Media Moves… TheMediaOnline’s weekly round up. New CEO for VWV Group. SOS announces new co-ordinator, organiser. Trigger Isobar South Africa appoints new CEO. New people for 140 BBDO. Luise Allemann joins Owlhurst Communications. Volunteer GM and financial manager needed for the ABF. SABC looks for new board member. CSA scores Lindt. ComutaNet and AirMedia form alliance. Libya Awalan TV joins CNN. New member for OHMSA All the moves in media.
Who’s moved where
This week’s BIG move: New CEO for VWV Group
Kingsley Potter has been named the new chief executive officer of the VWV Group, South Africa’s leading brand experience agency. The appointment follows the departure of Abey Mokgwatsane who left the company in November to join Ogilvy.
“We’re very happy to have Kingsley on board. His appointment comes at a critical growth point in the lifecycle of the Group and his strategic direction will help steer VWV as it moves into the next phase of its pan-African and international expansion,” says Mark Steinhobel, founder and chairman of VWV.
“Our relationship with Kingsley is not new and extends back many years to when he was our client at SAB working on the re-launch of Lion Lager. “
Potter, a BA graduate from the University of Witwatersrand, had an exceptional seven-year career at SAB. Starting as a marketing trainee fresh out of university, he furiously worked his way up the ranks to brand manager of Castle Milk Stout. Potter then entered the agency world and held several lofty titles at Heardbuoys McCann Erickson where he serviced blue-chip clients as wide ranging as Caltex, SAA, Microsoft and Eskom.
He also served as managing director for Herdbuoys eKapa before taking up his next challenge as global chief marketing officer at SA Tourism. Throughout his two-decade journey in the industry, Potter has merged an understanding of business with management best practices, which makes him the ideal candidate for this position. Potter’s immediate focus is to develop a growth plan that ensures VWV remains a best-of-breed service provider on the African continent and in new international markets.
SOS announces new co-ordinator, organiser
SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition has announced the appointment of Carol Netshifhefhe as SOS co-ordinator and Sekoetlane (Jacob) Phamodi as SOS organiser. As co-ordinator, Netshifhefhe will lead the Coalition. Netshifhefhe and Sekoetlane will take up their respective positions on 1 June 2012.
Netshifhefhe is a respected media activist. She moves from her research position at Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) where she has spent the last three and a half years. Her experience in public broadcasting and media policy will serve us well as she receives the reins from Kate Skinner – SOS founding Coordinator.
Sekoetlane (Jacob) Phamodi takes up the newly created position of SOS Organiser. SOS believes his commitment to social justice and background in journalism and media studies will be an asset to the Coalition.
The Coalition’s aim is to address the ongoing crisis in public and community broadcasting in South Africa to ensure the broadcast of quality, diverse, citizen-orientated programming committed to the deepening of South Africa’s Constitution.
The new team will take SOS to the next level of civil society advocacy in 2012. They will lead SOS in achieving two primary objectives:
– To campaign to ensure the Ministry and Department of Communications table by December 2012, and for comprehensive stakeholder consultation and debate, an ICT Green Paper (of which public and community broadcasting will form an integral part)[1].
– To ensure quality, citizen-oriented, public programming and, in particular, local programming of local South African stories.
Trigger Isobar South Africa appoints new CEO
Markus Grannenfelt has been appointed CEO of Trigger Isobar South Africa. His responsibilities at the helm include driving all digital full service requirements in South Africa. Grannenfelt will be accelerating Trigger Isobar stature in the market by building up the team, processes and client base. He will also be actively involved in growing the Isobar SA & SSA service offering through acquisitions.
“Markus has come with invaluable European agency experience and his knowledge can be shared and implemented across Trigger Isobar in South Africa,” said Dawn Rowlands, CEO, Aegis Media, Sub Saharan Africa. “His experience in digital marketing communications, especially within the Aegis Media culture, will prove him a worthy asset to our company.”
No stranger to digital, Grannenfelt has 16 years of experience in marketing, branding and digital media. Before joining Isobar SA he founded and ran an award winning creative agency called White Sheep Isobar (www.whitesheep.fi <https://www.whitesheep.fi> ) in Finland who was acquired by Aegis Media in 2008. Beyond strategizing and working with creative in the digital sector, Grannenfelt has been a judge in the Eurobest Awards as well a Chairman of the Golden Drum Awards and Best of The Year (Finland’s equivalent of the Loeries) in the digital categories. He also acted as the chairman of the board for the Finnish Association of Digital Marketing Communication Agencies.
Luise Allemann joins Owlhurst Communications
Luise joins Owlhurst in the capacity of Account Director. As a seasoned journalist and former editor of the niched Marketing Mix magazine, Allemann has more than 15 years experience in the media and marketing industries under her belt.
