Media Moves… TheMediaOnline’s weekly round up.
Bomb Commercials signs new director. Suresh Raj appointed MD of Global Business Development for Ogilvy PR. OFM says goodbye to stalwart presenters. Business Director for Saints Branding. SA shines with first ever judge on Creative Effectiveness panel. Media Worx Bob Harrison is still studious. Desiree Oliphant appointed account director at Kagiso Media. Anita Gardini appointed marketing specialist at Kagiso. Darren Katz to join Excellerate. New GM for Fiera Milano Exhibitions Africa. Zandile Ngece joins Radio Helderberg’s sales and marketing team. Vizeum SA retains BMW & wins MINI South Africa account. Jam Media lands Neill Anthony – Private Chef. Waggener Edstrom Communications strengthens African presence. Performanta, confirmed platinum sponsor at IT Leaders Africa Summit.
Who’s moved where
Bomb Commercials signs new director
Bomb Commercials has announced it has signed up established director Dule Anicic. Dule joins the directorial team of Teboho Mahlatsi and Tebogo Malope with Gavin Joubert and Marc Harrison at the helm.
“We have been looking for a person that fits in with our close knit Bomb family for quite some time now and we felt that we needed a director whose talent brought a diverse approach to what we already have,” Joubert said. “Dule brings a dynamic style that is a result of his unique take on humour and visual performances that often offer a sexy twist. We are so happy to welcome Dule to our small and personal team.”
Dule’s sequence of commercial credits include campaigns for Volkswagen, Nike, Nedbank, Barclay’s as well as Nando’s, KFC and Sprite.
Before Dule directed his first commercial in 2001, he studied and learnt every aspect of filmmaking whilst working as a sound designer, editor and DOP. He then continued to hone his craft as a film director. Dule is recognised for his collaborative working relationship with advertising agency creatives, his thorough understanding and handling of his clients’ needs and his ability to tell a complete, visually interesting and compelling story all in 30 seconds.
Suresh Raj appointed MD of Global Business Development for Ogilvy PR
Ogilvy Public Relations (OPR) Global CEO, Stuart Smith, has announced the appointment of Suresh Raj to the newly created role of managing director, Global Business Development, effective immediately. Raj will be based in New York and report directly to Smith.
“Suresh’s skills and experience is a great match for our agenda which is to grow and develop the depth and breadth of our global offer including developing OPR in the African and South African market,” said Smith. “Suresh has earned this promotion since extending his UK role successfully to include our EAME region.”
Raj will have responsibility for building a global business development strategy which will include the African region and further cement an already vibrant new business community across all offices. “I am delighted by the new opportunities this role brings and look forward to helping Stuart grow Ogilvy PR globally and in the African market,” said Raj. “I am also thrilled to work with the South African team and build on its already sound reputation. Public relations is in an exciting place right now and in high demand from both CCOs and CMOs. Every day we are delivering the kind of integrated, award-winning, creative work clients want across our network.”
OFM says goodbye to stalwart presenters
At the end of March, OFM will say goodbye to three of its top presenters, who have decided to pursue different careers.
Christie Hansen, who has been with the station for 17 years, will leave OFM at the end of March 2015. Hansen has decided to retire from commercial radio to pursue his business affairs. He will, however, continue to be part of the Grain SA radio team during the Nampo Harvest Day in May. He will also work with OFM on another exciting project later this year.
Miss Weekend, Mardi Delport, has also decided to focus on her career at the Central University of Technology. Delport has woken up central South Africa on the weekend since 2003. She presents the weekend breakfast shows on Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 to 09:00.
Finally, the much-loved Johrné van Huyssteen has decided to move to Johannesburg to pursue his career in radio and television. Van Huyssteen only joined the station in 2011, but has amassed a loyal following and has proven to be extremely popular with listeners.
According to Nick Efstathiou, OFM general manager, all these presenters will be sorely missed. “Christie and Mardi especially have given OFM years of service, dedication and commitment and for that we are extremely grateful. Johrne has equally been an integral part of OFM’s development and growth over the past few years and has added immense value to our product offering. We wish these presenters all the best with their future endeavours and look forward to exciting new changes at OFM.”
Business director for Saints Branding
Saints Branding has appointed brand strategist Kim Kullmann as business director to run the Cape Town operation.
Kullmann has 16 years of agency experience, holding senior client service posts at top agencies such as FCB, Jupiter Drawing Room, McCann Erickson, Publicis and DDB South Africa. At FCB she was the General Manager of FCB’s below-the-line divisions. She has worked across brands such as Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Toyota, FNB, Visa, SAB and many others.
