The latest news on media moves and appointments. Who is going where, when, how and why they’re moving on.
Moves at Media24
Media24’s Weekly Magazines Division has announced the appointment of Reinard du Plessis as new publisher in the division. He will manage titles such as Landbouweekblad, FarmingSA, SA Hunter/Jagter, Rapport Tydskrif and TV24. Du Plessis brings years of marketing and management experience to these major magazine brands and the management and editorial teams are delighted to have him on board from 1 May 2011. He was the General Manager of My Week before being appointed as National Sales and Marketing Manager for Media24 Newspapers two years ago.
Media24 Weekly Magazines also announced that Rudi Hofmeister’s designation will change to that of Head of Social Commerce. This strategic position is a ‘game changer’ for the South African media industry. Hofmeister is said to be an experienced strategic thinker; he has the proven ability to convert social trends and analysis into relevant business plans and projects. By broadening his role to embrace the execution of social commerce solutions, he will ensure that our brands stay at the forefront of emerging media trends.
Moves at RamsayMedia
RamsayMedia has announced that it has restructured three of its leading brands to form an automotive and technology cluster, with Neil Piper assuming the role of publisher of Popular Mechanics. Already head of the company’s Automotive division, Piper’s expanded portfolio is designed to unlock the synergies between the brands and maximise the individual strengths and expertise of the collective Auto & Tech team.
The restructuring follows a period of sustained circulation and audience growth for Popular Mechanics, which broke the 50 000 ABC mark in January 2010. As a result, Alan Duggan, who has held the dual roles of publisher and editor for the past five years, decided to relinquish his publishing responsibilities and focus exclusively on the increased need for quality content to satisfy the title’s growing fan base.
Moves at Jacaranda 94.2
Jenny Griesel, marketing manager at Jacaranda 94.2, took over Trade Marketing at South Africa’s at the independent radio station this week. The trade marketing function, which used to form part of the station’s Commercial Sales division, was recently incorporated into a consolidated marketing role with both consumer- and trade components. Griesel, who joined Jacaranda 94.2 in June 2010, has worked on numerous highly successful projects, including the Jacaranda 94.2’s Sisters With Blisters, the Rhino Telethon, updating the station’s corporate identity and the most recent Jacaranda 94.2 Just Plain Breakfast campaign.
Moves at OFM
OFM is bidding farewell to Rian van Heerden. Van Heerden joined OFM in February 2009 and quickly re-established himself as a dynamic radio personality and presenter. Having less than fruitful stints at radio stations in both Johannesburg and Pretoria, Van Heerden thanked OFM for allowing him to live out the craft he so adores. Having sited a deep affinity with his hometown of Pretoria, Van Heerden explained that, “Bloemfontein holds many happy memories for me but it is not my home”. Being a seasoned television personality Van Heerden is also looking to expand his presence on this medium.
Moves at FNB
First National Battery (FNB), a division of Metindustrial, has welcomed Ntsumbeni Mavhungu as marketing director of the Industrial Division. Having been with FNB for several months Mavhungu has shown great leadership, and it is with pleasure and with much support from FNB that he receives this promotion. Mavhungu, with a B Tech degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from Potchefstroom University, started at FNB Industrial in August 2010 as a Senior Marketing Manager. His work experience includes senior positions at Eskom, ABB, Siemens and Barloworld Power. He is also very familiar with FNB’s customers and markets, including renewable energy, telecommunications and power utility, as well a assystem integrators.
Moves at SARIE
SARIE FASHION has appointed of well-known fashion heavyweight Chris Viljoen as the magazine’s fashion director. He will head up SARIE’s new extended fashion department, which includes current SARIE fashion editor, Amaria Carstens. With more than 16 years’ experience in both the magazine and fashion retail industries, Chris has built a reputation for his dynamic, forward-looking approach to fashion, while remaining perfectly accessible to his market. Over the years his contribution to fashion in SA has been acknowledged with a string of awards, amongst others two Picas and three Mondis.
Moves at BrandInc
Design and advertising specialists Brand inc, recently appointed Leeanne Hoffman as its traffic and production manager at their Johannesburg branch. Hoffman has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience along with her and will play a key role in the successful and smooth running of the production and traffic side of the business. Her role will allow for better streamlining processes, quicker delivery and greater accuracy with each and every job we tackle.
Moves at Trigger / Isobar
Mike Carter has been appointed as head of Trigger/ Isobar’s mobile business unit. The former senior strategist at Mxit brings with him a decade of experience in assisting some top brands in the adoption of mobile as a serious business and media channel. Trigger/ Isobar’s mobile business unit is focused on providing clients with turnkey mobile strategy, development and integration services.
Uno de Waal will be taking the lead of Trigger/ Isobar’s Social Networks Business Unit. The previous head of Max Rover brings with him five years of high-end social media experience with a core focus on social media strategy, content development and social media public relations. Uno will be responsible for driving this unit which is focused on extending the agency’s core skill in setting up and managing large-scale social media assets for blue chip brands.
