Media Moves… TheMediaOnline’s weekly round up that looks at who’s moved where, which companies have scored what accounts and how to find out what opportunities are out there through our jobs site, powered by Memburn. All the moves in media.
Who’s moved where
Haffajee elected to board of International Press Institute
City Press editor in chief Ferial Haffajee has been elected to the board of the International Press Institute (IPI), the world’s oldest press freedom organisation. Haffajee will serve the IPI for four years alongside the eight other newly elected board members.
“I am very excited about the new members,” IPI executive director Alison Bethel McKenzie says. “They represent the best in their field and bring a wide breadth of experience to the media.”
IPI is a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists dedicated to the protection of press freedom, the promotion of the free flow of news and information, and the improvement of the practices of journalism. It was formed in October 1950 by 34 leading editors from 15 countries on the belief that an independent and professional media would contribute to the development of a more just, free society governed by the rule of law. Today IPI has members in more than 120 countries and holds consultative status with the United Nations and the Council of Europe.
Riverbed PR makes another key appointment
The Riverbed Agency (TRA) has appointed Rachel Lailey as accounts director in the public relations Business Unit. Lailey brings with her strong global PR experience, having worked for international agencies in London, and most recently Hilton & Knowlton in Dubai and Fleishman Hillard in Johannesburg.
In South Africa, Lailey has provided strategic input to blue chip companies, including STANLIB, Liberty Retail, Absa Capital and Discovery among others. The depth of her media relations expertise will prove valuable in servicing TRA’s portofolio of clients which include Accenture and Procter & Gamble. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Rhodes University, and an Honours degree in Journalism from Wits.
Bongiwe Moeli, head of PR at TRA said, “Rachel comes onboard to add to our pool of strategic expertise and we look forward to gaining significant insight from her experience.”
Joint managing directors named at Carat SA
Erica Gunning has been appointed joint managing director at leading media agency Carat SA, joining Quinton Jones at the helm. The appointment follows a period of sustained growth in the agency that has seen a significant increase in total billings in the past three years. Gunning recently joined Carat SA as MD of the Johannesburg office, following its establishment in August 2009.
“Erica brings a wealth of industry experience to her new position. It is a fitting tribute and just reward given the success we have had working together. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner,” says Jones.
Dawn Rowlands, CEO of Aegis Sub-Saharan Africa, says: “We are extremely fortunate to have leaders of the calibre of both Quinton Jones and Erica Gunning. As Joint Managing Directors of Carat SA, with their proven history of successful partnership, I have no doubt that the company will continue to take huge strides forward.”
Dulux appoints new master brand manager
San Marie Jacobsz has been appointed by Dulux as consumer master brand manager. She holds a B.Com Degree in marketing and has years of experience as a brand manager at Gillette, Tiger Brands, Amka Products and recently Natura Laboratories.
ComutaNet extends sales team
Recognising outdoor and digital advertising mediums continued growth in the emerging market; ComutaNet has appointed two new media consultants. Johan Snyman will join the digital media team and Phineas Phelelo is to supplement ComutaNet outdoor.
Who’s won what
Ohana PR wins Topco Media account
Ohana Public Relations Services has been appointed the communications agency for Topco Media, a leader in South African business-to-business publications. Topco Media seeks to identify, recognise and showcase these leaders to policy makers, investors and influential members in the business and public sector through a variety of print and electronic platforms including networking gala events throughout the year.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OhanaPR
Simonsays Communications sign digital convergence agency
Award-winning digital convergence agency, NXT\ Digital Innovation, has appointed Simonsays Communications to handle its ongoing public relations requirements. Located in Sandton, Johannesburg, NXT\ is a full service digital agency that crafts powerful digital experiences for its clients’ brands. Through the building of digital audiences and communities, NXT\ ensures that the brands in its fold are exposed to a plethora of new digital marketing and communications opportunities.
The PR appointment is effective from November 2011 and the campaign will focus on developing the NXT\ corporate image within South Africa – profiling its strategic direction and launch of new product solutions into the market place.
