Media Moves… TheMediaOnline’s weekly round up. Nikki Cockcroft steps down after 10 years with the DMMA. Ogilvy & Mather Cape Town MD Gavin Levinsohn resigns. Mariana O’Kelly appointed co-executive creative director at Ogilvy & Mather Johannesburg. Digital strategy pioneer on board at Hellocomputer. Lee Curtis promoted within at Primedia Unlimited. Andrea Rademeyer Africa chair of Win/Gia International. Ford South Africa welcomes new VP of marketing, sales and service. Vserv.mobi establishes Africa office; hires key staff. Hot new host for e.tv’s Club 808. SAARF looking for research manager. Regent Group selects Point as print management partner. Tequila’s Moshapalo to judge Botswana’s first ACA awards. Talk2Us talks to World Conference of the International Association of Business Communicators.
This week’s BIG move: Nikki Cockcroft steps down after 10 years with the DMMA
Nikki Cockcroft, executive director and former long-term chair of the Digital Media and Marketing Association (DMMA), has announced that she will be stepping down.
Cockcroft admits that her decision to step down from the DMMA was bittersweet. “This was a very hard decision for me as I have invested so much time and energy into the DMMA over the past few years. However, after having been part of the DMMA for over a decade the timing was right. I have recently entered a new chapter in my personal life, and as a result I have had to shift my priorities as I embark on this exciting new journey.”
Jarred Cinman, current chair of the DMMA Steering Committee (Steerco), says, “I have been lucky enough to see ‘close-up’ how much Nikki has contributed to the industry and the DMMA. With the DMMA celebrating its 10-year birthday this year, Nikki’s resignation has come at a poignant yet fitting time and signifies the end of an era. I know that even though she will no longer be on the DMMA board we can always count on her for her insight and guidance.”
Cockcroft will give her last public address to DMMA members at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), to be held on the 15 August 2013. Cockcroft will remain as chair of the Bookmarks Awards for 2013.
“Looking ahead I would like to focus on growing the diversity of skills in the digital industry through transformation and education. I would love to see more women coming through the ranks as well as people of colour, and I will continue to commit my time to this cause.
Who’s moved where
Ogilvy & Mather Cape Town MD Gavin Levinsohn resigns
Ogilvy & Mather Cape Town managing director Gavin Levinsohn is moving to Australia at the end of 2013 for personal reasons after five very successful years at the helm of the agency.
During Levinsohn’s time as MD, Ogilvy & Mather Cape Town has become the country’s top-ranked creative agency and has transformed itself into a genuine digitally-led, integrated agency.
Ogilvy & Mather SA CEO Abey Mokgwatsane said that he was sorry to be losing a leader of Gavin’s undeniable calibre but the agency already has a robust succession plan in place and would be announcing a new management structure shortly.
Mariana O’Kelly appointed co-executive creative director at Ogilvy & Mather Johannesburg
Ogilvy & Mather South Africa (O&M SA) has announced the appointment of Mariana O’Kelly as co-executive creative director at Ogilvy & Mather Johannesburg (O&M JHB).
“I am totally blown away with my new appointment and very excited to be leading an even bigger team of highly talented creatives with Co-ECD Neo Mashigo,” says O’Kelly.
O’Kelly started her career at Lindsey Smithers FCB and a year later moved to London and worked on brands like Cable TV and Budweiser. Over the last 18 years she’s worked at SA’s most prestigious agencies including Hunt Lascaris, Jupiter Drawing Room and Net#work BBDO. O’Kelly joined Ogilvy and Mather (O&M) as a creative director in 2011.
“At O&M JHB we have the best local and international brands in our stable and our aim is to focus on delivering world-class work that is insightful, break through and beautifully executed”, she says.
She has been recognised at Cannes, D&AD, One Show, Clios, Eagles and Loeries and has helped build brands like Nike, BMW, Virgin Atlantic, Mercedes Benz, Economist, Cell C, Nedbank and Chicken Licken.
O&M SA CEO Abey Mokgwatsane says, “Mariana is an award-winning talent and we are extremely proud to have her with us. I have no doubt that she will continue to take O&M JHB and the group to the next level. We take pride in developing and recognising the talent among our ranks, which is not hard to do at a place like this.”
Digital strategy pioneer on board at Hellocomputer
Dylan Kruger, one of the pioneering strategists in South Africa’s digital industry, has come on board to direct strategy at leading full service digital agency, Hellocomputer Cape Town.