Her extensive knowledge of the South African communications sector is an excellent fit with Owlhurst’s current portfolio of blue chip accounts, while her particular interest in the post PC sector bodes well for clients who are currently seeking to master this burgeoning media opportunity.
“We’re thrilled to have Luise on board and I’m confident she’ll add significant value to Owlhurst and to our extensive client base,” says Chirene Campbell, Owlhurst’s MD.
New people for 140 BBDO
Award-winning idea’s agency, 140 BBDO has announced the appointment of copywriter Alex Goldberg and art director Gareth Cohen.
Ivan Johnson, Executive Creative Director at 140BBDO says that the agency was looking for ambitious talent wanting to produce their best work and reach their potential in an environment that promotes excellence. “Alex and Gareth fit the bill and we’re excited to see what they create.”
Copywriter Alex Goldberg has had a varied and international career path spending time in both Dubai and London. His time in London included periods at both Ogilvy and consumer marketing agency, Feref. “London gave me the opportunity to focus on fun, global brands like Playstation, Nintendo, Disney and Warner Brothers.” Alex left London in late 2008 and joined Saatchi & Saatchi in Cape Town.
Gareth Cohen, newly appointed art director has been fortunate to work on local and international brands over his nine year career including the likes of Pepsi, Heineken, BOE, and Guinness. Gareth says that he is most proud of his work on Guinness Africa for which he conceptualised and art directed multinational campaigns as well as two big budget television commercials shooting in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya.
In short
Mediamark has made several new appointments.
Angela Kwamongwe: Mediamark multimedia designer
Peo Molefe: direct account manager
Lerato Sithole: Radmark account executive
Nombulelo Mcatshela: Mediamark credit controller
Dalton Stephens: digital account manager
Peter Botha: digital portfolio manager/ Skype brand specialist
Kerry Ho joins NXT\ Digital Innovation
NXT\ Digital Innovation has announced the appointment of Kerry Ho as marketing and product manager. The hiring of Ho is the first time that the company will have a dedicated resource within this role.
“We are very excited to welcome Ho,” says NXT\ MD, Wayne Levine. “Her appointment is in line with our current objective to redefine the company’s brand positioning and ensure that everything we do moving forward resonates with the brand. I’m certain that we’ll have a very fruitful journey together.”
What’s out there
Volunteer GM and financial manager needed for the ABF
The ABF, the Vital Support Fund behind the advertising, media and marketing industries, is looking for competent people to lend a hand in managing and administering the fund. Specifically the ABF urgently requires an admin manager and a treasurer.
“There are some basic general management functions required by those willing to assist,” says Alexander Leibner, ABF President, “such as member administration, co-ordination of the executive committee meetings and the AGM, and keeping a watchful eye over the programme of events,.
“The financial management involves the invoicing of members and donor companies, preparation of monthly management accounts and other basic accounting duties.”
“In return for providing services to this cornerstone charity of the industry, the individuals will receive honorary membership with all associated benefits. And, of course, all the emotional value that comes with giving of their valuable time and expertise for such an incredibly worthy cause,” says Leibner.
Should you or your company be interested and willing to fulfil one of these voluntary duties please email info@abf.co.za – closing date is the 25th May 2012.
SABC looking for new board member
Institutions and/or individuals are invited to nominate a person to fill a vacancy of non-executive member to the Board of the South African Broadcasting Corporation Limited, of which arise from the resignation of a member of the board, for the remainder of the term of office of the current Board (until 9 January 2015), as stipulated in Section 13 clause 8 of the Broadcasting Act, No 4 of 1999. Requirements: Members of the Board, when viewed collectively, must be persons who:
· are suited to serve on the board by virtue of their qualifications, expertise and experience in the fields of broadcasting policy and technology, broadcasting regulation, media law, business practice and finance, marketing, journalism, entertainment and education, as well as social and labour issues
· are committed to fairness, freedom of expression, the right of the public to be informed, as well as openness and accountability on the part of those holding public office
· are representative of a broad cross-section of the population of the Republic
· are committed to the objectives and principles as enunciated in the Charter of the SABC
· nominees must also be South African citizens permanently resident in the Republic
Written nominations must contain: The full name, contact number and address of the institution and/or individual making the nomination, the nominee’s signed acceptance of the nomination and his her Curriculum Vitae, providing at least the following information:
- Full name, ID number and gender
- contact address, telephone and fax numbers, e-mail address
- previous experience (quoting dates and organisations concerned)
- academic qualifications
Nominations must be emailed to Mr Thembinkosi Ngoma at tngoma@parliament.gov.za or Ms Shamiela Peer at speer@parliament.gov.za by no later than Friday, 22 June 2012 at 16:00
Who’s won what
The PR Collective starts off with a bang by Landing the Elvis Blue account
The full service public relations and communications agency, The PR Collective, opened its doors officially this month. And if its early successes are anything to go by, The PR Collective is set to dent the universe in a big way.
