Media Moves… TheMediaOnline’s weekly round up. Alexander Leibner to head up ABN Productions. A new era for Draftfcb South Africa. Mxit appoints new key accounts manager. Mxit appoints media and marketing strategy manager. Familiar face appointed to corporate communications manager at General Motors. FOX International Channels appoints Vera Pinto Pereira as COO for Southern Europe And Africa. Networx PR wins new consumer show account. Artifact to drive Supa Quick’s 360 approach. Urbanhouse Media named PR partner to Farmyard Organics. Pilot POS chooses wiPlatform for mobile third party integrations. Shamik incorporates Z-CARD India into its marketing campaign. Jeep partners with the Warrior Race in 2014. Arnold Chatz Cars is official automotive partner of the Africa Energy Indaba. Red Flag is proud to announce Red Flag Digital. MasterCard partners with V&A Waterfront in sponsorship agreement
Who’s moved where
Alexander Leibner to head up ABN Productions
Business media group ABN has appointed Alexander Leibner as the new head of events company, ABN Productions, from January 2014. “Alexander brings a great depth of knowledge and experience in events and marketing and I’m delighted to have him on-board,” said ABN Group managing director, Roberta Naidoo.
Leibner has more than 10 years media experience across online, print, television and radio and is the former head of group marketing for Africa Business News, the holding company of CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa on the continent.
“I have been with the group since its inception, and it was a natural progression to apply my media and marketing experience to a business which blends the best of both worlds,” Leibner says.
ABN Productions kick starts the year with a high calibre Brand SA ‘thought Leadership Breakfast ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland, setting the tone for further premium events in 2014.
A new era for Draftfcb South Africa
Draftfcb South Africa has made a number of key appointments at the senior level, effective immediately, heralding a new era for the group. After 13 years with the business, chief creative officer for the group, Brett Morris will become chief executive officer of Draftfcb South Africa. Partnering with Morris is marketing and advertising veteran, Mohale Ralebitso, who comes on board as Group Chairman.
Commenting on the appointments, Draftfcb’s Worldwide Chief Executive Officer, Carter Murray, said, “The South African operation is one of the network’s star performers and I believe it is poised to reach even greater heights in 2014. Brett, with his strong creative reputation and intimate knowledge of the brands and business, is a perfect choice to lead the charge. Add to this the strength of someone as accomplished as Mohale, who has been a top agency leader and brings a wealth of client experience, and we have a formidable combination.”
For his part, Ralebitso is looking forward to coming on board and making a positive impact on the group’s business, as well as that of its clients. “The opportunity to work with an agency of Draftfcb’s calibre and its blue chip clients is one that truly fires up my imagination,” he said. It’s fantastic to have someone of Mohale’s calibre joining the group. We look forward to the experience he will bring from his time as a highly successful agency leader as well as curating some of the country’s biggest brands. I couldn’t be happier handing over the chairman role to a businessman of his calibre,” said outgoing Group Chairman, Nkwenkwe Nkomo.
Also taking up a new role is Graham Vivian, the group’s chief financial officer; he will become chief operating officer. “No agency can be great without great finance and operations. Graham’s operational and financial prowess is the backbone of our business and I know that he will help take the group from strength to strength,” commented Nkomo.
The changes follow current Group Chief Executive Officer, John Dixon’s, decision to join BrandsRock as a shareholder. Dixon will become CEO, effective 1 March. Nkomo will be moving into a non-executive role given his view to retiring in the near future.
For his part, Dixon is extremely satisfied to take leave of such a successful agency, and thrilled that it is Morris who is replacing him. “Much of Draftfcb’s business and creative success can be laid at Brett’s door. He truly understands the psyche of the South African consumer and what it takes to win the nation’s heart and soul. With him at the helm, the only way is up.”
Mxit appoints new key accounts manager
Returning from her tenure in Dubai, Samantha Billingham has been appointed as key accounts manager to the Johannesburg Mxit sales team. Billingham will be responsible for key accounts in the Johannesburg and Durban regions.
She has 10 years’ experience in South Africa and the Middle East, having been highly successful throughout her career.
“Having someone of Samantha’s calibre on board is a great coup for the Mxit team. We look forward to having her represent the Mxit brand,” says Andrew Kramer, Mxit VP sales.
