Media Moves… TheMediaOnline’s weekly round up. Doman the new editor of Popular Mechanics. Former professional footballer joins e.tv’s Sunrise. Added Value strengthens director team. New staff appointed at Moving Tactics SA. Mishal Mookrey hosts new SABC2 show Mela. Webfluential and The SpaceStation link up. 2.2 beats London and local agency to win Gilbey’s Ghana. Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty partners with Clockwork Media. Jack Daniels selects Glamcam again. Kove Collection chooses Greater Than as lead communications agency. Phoenix Distribution wins Logitech distribution rights. Airport Ads announces strategic partnership with Thomson Reuters. Mortimer Harvey expands into Africa and the Middle East, offering full go-to-market services.
This week’s BIG move: Publicis Groupe Acquires MACHINE
Publicis Groupe has announced the acquisition of award winning MACHINE, the South African integrated advertising agency. The agency will merge with Publicis South Africa and align with Publicis Worldwide.
Founded in 2012, MACHINE is one of South Africa’s largest independent communications agencies with over 150 employees, offering a combination of award-winning creativity, compelling consumer insights and leading digital capabilities. The agency is represented in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, with specialist talent across four core pillars: Narrative (content marketing), Incentiv (loyalty and rewards), Answered (research), and Moon Walk (public relations).
The agency has won many awards, including Loeries, Assegai Awards, Bookmarks, a Clio, Cannes Lion, and D&AD Award, and was also named Breakthrough Agency of the Year 2013 by AdReview. MACHINE works with a variety of local and international clients, including Red Bull, Nando’s, SABMiller, Sanlam Reality, and Peermont Hotels & Casinos. It has also recently won the business of Jaguar Land Rover and Auto & General insurance.
MACHINE will merge with Publicis South Africa, the new entity being rebranded as Publicis Machine. CEO Adrian Hewlett will continue his role in the agency, reporting into Kevin Tromp, CEO of Publicis Sub-Saharan Africa for Publicis Worldwide.
Arthur Sadoun, CEO of Publicis Worldwide, said, “With the acquisition of MACHINE following the one of Prima, in such a strategic country for our client’s business, we are ever more strengthening our digital capabilities to be the preferred partner of our clients in their own digital transformation”.
“Publicis Worldwide is thrilled to join forces with a young, successful agency that has a dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit that only a young agency can. MACHINE’s exciting portfolio of clients and unique culture, combined with the experience and scale of Publicis Worldwide will ensure the new agency’s growth into a powerhouse, geared for the future of communication in Africa,” Tromp added.
Who’s moved where
Doman new editor of Popular Mechanics
Seasoned journalist and current deputy editor Anthony Doman will pick up the editorial reins at South Africa’s leading science and technology brand on 1 October with the retirement of founding editor Alan Duggan, who has held the position since Popular Mechanics was launched locally in August 2002 – the centenary year of the eponymous American title.
Publisher Neil Piper described Doman’s appointment as “well deserved and entirely appropriate”, adding, “As part of a small but highly experienced team, Anthony’s contribution to the magazine, its digital channels and brand extensions has been critical to its success. His appointment crowns a 20-year career with RamsayMedia and signals a new phase in the life story of this award-winning title. We wish him every success.”
Said Doman, “I’d like to pay tribute to outgoing editor Alan Duggan for having crafted a uniquely South African offering that, besides being entertaining and thought-provoking, is an absolute blast to work on. I fully intend to keep that vibe going.” That aside, the new man’s immediate goals include boosting Popular Mechanics’ consumer tech and DIY coverage.
Former professional footballer joins e.tv’s Sunrise
Who better to talk sports than a professional sportsman? Sunrise, e.tv’s breakfast lifestyle show, has secured former Supersport United midfielder, Mark Haskins, as the new sports anchor. Haskins went on air on Monday.
An excellent communicator, with a strong command of both English and Afrikaans, he believes that coupled with his passion for sports, he is well poised to work in the sports media and broadcasting industry and make a meaningful contribution to the industry.
“It is a daunting change of scenery but I’ve always enjoyed a challenge and I love pushing boundaries. e.tv and particularly the Sunrise team have made the transition a whole lot easier. I fully commit to anything I work on and I will be giving my very best to be relevant on this platform and make a positive difference,” said Haskins. Mark has vast knowledge in many sporting codes, as he holds provincial colours in Hockey. He is not new to the world of broadcast television. He has worked as an analyst during the 2014 World Cup and was an Ambassador for the 1Goal initiative launched during the 2010 World Cup.
Added Value strengthens director team
Strategic marketing consultancy, Added Value South Africa, has strengthened its team of directors with the promotion of Camilla Fanning to associate director: grand.
