Harry Herber, director of The MediaShop was awarded this year’s Media Agency Legend award while Continental Outdoor Media’s Adelaide McKelvey took the title of Media Owner Legend. Wayne Bishop, managing director of PHD Johannesburg, is 2014’s Media Agency Rising Star. The Legend and Rising Star awards are presented to individuals for outstanding contribution to the media industry. Names are submitted by respondents to independent web based research conducted by Freshly Ground Insights (FGI). These names are then considered by a panel of previous winners using selected criteria. Panelist votes are added to those from respondents, ensuring a thorough and rigorous process.
Media Agency Legend
The Media Agency Legend 2014 was awarded to Harry Herber, director and former group CEO of The MediaShop. This award is presented to a consistent performer with a strong reputation for transparency. The winner must have good media sector relationships, both internally and externally, and be an outstanding negotiator. Passion and commitment are key, as is the ability to lead change and innovation.
“I’m humbled and I’m flattered. I think you’re the sum of the people around you, so this goes to everyone else around me – my family, my work mates and my long-suffering wife,” Herber said at the awards.
Herber completed a BA in Classics and Anthropology, joining the media industry and BBDO in 1975. In 1980 he moved to The Grey Group where he stayed for 11 years rising to the position of deputy managing director. Harry was head hunted by FCB SA, which later purchased The MediaShop from founder Dick Reid, and was appointed as group CEO of the media agency in 1997, a role he remained in for 13 years until he handed over the reins to Chris Botha.
“Harry is a straight shooter with a brilliant business mind; his passion and warmth endear many to him. He has a remarkable ability to mentor with grace and aplomb,” one of the respondents commented.
Media Owner Legend
The Media Owner Legend award went to Adelaide McKelvey, managing director of Continental Outdoor Media’s Rest of Africa business. This award acknowledges a consistent performer who inspires others. The winner must be a wise leader, and mentor who believes in training and developing others. Involvement in the media sector is paramount, as is being a superb negotiator and setting the bar for future legends.
“Initially I thought that they’re either running out of legends or I’m getting old, one of the two. But I’m really, really chuffed. It’s obviously an honour and I’m really grateful to the people who voted for me. I’m looking forward to the next couple of years,” said McKelvey.
McKelvey started her career at Claude Neon, and in 1995 started her own signage service company. She joined CorpCom (now Continental Outdoor Media) in 1997 as a sales executive and has risen through the ranks to her current position as managing director rest of Africa. She has served as an alternate director to the board since 2007. Continental Outdoor Media now operates in 14 African countries including South Africa.
“Adelaide being confident, decisive, and self-assured has held her own superbly in this male dominated industry. She enjoys nurturing young women who show strength of character. She is dedicated, highly knowledgeable, efficient, capable, and determined to deliver,” says one of the respondents.
Chris Botha (The MediaShop) and Adelaide McKelvey (Continental Outdoor Media)
Media Agency Rising Star
The Media Agency Rising Star award went to Wayne Bishop, managing director of PHD Network Johannesburg. This award recognises a strong strategist with excellent planning skills. The winner must be destined to lead others, and committed to developing a profile in the media agency sector. It acknowledges a self-motivated and passionate individual who will challenge the status quo.
“It’s nice to get recognition from your peers in the industry. PHD was about five people last year and now we’re 11. You can’t really do it without your team. I think their support has made it that much sweeter,” Bishop said.
Bishop launched his career at OMD Media after completing his BComm degree at the University of Johannesburg. In 2005 he joined WPP’s Nota Bene as a strategist on the Unilever business. Wayne won the Roger Garlick Gold Award for best use of Radio.
In 2010, Bishop joined MEC in Sydney, Australia as business director, and was promoted to channel director two years later. His ambition is to develop the local industry to compete on a global level.
“He is passionate, motivated, hard-working, an innovative thinker, a great leader and strategist,” comments one of the respondents.
The panel of past winners in reviewing the nominations reserved the right not to present an award to Media Owner Rising Star this year.
Gustav Goosen (The SpaceStation) and Wayne Bishop (Rising Star)
