Media Moves…TheMediaOnline’s weekly wrap on news about who in the media is moving where, and what companies have won which accounts.
The first female editor for Farmer’s Weekly
History has been made in the magazine industry this year. Not only did Farmer’s Weekly celebrate its 100th year of publishing, but the magazine has its first female editor. Caxton Magazines has announced the appointment of deputy editor Alita van de Walt as the new editor of this prestigious title.
Van der Walt holds a B. Business Communication degree from Potchefstroom University and began her career as a designer at Caxton Community Newspapers in 2000. She then joined Farmer’s Weekly’s design team in 2003. Editor at the time, Chris Burgess soon recruited Van der Walt into the management of the magazine, first as the production editor and then as the managing editor. She eventually ended up as his deputy.
“It’s a great privilege to be in charge of a magazine with such a proud history,” says Van der Walt. “With the help of one of the best teams in the industry and the sound foundations laid by my predecessor I’m determined to do the Farmer’s Weekly brand proud. Our growing circulation and advertising revenue shows we are on the right track. Our readers and advertisers can expect more of the same high quality content delivered straight from the horse’s mouth.”
Primedia announces Tanja Lategan as new CEO of 365 Digital
Tanja Lategan has been appointed CEO of 365 Digital, a division of Primedia Online. Lategan brings almost ten years of digital industry experience to the role and has been at the company since 2008, until recently serving as Commercial Director of Primedia Online. Her role will entail growing and ensuring the success of 365 Digital and Primedia Online, including the recently launched www.dashoflime.co.za <https://www.dashoflime.co.za> platform.
Tanja Lategan served Touchline Media for just under 4 years as the Digital Commercial Manager, where she established and grew their digital department with the main focus on increasing their digital footprint and online revenue. After setting up a successful and stable team, she moved to Primedia Online in 2008. Primedia Online offered her the role of Commercial Director, where she managed the sales department and assumed responsibility for all commercial activities within the company.
Lategan commented: “I am delighted to be appointed as CEO of 365 Digital and am really looking forward to the challenge. This is such an exciting time for digital both globally and locally, and I am eager to further establish 365 Digital as the leading player in South Africa”
Ogilvy Public Relations appoints social media account director
Ogilvy Public Relations (OPR) has appointed prolific blogger, tweeter, writer and general social media fundi, Amanda Sevasti Whitehouse to head up its digital team as Social Media Account Director. The main thrust of Whitehouse’s role will be to drive the creation and execution of social media strategy for OPR’s broad base of clients, as well as managing and building the burgeoning social media team.
‘Amanda Sevasti, who is no stranger to the social media space, is a regular commentator on the digital landscape in South Africa. She contributes to a variety of publications, including Memeburn and the Mail & Guardian Online. Having worked as a copywriter and creative head for eight years, Whitehouse was involved in activations, events and digital campaigns for brands such as Momentum, Santam, Old Mutual, Savanna, Pepsi, Volkswagen, Volvo and MWEB. However, her passion for online communications led to a career shift and she moved into the social media sphere.
“In our quest to expand our social media division, bringing someone of Amanda’s calibre to the organisation is a huge step in the right direction,” said Joanna Oosthuizen, OPR’s Managing Director. “She brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge in the social media space and we are truly delighted to have her on board. We look forward to the contribution she will make to all areas of our business.”
Good Housekeeping appoints beauty editor
Cathi Trevor has been appointed as the beauty editor of Good Housekeeping/Goeie Huishouding. Trevor has more than 25 years’ experience in the beauty and fashion industries, as both an international model and a contributing beauty editor on several local and international magazine titles.
“Cathi’s warm personality, positive outlook on life and in-depth knowledge of the beauty industry make her the perfect fit for the title,” says Sally Emery, editor of Good Housekeeping/Goeie Huishouding. “Like all of the content of Good Housekeeping, our beauty pages will be filled with valuable, easy-to-follow information that saves our readers time, money and hassle – and Cathi is looking forward to delivering this to the readers.”
Trevor will take up her position on 1 August. “For me, looking good is all about feeling good and being comfortable in your skin,” she says. “I look forward to offering Good Housekeeping readers smart solutions and simple tips on how to maximise their beauty, as well as advice to help them make informed product choices.”
Staff Promotion at marcusbrewster
The Cape Town office of marcusbrewster has announced the promotion of Saadiyah Hendricks to the position of account manager. Hendricks, who has been with the agency since starting her internship in 2008, worked on the Rezidor and SolaireDirect accounts which earned PRISM honours at the 2011 awards in the Business-to-business and Launch of a New Company categories.
Comments Brewster: “It has been gratifying to see how Hendricks has developed under the mentorship of senior colleagues in the firm. This, combined with her natural gifts for communication, has prepared her to assume greater responsibility in the business. It is a pleasure to promote so deserving a candidate.”
Adapt IT Group appoints Watt Communications
JSE listed technology company, Adapt IT Group, has appointed Watt Communications to manage its public relations. A leading independent technology solutions and services company based in KwaZulu-Natal, Adapt IT Group is a solution provider for a wide range of organisations in the manufacturing, mining, financial services, bulk goods and public sector industries.
Cindy von Pannier, sales and marketing director, Adapt IT Group says the company selected Watt Communications for its knowledge and understanding of IT. “For us, it was important to have a PR company that we could work with without having to explain terminology and acronyms. After an initial three-month contract with a notable improvement in our PR coverage, we are delighted to renew our PR contract for the Adapt IT Group as well as subsidiary, Adapt IT Solutions. We look forward to a successful year ahead with Watt Communications.”
Samantha Watt, owner and managing director of Watt Communications says that there is still a gap in the market for boutique PR agencies that not only understand business and technology, but proactively deliver results on a consistent basis. “As much as technology evolves and communication trends become more innovative, clients still want the same thing, which is results.”
In brief
Campus Media and ComutaNet have recently expanded their team and in the process have acquired various specialists to compliment their current set of intensive marketing skills:
Kim Sears, activation specialist
Oscar Monama, activation specialist
Tebogo Makgatho, marketing assistant
New appointment and promotion at X/procure®
Marnewicke Loubser has been appointed as national sales manager at X/procure®
J.P Pretorius has been promoted to Pharmacy Sales Manager at X/procure®
New appointment at XP Digital®
Elbie Tolken has been appointed as an Account Manager at XP Digital®
New Account Manager at Primall Media
Shirleen Beyers has been appointed Account Manager at Primall Media.