After graduating with a BCom (Marketing) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Fanning worked in London for two years before returning to Johannesburg. Here she joined Kraft foods as an assistant brand manager and spent six years as part of the team that turned around the ailing business. When Fanning left to join Added Value, she had already spent several years as Senior Brand Manager.
Since joining Added Value in 2010, Fanning has led numerous strategic branding projects across a variety of categories and markets. With her strong classical marketing background in FMCG, and a passion for sustainability and incorporating it into brand strategies to create a competitive advantage, Fanning has much to contribute to the Added Value team and business.
Mishal Mookrey hosts new SABC2 show Mela
Television enthusiasts interested in all things Indian can now tune in to SABC2 every Sunday for the brand new show, Mela. Co-presented by the popular Mishal Mookrey, he says that Mela will provide entertaining content like no other show.
“It’s such an exciting show, creating a virtual venue for anyone whose heart, mind or imagination is captured by the East. It’s far more than a lifestyle show – rather a platform for rising stars, established heroes and anyone who aspires to add quality to life. Mela has a colourful Indian look, feel and flavour – but is also a gathering of the extended South African family. Think Indian food, fashion, arts and lifestyle…”
New staff appointed at Moving Tactics SA
Moving Tactics, the South African digital signage solutions company, has recently appointed Kim Kirby, Clare Pepper, Jade Wilson and Candice Newton to augment their already high-performing teams in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
In Cape Town, Kirby and Pepper join the team as graphic designer and project manager/PA respectively.
In Johannesburg, Moving Tactics has employed Jade Wilson as content administrator and Candice Newton as the office administrator.
Cathay Pacific appoints new country manager for South Africa
Cathay Pacific has appointed Rakesh Raicar as its country manager for South Africa and Indian Ocean. Raicar has relocated to Johannesburg from India, and will lead the airline’s operations in South Africa and Indian Ocean.
Raicar joined Cathay Pacific in 1992 and prior to moving to South Africa, held the position of Regional Sales and Marketing Manager for South Asia.
In short
iquidlingo has partnered with research company, WhyFive Insights, to look after all their PR requirements.
Who’s won what
Webfluential and The SpaceStation link up
Webfluential, the web platform that connects brands with consumers via credible social influencers, has entered into an exclusive partnership with Naspers’ lead digital media sales company, The SpaceStation, in a move that highlights the growing importance of influencer marketing in the advertising and marketing mix.
The deal gives The SpaceStation the ability to offer an expanded range of advertising solutions to its clients in South Africa and further afield on the African continent.
The SpaceStation will now offer advertorial and social content to augment their display media solutions. In turn, influencers registered on Webfluential will benefit from exposure to the numerous brands The SpaceStation works with, linking them with more opportunities to work closely with brands looking to engage with specific audiences.
The SpaceStation currently represents more than 60 of Africa’s favourite websites, mobi-sites and mobile apps. By partnering with Webfluential and its registered users, The SpaceStation is now able to give its clients access to a wide resource of influencers on the African continent, whose reach, resonance and relevance have been determined by Webfluential’s algorithms and data analysis.
Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty partners with Clockwork Media
Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, the realtor of prestige properties in South Africa, has appointed Clockwork Media to manage its social media.
“We are excited to have partnered up with such an aspirational brand,” says Clockwork Media head of digital Luke Gray. “Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty intimately understands the necessity of engagement over vanity metrics in the digital space.”
The Sotheby’s name has been involved in the sale of many of the most exclusive properties in the world. According to Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty CEO Jason Rohde, the campaign will present a media-rich journey of some of these extraordinary homes, as well as décor and design content.
The campaign has already seen incredible early growth in social media engagement and is on track to meeting its long-term targets.
2.2 beats London and local agency to win Gilbey’s Ghana.
Part of the FoxP2 Group, BTL agency, 2.2 has recently been appointed to the Gilbey’s Ghana account. 2.2, which also services local, South Africa based clients, was awarded the business after a fiercely contested three-way pitch that saw 2.2 pitted against the incumbent London-based agency as well as a local Ghanaian team.
“For 2.2 to win a Ghana-based client against both local and international competition is a huge achievement for our agency. Our creatively-led thinking is deeply rooted in relevant cultural insights and this approach gives us the edge, even against locally-based shops and bigger competitors,” says 2.2 managing partner, Mark Van Rooyen.,
After working on a number of campaigns across the continent, one thing is clear to 2.2 creative partner, Doug Larter, “Africa is incredibly diverse and while there are a lot of similarities there are many important differences between markets and audiences. The trick is to understand and respect those unique differences, rather than view Africa as one homogenous market, a trap many South African and European based agencies fall into.”
Jack Daniels selects Glamcam again
Primedia Unlimited’s Glamcam business has again been selected as the preferred below-the-line medium to promote Jack Daniels’ Music Scouts campaign.