Kullmann has specialised in brand strategy and client service since graduating from the AAA School of Advertising with honours in 2001, later adding Vega courses in the principles of brand management and practice.
“I’ve always been passionate about branding. I’m one of those people who eats, sleeps and lives branding. It is part of the strategic mind-set in branding… how we always look at how we can improve upon our last project, how we make that one connection and how we harness human truths,” Kullmann says.
SA shines with first ever judge on Creative Effectiveness panel
Branding and advertising expert, Andy Rice, will be the first South African on the Creative Effectiveness judging panel in the history of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
“Although the category is fairly new to the 62 year festival, it is a huge honour that one of our own will be on this esteemed panel for the very first time and we couldn’t think of anyone better than Andy Rice. He brings an impressive history of talent and experience to the table,” says Cinemark’s Yvonne Diogo. Cinemark is the local representative for the Cannes Lions and its affiliates.
Rice founded Yellowwood Brand Architects in 1997 and remains involved as a board director and chairman. Yellowwood was the first dedicated strategy consultancy in South Africa and became part of the TBWA Group in 2009. It is now recognised as the leader in its field in the Southern African region.
Passionate about the linkage between creativity and commercial effectiveness, Rice says that South Africa has seen a vast improvement in creative effectiveness in recent years.
Rice is excited to be judging the Creative Effectiveness campaign at this year’s Cannes Lions and says that he is hoping for a two-way flow of experiences. “I hope to bring back some fabulous case studies and insights to share with South African marketers, but I also hope that my Apex experiences will add to the calibre of the debate with my fellow jurors in Cannes.”
Desiree Oliphant appointed account director at Kagiso Media
Kagiso Media has announced the appointment of Desiree Oliphant as account director at Kagiso Media. Oliphant, who has worked across various divisions within radio and TV services at the SABC for the past 19 years, has extensive senior management experience and a passion for the media industry.
“Desiree comes with a long track record in the media industry and has experience in opening up accounts and building relationships. Her role will be to drive integrated solution selling across the Kagiso Media group,” group commercial director Werner Lindemann said.
Prior to joining Kagiso Media, Oliphant was Portfolio Sales manager at Metro FM for four years. During her career she has successfully helped grow revenue for six radio stations.
Anita Gardini appointed marketing specialist at Kagiso
Kagiso Media has announced the appointment of Anita Gardini as marketing specialist for Glow and ED. Gardini previously worked within the Kagiso Media group at East Coast Radio as marketing specialist. She started her career there in 2012 and worked her way up the ranks, becoming an invaluable member of the team.
Gardini, who holds an Honours in Brand leadership, is currently studying her Masters in Commerce, majoring in marketing management. Of her move she says, “I’m so excited to now be in Johannesburg and to be part of to the TV division at Kagiso Media. It is a fascinating medium that has always interested me and I’m eager to take on this role.”
Darren Katz to join Excellerate
After 12 years with the Primedia Unlimited group of companies, Primall Media’s director and founding partner Darren Katz, will be leaving the company to join Excellerate to head a strategic retail commercialisation unit.
Katz will continue to work with the Primedia Unlimited group to the mutual benefit of shared clients.
“Part of my new directive will be to redefine current retail processes and structures within various shopping centres in South Africa and Africa,” said Katz. “The retail environment in this country is in an extremely exciting phase with many international brands recognising the sales and growth potential within our malls for the first time.”
Ken Varejes, CEO of Primedia Unlimited, adds, “Darren has been an exceptional partner and, more importantly a friend, who has helped build a great mall media business. We are really sad to see him go but understand that he has been presented with a fantastic opportunity at Excellerate. We know that he’ll excel in his new role. We wish him all the best in his new adventure but it’s definitely not goodbye!”
New GM for Fiera Milano Exhibitions Africa
Global exhibitions company, Fiera Milano has appointed Heidi Warricker as general manager of Fiera Milano Exhibitions Africa (Pty) Ltd. In addition to taking the reins for the company’s South African products, including the Good Food & Wine Show (Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban), Food Hospitality World Africa and the Cape Town Art Fair, Warricker will also spearhead the company’s expansion into the African market.
“I have a pool of really talented people here”, says Warricker. “They have shown incredible commitment and passion for the Fiera Milano brand and its products. I feel very privileged to now lead the team in growing our events in new and exciting ways.”
