Francesco Mariola

Francesco Mariola is a highly accomplished business executive with over three decades of international experience. He holds an Executive Master’s degree in Business Administration (EMBA) from the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business and has also studied Business at Harvard University.
Currently, Mr Mariola serves as the CEO of Dental Spas and Safaris and is the Founder of its parent company, Skybridge Trading Ltd, based in the UK. Skybridge is a licensed wholesaler for leading manufacturers of dental and medical consumables and equipment, supplying major hospital groups, pharmacies, and clinics across North America, Europe, and Africa.

Before relocating to the UK in 2020, Mr Mariola co-founded and served as Chief Commercial Officer of GloCell, one of South Africa’s leading telecommunications companies, with Investec Bank as its primary shareholder. Over nearly two decades, as Executive Director and a board member, he spearheaded the company’s exponential growth, driving annual revenues exceeding £400 million. Under his leadership, GloCell was voted South Africa’s No. 1 Service Provider for five consecutive years and grew to employ over 1,500 staff. In his role, Mr Mariola oversaw the group’s commercial, marketing, and sales functions, licensed by global giants such as Apple, Samsung, Google, Sony, Vodafone, MTN, and Virgin to maximise their sales, distribution, and market share across Southern Africa.

Formerly, Mr Mariola also served as CEO of Media & Business Tracking Solutions (MBTS), a media measurement company with offices in New York, London, Sydney, and Johannesburg. As an Accenture business partner, MBTS collaborated with leading media conglomerates, including WPP, Omnicom, and Publicis.

For Dental Spas and Safaris, Mr Mariola envisions providing UK residents with access to world-class, affordable dentistry thanks to collaboration with some of South Africa’s leading dental clinics and UK service providers. His mission extends beyond dentistry, offering clients the opportunity to experience South Africa’s breathtaking beauty and indulge in once-in-a-lifetime, curated journeys.