Having been schooled in direct marketing, CRM, digital, brand and mobile marketing, and having spent time as both client and agency, Kruger has 11 years’ experience contributing to both digital and classic brand strategies.
His special interest in following trends in consumer experience, and applying these to practical, impactful strategies has seen him engage with blue chip businesses such as Coca-Cola, Standard Bank, Lexus, Mazda, Nokia, FNB, Ford and Diners Club during his career.
“Hellocomputer’s reputation for creativity and effectiveness in the digital space is inspiring, and I am excited to be part of the dynamic team in Cape Town. I’m looking forward to being able to contribute meaningfully to the ever-challenging world of our clients and their consumers,” he says.
Lee Curtis promoted within at Primedia Unlimited
Through the acquisition of TLC, Curtis first joined the Primedia Unlimited group in 2005 as sales manager. He has since risen through the ranks and is more recently known for his leadership at Primall Media. Molefi Moloantoa, CEO for the Mall Division at Primedia Unlimited, has confirmed that Curtis’ new role will also encompass heading up the MallWorx business.
“Lee’s dedication, leadership and managerial skills make him the obvious choice to take on the role of executive for sales & marketing at Primall Media and MallWorx,” says Molefi. “He has shown great commitment and passion in leading the Primall Media sales team and we have no doubt his skills will extend to, and grow, the MallWorx business.
“His new role means that Curtis is in charge of both Primall Media and MallWorx sales, where MallWorx will benefit from the same culture of success Lee has entrenched at Primall Media.”
MallWorx is one of Primedia Unlimited’s newest business. It provides advertisers and their agencies access to South Africa’s growing middle class shopper who view malls as a lifestyle convergence point.
Andrea Rademeyer Africa chair of Win/Gia International
Andrea Rademeyer CEO of Ask Afrika, was appointed Africa Chair of WIN/GIA International, at their 66th annual conference in Rome. The World Independent Network/ Gallup International Association (WIN/GIA) is a worldwide body representing market research and polling. It is made up of the 72 largest independent market research and polling firms in their respective countries.
Founded by Rademeyer 18 years ago, Ask Afrika is the largest independent market research company in South Africa. Their inclusion in this network presents an opportunity to participate in a number of global surveys and provides Ask Afrika clients with access to customisable global products.
Rademeyer did her Masters thesis on the role of research in modern business, she is a registered research psychologist with the South African Marketing Research Association and the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Ford South Africa welcomes new VP of marketing, sales and service
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has appointed Mark Kaufman as its new vice president marketing, sales and service.
“We are privileged to welcome Mark to the team. He brings with him a wealth of experience, in particular in developing markets, and we wish him every success in his new role,” says Jeff Nemeth, president and CEO, FMCSA.
Kaufman has a rich history in marketing and sales. Most recently he was the marketing director for Ford of South America where he led the introduction of Ranger and more recently EcoSport. Prior to his posting in Brazil, he led the Global Marketing Small Car restructuring and improvement strategy that contributed significantly to the global success of Fiesta and the Focus becoming the best-selling nameplate in the world.
Kaufman in an American national but has worked and lived in Germany and Brazil.
Vserv.mobi establishes Africa office; hires key staff
Vserv.mobi, a leading global mobile advertising network for app developers, publishers, advertisers and telecom providers, has announced the appointment of three key executives to its team.
Jacqui Boyd has taken on the role of sales director for South Africa; Max Ku has been appointed business development director for Malaysia and Nguyen Quang Duy is business development director in Vietnam.
The move reflects the company’s efforts to further build its business and consolidate its position as a leading player across emerging markets. Elaborating on the announcement Dippak Khurana, CEO and co-founder of Vserv.mobi said, “As user consumption of information and entertainment on mobile devices skyrockets, Vserv is leading the innovation and building the global scale necessary to help all the key stakeholders in the mobile ecosystem to seize this opportunity. These strategic appointments, will give us the right momentum in becoming the #1 mobile ad network in emerging markets.”
Hot new host for e.tv’s Club 808
Ahead of the new exciting July timeslot change, e.tv music and lifestyle show Club 808 will introduce a fresh new face to the show. Dineo Ranaka, who has co-presented the show alongside DJ Mo Flava will be leaving the show on Friday 21 June.
She will hand over the reins to the charismatic, engaging YFM DJ, Thando Thabethe, who will officially start co-presenting alongside DJ Mo Flava on 28 June after Ranaka’s departure.