Since its inception, The PR Collective has already secured coveted accounts spanning the entertainment, music and environmental sectors. The team at The PR Collective has also secured the publicity work for Elvis Blue – the platinum-selling artist and recent SAMA-Award winner for Best Adult Contemporary Album.
“We founded The PR Collective on the principles of integrity and honesty,” says Sonet Botes, managing director and founder of The PR Collective. “Our commitment to these ideals are underlined by securing the work with Elvis Blue – an artist whose talent and stage presence is only matched by his integrity.”
CSA confirms Lindt account
C.S.A has been re-appointed by Lindt & Sprüngli, South Africa as the company’s communications agency of record for the third consecutive year.
“We are very proud to announce our re-appointment by Lindt & Sprüngli, South Africa. C.S.A. constantly strives to create innovative, progressive campaigns that go beyond traditional PR methods to ensure our clients develop an ongoing and positive engagement with their consumers. Having worked as a team for over three years now has resulted in a very successful symbiotic relationship which produces outstanding results,” said C.S.A.’s director of communications, Davin Phillips.
Who’s making moves
ComutaNet and AirMedia form alliance
ComutaNet has announced the cementing of a strategic alliance with AirMedia that will significantly increase the media owner’s reach into the LSM 4-7 market.
AirMedia is the industry leader in providing digital on-site radio and television services in Southern Africa to more than 1200 sites. AirMedia has delivered these services to the Edcon Group for more than 10 years. The alliance between the two companies will allow ComutaNet an advertising channel into the Edcon Discount Division stores, mainly through its Jet and JetMart stores.
This is in addition to ComutaNet’s already powerful arsenal: including Rank TV, Comuta Radio, Taxi Branding, Bus Branding, Rank Branding, Billboards and BrandMarks!
While ComutaNet’s clients have traditionally benefited from the company’s penetration into the commuter market, with a massive weekly audience base of 23.6 million and a ‘captive’ audience during peak travel times, the securing of the alliance with Airmedia gives them a new opportunity for in-store TV and radio advertising across 450 Jet and JetMart stores. This alliance will see a weighty increase in both audience numbers and the length of time consumers will be exposed to brand messaging.
New member for OHMSA
OHMSA ratified the associate membership of Tone Digital at its 17 April executive committee meeting. The welcoming of Tone Digital aligns with OHMSA’s strategy to have a diverse membership base, representative of the entire spectrum of outdoor advertising products and services.
Billy Basson, OHMSA Chairman, said: “Our growing membership is indicative of the need of companies involved in the outdoor advertising industry to have a reliable and effective industry body to represent their needs across the complex social, economic and political landscape. We know that Tone Digital will experience the full benefits of membership to OHMSA.”
Said Gary Catterick of Tone Digital: “OHMSA membership offers us the opportunity to, among other things, network with the industry and stay abreast of important industry matters.”
Libya Awalan TV joins CNN
CNN International announced that Libya Awalan TV (which translates as “Libya First”) is to join its global network of affiliates. The partnership is the first with a private network in Libya and adds to CNN’s global presence, as well as its strength in North Africa.
Libya Awalan TV was founded in March 2011, shortly after the conflict in Libya began, and made its inaugural broadcast a few weeks later on 1 April. It employs more than 200 people and has control rooms in Tripoli and Benghazi, as well as in Cairo, Egypt. During the Libya conflict Awalan’s reporters brought detailed reports from across the country, and the station continues to report on Libya’s ongoing recovery in 5 daily news bulletins and across breaking news.
Deborah Rayner, VP & Managing Editor at CNN International, said: “Libya Awalan’s bravery and commitment to independent journalism during the conflict in Libya was an example to any news network, and their ongoing commitment to serious reporting is there for all to see. They will be valuable partners to CNN International and we’re delighted to be welcoming them to our affiliate family.”
Tradeway launches new offices, website
Tradeway Promotions,has announced the launch of a dynamic new website with the aim of bringing innovation and service excellence to its business model, as well as the opening of new offices in Durban and Cape Town.
The system provides integrated sign up and management of promoters serving as a communication channel for the heart and soul of any campaign, being the promoter team. Promoters can sign up, receive training, briefings and other communications, all online. Once a campaign is underway, promoters start feeding information back through a web or mobile device interface immediately, meaning clients have access to near instantaneous insights from the campaign, which provides for real time review and shifts in tactics and budget control.
In addition to a new digital home, Tradeway has expanded its business nationally into two new offices, in Cape Town and Durban.
“We are proud to announce the simultaneous opening of our Cape Town and Durban offices, whilst moving into our new digital home online. Our promoter extranet is sure to contribute to our ongoing success and is a true competitive advantage for us. We look forward to demonstrating the benefits of these developments to all of our existing and indeed new clients,” says Michelle Francis, CEO of Tradeway Promotions.
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