“We are delighted to be working with such an innovative digital company. We believe that NXT\ has already built up a strong presence in the industry and we hope to develop this even more by assisting the brand with opportunities that will enhance their presence,” says MD, Melanie Stevens.
Who’s making moves
FD Media and Investor Relations adopts FTI Consulting brand
In a move to further align with global management consultancy, FTI Consulting, FD Media and Investor Relations will now officially be known as FTI Consulting Strategic Communications. The firm’s transition to a single, unified global brand means that FTI Consulting is now the only management consultancy in the world which includes a strategic communications division.
“The integration is good for us and our clients, providing them with access to new skills sets and on-the-ground support across 22 countries. For example, a listed company undergoing a debt restructuring would have access to legal and accounting skills as well the reputation management support required in respect of stakeholders such as investors and the media,” says MD, Dani Cohen.
Previously known as Beachhead Media and Investor Relations, the consultancy was acquired by FD in 2006 and rebranded to FD Media and Investor Relations. FTI then acquired all of FD’s operations around the world and in September this year, the consultancy officially aligned its brand with FTI Consulting.
Talk2Us to speak at IABC World Conference in Chicago
Daniel Munslow, a director at Talk2Us, a leading brand engagement agency driving strategic internal communication, will be speaking at the 2012 IABC World Conference. The conference is being held on June 24-27 at the Sheraton Towers in Chicago, Illinois.
Munslow, who is also a regional board member of IABC Africa, will be speaking on June 25, on the subject of Building an Internal Communication Capability from Within. He will discuss the increasingly important role of strategically aligned internal communication practices that deliver impact level brand engagement to an organisation.
“The presentation will include a discussion around the strategic building blocks of an internal communication capability, as well as a case study that demonstrates how such a capability is developed, established, executed, and sustained”, says Munslow. “It is beneficial for those who need to set up a capability from the ground up, as well as those who are looking to restructure internal communication in line with best of practice methodologies”.
The theme for the 2012 IABC World Conference is ‘Forward Thinking: 2015 Vision’. The theme is intended to bring an active, future-oriented message through, focusing on forward thinking and forward looking. Looking into the future, it is important for communicators, organisations and professionals to have a vision for the role of communication.
MetropolitanRepublic opens in Africa
Johannesburg-based agency MetropolitanRepublic has extended its reach into into Sub-Saharan Africa. The venture into Uganda, where they built the office from scratch, going against the more common route of licensing, has not been without challenges.
“This is Africa. Investors tend to be nervous about her. The political landscape is often unstable and there are infrastructural challenges such as lack of constant electricity supply. But, we have a taste for adventure and like to set our sights high” says Dawn Klatzko, MD of MetropolitanRepublic.
When challenged on whether this move was too early for an agency that is just short of five years old the response has been why wait? Globally there is an increased focus on Africa. The continent’s status as a potential growth area is ranking higher and the prospects for business growth is almost a given. The agency’s foray into the rest of Africa was probably a year ahead of schedule, but their successful pitch for the MTN Uganda account fast-tracked that.
Alex Rukundo took the position of MD. A Ugandan native familiar with the country’s cultural environment and ethnic nuances, Rukundo sees a bright future. “The population is young, so there is a progressive spirit in Uganda. There is a very tangible vibe and the new generation is working hard towards a stable future.”
Rooi Rose food editor wins Food Writer of the Year award
Vickie de Beer, food editor of rooi rose, has won the prestigious Galliova Food writer of the year award for 2011 and also clinched another coveted award of Stylist of the Year at the 2011 Caxton Excellence Awards.
Sponsored by the South African Egg Industry, the Galliova Awards recognise excellence in food writing, food styling and overall promotion of the South African food culture. The judges pay special attention to the way in which the food writers address their market and the extent to which the food writer is in touch with the lifestyle, needs and tastes of their respective readers. The general appearance of their work, food styling, photography and artwork is also considered.
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