Fiera Milano’s Head of International Development, Fabio Aromatici, said, “Heidi’s experience in launching and driving the growth of events and exhibition brands makes her an ideal leader for Fiera Milano in Africa.”
Founders of the Good Food & Wine Shows, the Tables of Peace and Unity and the Cape Town Art Fair, Christine and Louise Cashmore, sold their brands to Fiera Milano in 2012 and after 16 years of passionate commitment to the industry, they have retired to enjoy more family time.
Zandile Ngece joins Radio Helderberg’s sales and marketing team
Zandile Ngece has joined Radio Helderberg’s sales and marketing team, and is also a presenter at the station. “I love everything about my job. It’s my oxygen. I breathe it, I live it!” she says.
Ngece has a BA degree, majoring in communications and English, and previously worked for the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) as a communications and CSI officer, on a six-month contract; was an assistant to the communications and events officers at Eskom and an information assistant at Pick n Pay and Vodacom.
She is proficient in four languages – English, isiXhosa, Afrikaans and isiZulu – and is learning how to speak and write French.
Media Worx Bob Harrison is still studious
Who’s won what
Vizeum SA retains BMW and wins MINI South Africa account
Following an integrated and competitive pitch process, BMW Group South Africa has reappointed Vizeum, as its media strategy, planning and buying agency for its above the line and digital communication business. However, for the new contract period Vizeum has also been appointed the media strategy, planning and buying agency for MINI South Africa.
The agency has won prestigious industry awards including a Gold Roger Garlick Award in 2012 for the BMW 1 Series outdoor projection game, in the ‘best use of out of home’ category.
“Strategic partnerships ensure that BMW South Africa maintains its competitive edge in the premium segment and is the epitome of innovation,” said Guy Kilfoil, BMW South Africa’s general manager for BMW brand management and BMW group marketing services.
“From the onset Vizeum has strived to adopt the key brand values for both BMW and MINI – in doing so we have been able to unlock an exciting new partnership with MINI and building on an existing relationship with BMW. We look forward in continuing to find relevant and innovative award winning solutions to truly connect with consumers,” says Tanya Schreuder, Director at Vizeum.
Jam Media lands Neill Anthony – Private Chef
The 360 degree communication agency, Jam Media, has been tasked with managing the social media as well as campaigning the launch of SABC 3’s latest cooking show, Neill Anthony – Private Chef.
Filmed by local TV production company, Okuhle Media, the show will air for the first time on 15 March, and it will be followed by an international distribution via Okuhle Media’s global distributor, Zodiak Rights.
“This has been a very exciting, yet challenging campaign to work on. Within the first six weeks of this six-month campaign we’ve already exceeded a million rand’s worth of PR”, says Jam Media Director Jess Mouneimne.
Neill Anthony – Private Chef on SABC3, will be screened every Sunday, at 16:30.
Who’s making moves
Waggener Edstrom Communications strengthens African presence
Independent communications agency Waggener Edstrom Communications (WE) has announced six new strategic partners in Africa. Core Public Relations, Corporate Talk Group, Exclamation Marketing Ltd., Hotwire PRC, Lift Consulting and XLR8 Limited reinforce WE’s commitment to the fast-growing African continent and extend the agency’s service network to 18 new markets in Africa and more than 100 globally.
Africa has eight of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies, and across the continent the communications industry is poised for growth. Waggener Edstrom has engaged these strategic partners in Africa to meet increasing client demand for expanded communications programs.
“As companies look to engage their customers through storytelling across more channels and markets, the growing importance of the African continent is becoming increasingly obvious,” said Chris Talago, executive vice president and general manager, Waggener Edstrom EMEA. “We launched our office in Johannesburg five years ago in the knowledge that the continent was primed for growth, but also in the belief that all communications is ultimately local. Our new partners bring local expertise, allowing us to extend our quality of service and our consistent focus on results to additional markets.”
Performanta, confirmed platinum sponsor at IT Leaders Africa Summit
Event organiser Kinetic has confirmed that industry-giant Performanta has signed on as platinum sponsors for this year’s anticipated sixth edition of their successful flagship event; the IT Leaders Africa Summit.
The event, taking place from 18 – 19 March 2015 at The Maslow Hotel in Johannesburg, is set to go beyond your usual routine business conference, evolving to deliver on a more exciting, topical, trendy and current platform, utilising both the latest technologies coupled with the latest in conference trends internationally.
Together with Performanta, the event aims to deliver an expert-lead agenda that features an educational conference program backed by the latest in technology workshops and demonstrations.
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