Mxit appoints media and marketing strategy manager
Nicolette Gehlig has been appointed media and marketing strategy manager for Mxit’s Johannesburg sales team.
Gehlig has 10 years’ experience in media planning and strategy, having worked on numerous global brands including Kimberly Clarke.
“We’re delighted to welcome Nicolette to the Mxit team. She is an entrepreneurial thinker who will no doubt add value to the team, bringing with her a focus on the numbers and how the brand fits into the media mix,” says Andrew Kramer, Mxit VP sales.
Familiar face appointed to corporate communications manager at General Motors
Gishma Johnson has been appointed corporate communications manager at General Motors South Africa (GMSA) effective 1 January 2014.
A familiar face to the automotive industry, having worked for GMSA before, Johnson rejoins the company with a wealth of experience in communication, both internal and external. She will be responsible for corporate communication for the South African operation.
“In this highly competitive world it has become more and more important to protect the image of a company and its products, therefore I regard corporate communication as an essential aspect of a company’s strategy,” says Johnson.
Johnson, a qualified journalist, obtained her diploma from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
FOX International Channels appoints Vera Pinto Pereira as COO for Southern Europe And Africa
FOX International Channels Europe and Africa has announced the appointment of Vera Pinto Pereira as chief operating officer (COO) of FIC Southern Europe and Africa. With extensive experience within the pay-TV industry in Portugal, Pinto Pereira will assume a significant role in strengthening FIC’s existing relationships with its affiliate partners across the region, focusing also on new business opportunities.
Pinto Pereira will be based in FIC’s Lisbon office and will report to Adam Theiler, executive vice president for Southern Europe and Africa. She will also collaborate with Georgina Twiss, EVP Affiliate Distribution of FIC Europe & Africa
Who’s won what
Networx PR wins new consumer show account
After a busy 2013, Networx PR has kicked off the New Year by scoring an exciting piece of new business. UK based YourTech Media Limited has appointed Networx PR to create and drive a global communications campaign on behalf of its flagship property, YourTechLive, which is a new full-value-chain technology and electronics show.
The first of its kind in Africa, YourTechLive takes place in Sandton in November and aims to open up the world’s fastest growing electronic goods market to new suppliers. The show will, effectively, challenge industry complacency and prompt local action to give South African consumers what they know their counterparts in Europe and the US are already using.
Artifact to drive Supa Quick’s 360 approach
Artifact Advertising has announced it has won Supa Quick as a through-the-line client after an extensive pitch process. “Over the last year we have won 6 exciting accounts,” says Artifact’s MD, Andy Taoushiani. “Each requires different services and skills from our agency, some just needing our digital and social expertise and others more traditional services.”
The Supa Quick account now brings the tally up to seven and offers an impressive opportunity for the Artifact team.
“Being chosen by Supa Quick to take their brand to the next level and engineer their brand positioning is really exciting for us, and we look forward to paying back their faith in us’, says Bruce Anderson, Artifact’s creative director.
Urbanhouse Media named PR partner to Farmyard Organics
Leading KZN composting specialists, Farmyard Organics, have appointed Urban House Media to manage public relations and media communications in 2014.
Farmyard Organics, based outside Pietermaritzburg, are experts in premium compost and growing medium production offering growers, gardeners and farmers throughout KZN and the Eastern Cape a comprehensive range of 100% natural soil- enhancing products.
Urban House Media says it is excited to work with this dynamic company and look forward to meeting their publicity and communication needs.
Pilot POS chooses wiPlatform for mobile third party integrations
Pilot Software, developer and implementer of point of sale (POS) software and systems for the hospitality industry, is to streamline their mobile integration process, allowing customers to accept any mobile transaction through a simple API.
Pilot has selected wiGroup, a leading mobile transaction platform, to provide this service. Through the wiPlatform, Pilot’s clients will be able to accept any mobile transaction, from mobile coupons and vouchers, through to mobile rewards and loyalty programs, and mobile payments.
“There are many exciting and valuable third-party mobile transaction based applications being developed in the hospitality space, everything from mobile payments to loyalty, rewards, coupon and voucher schemes,” says Pilot Software MD Glenn Miller.