Jack Daniels is in search of those, who like Jack Daniel, possess a fiery spirit and passion for what they do. Those who want to live their story, their way. A nationwide talent search is underway to recruit and retain 25 to 34-year-old DJs, artists and bands who have gritty lyrics, cross-fades and 808 beats that have been caged up in garages and left on street corners for far too long.
Jack Daniels’ music scouts – TBO Touch, DJ Ganyani and Khuli Chana – will judge the best entries and the top three artists will battle it out on 5 December in Joburg’s Turbine Hall to win a trip to the Miami Music Conference in March 2015.
Artists nationwide will be invited to take part via Metro FM and a point-of-sale and digital campaign and can upload their demos to www.jackscouts.co.za, where consumers will be able to vote for their favourite artists. Consumers can also vote via Twitter with #jackscouts and stand a chance to win a trip to the Miami Music Conference.
Kove Collection chooses Greater Than as lead communications agency
Kove Collection, a portfolio vibrant hospitality venues, has appointed Greater Than to manage their public relations and communications of the groups’ hotels, bars and restaurants.
“With the business growing rapidly internationally as well as locally, we needed a reputable and strong partner to assist in continuing to build our brand’s superior reputation. Greater Than’s innovative approach to communications mirrors our business approach and we are excited to embark on this adventure together,” says Paul Kovensky, Kove Collection owner.
Today Kovensky’s Portfolio of Abundance comprises of boutique hotels: The Alphen in Constantia and The Marly in Camps Bay as well as restaurants Paranga, Zenzero, Umi, la Belle Camps Bay, The Bungalow, Pepenero, 5 Rooms, The Rose Bar, la Belle Constantia. In June 2014 Paul also welcomed Kurobuta in London to his portfolio, serving contemporary world-class Japanese cuisine.
Phoenix Distribution wins Logitech distribution rights
Phoenix Distribution, Africa’s leading broad based IT distributor, has inked a distribution deal with peripherals vendor Logitech. The terms of the deal will see Phoenix distributing Logitech’s flagship offerings including mice, keyboards, web cams, speakers and notebook accessories, in South Africa and across the African continent.
Phoenix currently covers software publishing, localisation and distribution across multiple territories in Africa, in multiple languages.
Simon Campbell-Young, CEO of Phoenix Distribution, says the partnership will grow Logitech’s presence in SA and the continent as a whole. “Phoenix has offices and warehouses placed in strategic regions on the continent, and is perfectly placed to grow the Logitech brand. Our industry knowledge, as well as our vast expertise in growing vendor brands, have informed a strategy that we know will cement Logitech’s reputation as the leading name in peripherals in Africa.”
Who’s making moves
Airport Ads announces strategic partnership with Thomson Reuters
Provantage Media Group’s hugely successful airport.tv™ has recently partnered with Thomson Reuters, the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. Thomson Reuters will be providing the airport.tv™ audience with RSS feeds of up to date news, financial indicators, international content and more.
Airport.tv™ features in ten airports across South Africa and has become the go to channel, within the airport environment, for local and international news, sports, weather as well as lifestyle and entertainment features. The digital channel offers a captive audience of both business and leisure travellers who enjoy the channel for its news, information and entertainment value.
“The strategic partnership with Thomson Reuters will bring to airport.tv™ a bias towards international news as well as RSS feeds that will provide travellers, and especially business travellers, with the information they need to make informed decisions in the business world. Through the partnership we will also be featuring up to date HD videos of interesting stories from around the globe to share with local passengers. We are extremely excited to be bringing fresh, new, international content to our viewers,” says Mzukisi Deliwe, Airport Ads director.
Mortimer Harvey expands into Africa and the Middle East, offering full go-to-market services
Mortimer Harvey, a Johannesburg-based, full-service, integrated communications agency, has announced its expansion into Africa and the Middle East with the launch of Mortimer Harvey Africa Middle East and the opening of a regional office in Cairo, Egypt.
Breaking ground as the first independent agency in South Africa to open an office in the region, Mortimer Harvey has also extended its portfolio to offer a full go-to-market service.
With over 12 years’ experience in Africa and the Middle East, Thibaud Weick, CEO of Mortimer Harvey Africa Middle East and Hazem El Senoussi, managing director of Mortimer Harvey Africa Middle East – Egypt, will be based in Cairo. Mariette Nebuloni, business director of Mortimer Harvey Africa Middle East – South Africa, will be based in Johannesburg.
Andrew Fradd, group managing director of Mortimer Harvey, says that the agency’s over 80-strong team in South Africa has built a reputation for delivering true 360o solutions, covering all aspects of advertising and marketing including digital, interactive, direct, public relations and media liaison, as well as events and promotions.
Agency clients include Absa, Altech Autopage Cellular, Avios, Barclays Africa, Smile Communications and the University of Johannesburg, among others.
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