in the Asia Pacific region. Develop new business customers, manage and service existing customer base. Sold probe solution for performance monitoring, control, and refinement of QoS concepts.
- Hunter, business development, direct sales, and account management.
- Travel to meet prospects and customers in their respective countries
- Gained 4 new customers ($1M) in Singapore, Mongolia, Japan, Phils and expanded list of prospects
- Attend conferences and exhibitions in the APAC region as well as PTC and ITW in the US.
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
ST Electronics (SatComS) Pte Ltd (Singapore)
09.2008 - 06.2011
- Develop and maintain sales strategies for satellite systems, broadband IP-based satellite and associated services in Asia Pacific. Manage both direct sales and channel sales including tender bids and proposals. Develop new business customers, manage and service existing customer base. Target market: satellite operators, telecom operators and system integrators
- Hunter and farmer roles, business development, channel sales, customer service and account management. Product briefing with onboarding sales partners.
- Successfully re-launched products in Indonesia and Philippines, attended by major satellite service providers, expanded customer base in HK, Australia and Thailand
- Gained 5 new customers in Philippines, Thailand, Australia, Indonesia and Hong Kong, $500M
REGIONAL CHANNEL SALES MANAGER
Palette Multimedia Pte Ltd (SG)
10.2007 - 09.2008
- Sales and marketing of VOIP & broadband wireless network solution (WiMAX and Wi-Fi), building pipeline (telcos and ISPs) and establishing channel sales partners, account management and partner management in the ASEAN Region. Bid/RFP/RFQ management and contract management.
- Hunter and farmer role, business development, channel sales, customer service and account management. Product briefing with onboarding sales partners.
- Gained 6 new customers and 2 channel partners in Philippines, Palau, Indonesia and Singapore
- Successfully renewed partner contract in Indonesia valued at US$1 million.
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR
Inova Venture Pte Ltd (SG)
10.2006 - 09.2007
- Sales and marketing of telecom hardware and software applications, building customer base (telcos, ISPs and VOIP operators) and establishing channel sales partners to new markets in the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand. Account management and partner management. Bid/RFP/RFQ management.
- Hunter and farmer role, business development, channel sales, customer service and account management. Product briefing with onboarding sales partners.
- Successfully launched & introduced the company to Philippine telco market thru workshop seminar
- Established 5 channel sales partner in Philippines, Thailand, and Russia
- Product portfolio includes calling card management and billing system, Cantata/Excel (media gateway, excel switch) and Emergent (softswitch, calling card prepaid/postpaid solution, VOIP solution)
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
France Telecom (Singapore)
12.2003 - 09.2006
- Expatriated from Philippines to Singapore due to outstanding ability to manage, create and maintain profitable and strategically sound business relationships with wireless/fixed operators as well as ISPs in the South Asian Region and the Pacific Islands. Employed through Orange Business formerly Equant Pte. Ltd. (a subsidiary of France Telecom). Sales & marketing of wholesale voice, subsea cable, IP access via cable/satellite, VOIP interconnect and bandwidth services to existing and emerging wireless/fixed operators and Internet service providers in the above-mentioned regions. Traded (buy and sell) voice traffic minutes to and from carriers/resellers. Bid/RFP/RFQ management, contract management and international carrier relations management.
- Achieved The Best Hunter Award for the first half of 2004.
- Successfully renewed contract with FSM Telecom, Micronesia valued at US$1.2M.
- Input negotiated voice transit rates to France Telecom rate table via web to be routed worldwide.
- Generated price list for voice customers as required.
- Developed new customers/businesses, new interconnects and successfully negotiated contracts.
- Coordinated/monitored implementation/installation of approved sales orders with program manager and technical engineers in the US and France.
COUNTRY SALES MANAGER
ORANGE Business Services (ex-Equant PH)
01.2001 - 11.2003
- Appointed to manage France Telecom carrier business in the Philippines, Palau, Pakistan and Micronesia while employed through Orange Business Services, formerly Equant Philippines, Inc. (a subsidiary of France Telecom). Sales & marketing of wholesale voice, subsea cable, IP access via cable/satellite, VOIP interconnect & bandwidth services to existing and emerging wireless/fixed operators and Internet service providers. Responsibility includes account management and development, contract negotiation and international carrier relations management.
- Increased sales by an average of 15% per year.
- Developed/gained new customers/new interconnects in Pakistan, Palau and the Micronesia
- Delivered sales presentation to new clients and successfully negotiated contracts.
CONSUMER TERRITORY MANAGER
Mead Johnson Philippines, Inc.
10.1991 - 11.2003
- Responsible for the direct sales of Mead Johnson ethical and pharmaceutical products in North Central Luzon area, Philippines.
- Established and managed 300 outlets (drugstores, supermarkets, and groceries)
- Managed maintained and ensured profitability of the IDD service product that included billing, collection and adjusting of rates to compete with other service providers.
- Attained 120% quota in August 1992 (Quota – P1M, achieved P1.2M).
ACCOUNT MANAGER
ORANGE Business Services (formerly Equant PH)
01.1998 - 12.2000
- Cultivated relationships with clients and prospects to generate new business and ensure customer satisfaction. Sales & marketing of IP/data services to enterprise and ISPs. Chosen to enhance the growth of product lines through hiring sales people.
- Deputised as Head of Consumer Sales – hired, directed, supported and managed 10 sales executives in selling consumer products.
- Implemented sales blitz/promo for two consumer products, Global Calling Card and Global Direct Dial Service (IDD service).
- Managed maintained and ensured profitability of the IDD service product that included billing, collection and adjusting of rates to compete with other service providers.