Shamik incorporates Z-CARD India into its marketing campaign
Shamik, a Mumbai-based real estate development company, was looking for a retainable and compact brochure that could incorporate pictures, have enough space to feature ten of its ongoing projects, and have a web driver that would direct buyers to its web page for more information.
“Z-CARD® India thus produced a six-panel, K-format Z-CARD® with a QR Code on the back cover to meet Shamik’s campaign objectives,” says Floyd Fernandes from Z-CARD® India, part of Z-CARD® Africa, India, Middle East and Turkey (ZAMI).
“We have launched, completed and delivered many state-of-the-art residential complexes, premium homes and impressive commercial facilities in and around the area,” confirms the company’s Marketing Manager, Rainier Lemos, marketing manager.
Two sets of business card Z-CARD®s were also produced for Shamik’s sales managers, with their details on the cover and the same project information inside.
Who’s making moves
Jeep partners with the Warrior Race in 2014
Chrysler South Africa (Pty) Ltd’s Jeep division has joined forces with the Warrior Race, South Africa’s newest and fastest growing sporting series. Since it’s in inception in February 2013 the immensely popular obstacle course racing phenomenon, the Warrior Race, has seen more than 40 000 participants taking part over eight events spanning four provinces.
According to Trent Barcroft, CEO of Chrysler SA, “The decision to partner with the Warrior Race is an absolutely brilliant fit for the Jeep Brand. Jeep represents freedom, passion, authenticity and adventure and these are all credentials that speak to the competitors of the Warrior Race perfectly. We are delighted to be the title sponsor in 2014 and are looking forward to a long relationship of mud, sweat and gears…”
Jeep South Africa’s title sponsorship means the series will be known as the Jeep Warrior Race in 2014.
Red Flag is proud to announce Red Flag Digital
Red Flag has integrated its social media management, content development, with a designer’s eye for the visual, and the basics of traditional publicity.
Now the company is offering clients complete technology solutions that close the circle on a truly 360-degree offering. “The incredible results that Red Flag delivers for clients, our passion for what we do, our creative and often ‘out-there’ approach, coupled with our attention to detail, will also be hallmarks of our digital offering,” the company says.
The digital division services include custom web development and mobisites, social media campaigns and content management, ecommerce, QR codes, Google Ads, mobile apps and everything in-between and turning it into a glorious Result-centric augmented reality.
Arnold Chatz Cars the official automotive partner of the Africa Energy Indaba
Africa’s premier annual energy event, the Africa Energy Indaba has announced that for the third year running, it is partnering with Fiat and Alfa Romeo specialist, Arnold Chatz Cars. This collaboration will see Arnold Chatz Cars sponsoring two eco-friendly Fiat 500s as the official vehicles of the Africa Energy Indaba that will take place on 18-20 February 2014 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Derik Scorer, owner and Dealer Principal at Arnold Chatz Cars says, “We are delighted to be associated with the Africa Energy Indaba for the third consecutive year. The Fiat 500 has become a symbol of style, safety and economy in the South African motoring market – we look forward to the popularity of this model growing.”
The Fiat 500 is a leading ecofriendly car with its 1.2 litre engine having a CO2 emission level below the taxable threshold, combined with plenty of power and a full house of standard extras including a three year full maintenance plan and warranty.
MasterCard partners with V&A Waterfront in sponsorship agreement
MasterCard has entered into a sponsorship agreement with Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, giving the company access and exposure to various joint marketing and branding activities and events and a platform to highlight MasterCard’s Priceless Africa campaign launched in 2013.
“MasterCard is pleased to announce its partnership with the iconic V&A Waterfront, which will serve as a further enabler of our Priceless Africa platform. Priceless Africa brings MasterCard cardholders exclusive access to a wide selection of dining, entertainment and shopping deals, making the V&A the perfect partner to bring even more unique experiences and offerings to our cardholders,” said Nadine Mouton, vice president for Marketing, MasterCard, South Africa. “We look forward to a mutually beneficial and successful collaboration.”
MasterCard will benefit from its association with one of South Africa’s most treasured and valuable shopping destinations, while various campaigns directed at cardholders will increase footfall and generate increased awareness of the facilities on offer at the V&A Waterfront.
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