“I look forward to working with Mo. He is dynamic and I have huge respect for his work ethic. I have been watching Club 808 over the years and have looked up to Dineo even in her YFM days. To be given the opportunity to try and fill those big shoes is extremely nerve wrecking and is an absolute honour,” says Thabethe.
The multi- talented radio DJ, MC and actress who has been making waves in the entertainment industry for the past five years will add a fresh dynamic to the lively Club 808 team, the charming DJ Mo Flava and talented DJ ZanD.
What’s out there
SAARF looking for research manager
This is the most senior research position at SAARF and the research manager must assist the chief executive officer and board of directors of SAARF in all aspects relating to the research conducted by the Foundation and research in general.
Project management is a key aspect of the duties of the Research Manager especially in a scenario where more than one research group is employed by SAARF. The ability to lead, control and manage the research process is paramount and the ability to analyse and interpret data and guide the contractors is regarded as unquestionable.
The preparation of presentations, submissions, technical expositions and the writing of articles and newsletters relating to the surveys conducted by SAARF and research in general are of the utmost importance.
Other duties are inter alia: Stakeholder communication, training, supervision, client support, research development, international liaison with media researchers worldwide, administration and playing a leading role in PAMRO.
Remuneration package: Negotiable, depending on qualifications and experience. Qualifications: Preferably an applicable post-graduate degree
For more information about SAARF visit us at www.saarf.co.za. Interested candidates can e-mail their CVs to Dr. Paul Haupt at paul@saarf.co.za
Who’s won what
Regent Group selects Point as print management partner
Life and short term financial services company, Regent Group, has chosen to retain the skills of a print management specialist, selecting Point to fulfil the role.
It is the benefits of service, attention to detail, cost competitiveness, improved efficiencies, account management and the ability to manage and maintain a corporate identity through a number of processes throughout the production cycle of a printed product that made Point a suitable candidate as a print management partner, explains Michelle Ashen-Abrahams, head of marketing and communication at Regent Group.
“Point is undoubtedly a business that makes sense for any corporate looking to manage their brand,” says Ashen-Abrahams. She explains that with a consistent corporate identity in a print production environment, a desire to provide a solution for fulfillment that adheres to consumer legislation laws as well as a need to reduce and manage costs, Point is a great solution for companies.
Who’s making moves
Tequila’s Moshapalo to judge Botswana’s first ACA awards
Kabelo Moshapalo, senior digital creative director at Johannesburg-based TBWA\ Tequila, has been appointed to the judging panel of the inaugural advertising and communications awards launched by Botswana’s Association of Communication Agencies (ACA).
The awards presentation, organised as part of the Ideas Expo in Gaborone, takes place on June 21 at the Faculty of Business on the campus of the University of Botswana.
“The ACAs are Botswana’s first advertising awards programme and have a major role to play in encouraging a culture of excellence across all communication disciplines,” says Moshapalo.
“It’s an honour to be asked to judge the work of our industry colleagues across the border and I look forward to seeing the entries and observing the growth of the industry in Botswana.”
Talk2Us talks to World Conference of the International Association of Business Communicators.
Daniel Munslow, a director at Talk2Us, a leading internal communication consultancy, will be presenting a paper titled “Strategic employee engagement: A 10-year case study” next week at the 2013 World Conference of the International Association of Business Communicators. This case study, implemented using the Talk2Us Brand Engagement Compass, demonstrates how broadcast communication can only deliver results when integrated to Rich and Social communication using a strategic approach with the ultimate objective being alignment of Human Capital to culture.
“It’s exciting to see Talk2Us on the world stage year after year, with Daniel doing what he does best, presenting what we do best. Brand Engagement, using Internal Communication as the enabler. Over the last two years, we have refined and re-launched our flagship product, The Brand Engagement Compass. The products in the Stewardship module have been much in demand and our latest ‘off the shelf’ module ENGAGE was designed specifically to assist leadership in companies to enhance their communication skills with employees and has been a winner with our clients,” says Linda Hamman, CEO of Talk2Us,.
“This, alongside our appointment as the exclusive resellers of SnapComms across the continent, has gone a long way in assisting our clients develop an effective IC landscape that covers all three of the essential elements, Broadcast, Rich and Social,” adds Hamman. “A 10-year case study of internal communication is not something many companies can speak about, and this is but one example of our longevity and strategic capability”.
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