- Concurrently acted as Head of Customer Service. Managed three customer service representatives. Planned and implemented system regarding customer service management. Managed the customer information system for Philippine customers through the use of a password protected global customer data/information system. Acted on escalated customer complaints and brought forth solutions.
- Acted as Head of Credit and Collection. Credit checked and approved prospective customers to avail product and services, as well as assign credit limits.
- Channel sales management - managed all sales agents (company and organization) for cards services in Manila, Cebu, Bacolod and Davao. Provided help and marketing support.
- Delivered sales presentation of data services (i.e. Frame Relay and Internet Access Service) to multinational corporations, carriers and ISPs.
- Received distinction and reward for being the first to close a sale in the 1st quarter of 1999
- Exceeded quota 120% in 1998.
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Global One Communications Inc, LLC (Phils)
10.1996 - 12.1997
- Responsible for the direct sales of Global Calling Cards to enterprise market. Work included recruiting, qualifying, credit checking and installing of sales agents/partners to sell Global One cards services in coordination with HK regional headquarter.
- Exceeded quota 150% in 1997 that made Global One Philippines as the most profitable post-paid calling card business unit worldwide.
- Processed signing of contract agreements by liaising between Global One legal (HK) and customer.
- Monitored sales revenue of agents, provided help and support to increase sales.
- Helped Marketing Manager implement marketing activities to promote Global One product.
- Maintained customer relationship to ensure continued usage of Global One products and services.
- Product briefing with onboarding sales agents/partners.
- (Merged with Equant, now known as Orange Business Services)
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Zuellig Pharma Distributors, Inc.
10.1989 - 10.1991
- Responsible for the direct sales of Kraft General Foods products in North Luzon area.
- Established and managed 400 outlets (drugstores, supermarkets, groceries, and convenient stores)
- Attained 150% quota in 1990 (Quota – P1M, achieved P1.5M). 1991 Quota – P1.5M, achieved P1M in 9 months
- Received distinction, Achiever Awardee for exceeding quota and Salesman of the Year 1990
Education
Top Talent Leadership Dev’t Program - Strategic Leadership
Pacific Telecommunications Council
Hawaii, US01.2026
Accounting for Non-Financial Managers -
National University of Singapore
Singapore08.2023
Specialist Diploma - Cloud Tech & Data Centre Management
Temasek Polytechnic
Singapore08.2021
Managing Cyber Security Risks, Threats & Vulnerabilities -
Singapore Management University
Singapore05.2019
Fundamentals of PDPA, Compliance, Legislative & Regulatory -
NTUC Learning Hub
Singapore05.2019
Directors Training Programme -
ACRA Singapore
Singapore04.2019
Certificate in Project Management -
Management Development Institute of Singapore
Singapore02.2006
Certificate in Security & Firewall -
Singapore Polytechnic
Singapore03.2015
Towards Transformational Leadership Certificate -
Adam Khoo Learning/ST Engineering
Singapore02.2010
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
Philippines01.1984
Skills
- Over 20 years in telecom/ICT industry in Asia Pacific region doing international sales, business development, strategic partner management, business operations, sourcing, procurement, channel sales, customer service and general management
- Skilled in commercial strategies, business development and contract negotiation
- Self-motivated, skilled leader, results driven, problem solver with strong business acumen
- Experienced in cross-functional and cross-cultural environment
- Proven ability to significantly increase company revenue by quickly developing positive client rapport establishing solid business relationship and renewing contracts
Timeline
Head of Business Development
GTIBH, Inc. (parent company)
01.2023 - 12.2024
COUNTRY HEAD & GENERAL MANAGER
GlobeTel Singapore Pte Ltd
10.2018 - Current
VICE PRESIDENT
IOT Technology Singapore Pte Ltd
09.2016 - 09.2018
SALES & MARKETING DISTRIBUTOR
Globe Telecom (Europe)
09.2015 - 12.2017
DIRECTOR
Vidal Enterprise Pte Ltd (Singapore)
06.2012 - 08.2015
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR
Ascade Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (Singapore)
07.2011 - 05.2012
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
ST Electronics (SatComS) Pte Ltd (Singapore)
09.2008 - 06.2011
REGIONAL CHANNEL SALES MANAGER
Palette Multimedia Pte Ltd (SG)
10.2007 - 09.2008
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR
Inova Venture Pte Ltd (SG)
10.2006 - 09.2007
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
France Telecom (Singapore)
12.2003 - 09.2006
COUNTRY SALES MANAGER
ORANGE Business Services (ex-Equant PH)
01.2001 - 11.2003
ACCOUNT MANAGER
ORANGE Business Services (formerly Equant PH)
01.1998 - 12.2000
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Global One Communications Inc, LLC (Phils)
10.1996 - 12.1997
CONSUMER TERRITORY MANAGER
Mead Johnson Philippines, Inc.
10.1991 - 11.2003
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Zuellig Pharma Distributors, Inc.
10.1989 - 10.1991
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
Top Talent Leadership Dev’t Program - Strategic Leadership
Pacific Telecommunications Council
Accounting for Non-Financial Managers -
National University of Singapore
Specialist Diploma - Cloud Tech & Data Centre Management
Temasek Polytechnic
Managing Cyber Security Risks, Threats & Vulnerabilities -
Singapore Management University
Fundamentals of PDPA, Compliance, Legislative & Regulatory -
NTUC Learning Hub
Directors Training Programme -
ACRA Singapore
Certificate in Project Management -
Management Development Institute of Singapore
Certificate in Security & Firewall -
Singapore Polytechnic
Towards Transformational Leadership Certificate -
Adam Khoo Learning/ST Engineering