Media Moves… TheMediaOnline’s weekly round up. Media24 announces new magazine chief. Neo@Ogilvy SA appoints Nic van den Bergh as commercial head. Clockwork Media drives business unusual in repositioning Mimecast South Africa. Conversation LAB wins more retail business with Leather Gallery. GCIS looking for advertising copywriter. Retroviral launches Retromedia, a new online media buying agency. TBWA\HUNT\LASCARIS Cape Town invites change via PocketMedia. PEAR, Intranews merger heralds change for SA monitoring and analysis landscape. Dentsu Aegis Network enters into joint venture with Media Fuse in Nigeria. Eventerprise: Connecting the World of Events. New digital magazine from RS Components. takealot.com announces headline sponsorship of Cape Town 10s 2015
This week’s BIG move: Media24 announces new magazine chief
Charlene Beukes (45), general manager of Media24 Magazines’ weekly titles, has been appointed chief executive of Media24 Magazines, the company announced in a statement. She takes over from John Relihan who retires at the end of August.
Beuke’s extensive experience of the publishing industry and in-depth knowledge of Media24′s many magazine brands made her the obvious choice for the job, Media24, CEO Esmaré Weideman says. “She has the right mix of business acumen, drive and leadership to take the division forward. I am really looking forward to working closely with her. We have a great portfolio of magazine brands, some very exciting digital properties and a fabulous team. I am confident Charlene will steer them to even greater heights.”
Beukes, who has a B.Com degree and has worked for the group for more than two decades, has left her mark in nearly every division in the wider group. She started in the Beeld advertising sales team in 1989 and has held sales, marketing and management positions across Magazines, 24.com and MWeb. Relihan says she has built a legacy of highly successful firsts and turned around many ailing businesses. “She has gained the respect of Media24’s most senior editors and biggest advertisers.”
Weideman paid tribute to Relihan, with whom she has worked closely for more than a decade. “He has made an incredible contribution to the magazine division and to Media24,” she said. “John is a visionary and the changes that he has made over the past years has positioned the division well for the future. We will miss him dearly.”
Minette Ferreira, currently the general manager of Media24’s news operations in the north, will replace Beukes as head of Media24’s Weekly Magazine division. Ferreira has worked for the company in many editorial capacities, including as managing editor of Daily Sun under Deon du Plessis. She became general manager of Daily Sun and Sunday Sun in 2010, later adding City Press, Rapport and Beeld to her portfolio.
Fergus Sampson, CEO of Media24 News, said Minette’s appointment was a big gain for the magazine division, but a huge loss for News. “We will miss her and wish her well.”
Who’s moved where
Neo@Ogilvy SA appoints Nic van den Bergh as commercial head
Neo@Ogilvy South Africa, the media and performance-marketing business of Ogilvy & Mather (O&M), has appointed Nic van den Bergh as head of commercial.
A 12-year veteran in the media industry, Van den Bergh’s primary responsibility will be to develop mobile marketing projects that leverage both Neo@Ogilvy and Strike Media on a national basis, as well as collaborate with Ogilvy & Mather Cape Town client, WeChat, to enable O&M and Neo@Ogilvy clients to develop a meaningful presence on the WeChat platform.
Mia Scholtz, managing director of Neo@Ogilvy SA, believes the company and its clients are fortunate to have him on board. “We will feel the effects immediately because Nic is known as a thought-leader in the digital media space and has a focus on innovation, strong senior client relationships and collaboration.”
Chief innovation officer joins Kagiso Media Limited
Vincent Maher has been appointed as chief innovation officer (CINO) at Kagiso Media Limited, a Kagiso Tiso Holdings company. Maher brings with him a wealth of expertise having worked in the online media industry since 1996, across a range of businesses and sectors.
Maher was the co-founder of mobile community specialists, Motribe. When Motribe was acquired by major social network Mxit, in 2012, he took on the role of chief product officer at Mxit. While there Maher spearheaded the social network’s migration from feature phones to smart phones.
Maher has also held the position of strategist at the Mail & Guardian Online and of co-founder of the blog search engine and article aggregator Amatomu.com. He also enjoyed stints as the Director of the New Media Lab at the Rhodes University School of Journalism & Media Studies and the Managing Director of Digital Commerce and Multimedia Director at VWV Interactive.
Who’s won what
Clockwork Media drives business unusual in repositioning Mimecast South Africa
Mimecast South Africa has appointed Clockwork Media to manage its communications account as of 1 August 2014. It will be business unusual for the IT company, as Clockwork Media’s strategy dives into the heart of Mimecast’s service offering to represent the brand across the business and technology sectors.
Chiefly Clockwork Media will be responsible for repositioning Mimecast’s public relations, digital and content presence as the company continues its rapid expansion throughout Africa.
“Mimecast is a prime example of a leading technology vendor that is doing things differently. From humble beginnings, the group has grown into a force on the world’s stage. We are excited to be a part of Mimecast’s continued growth in South Africa and its expansion into the continent” says Tom Manners, managing director of Clockwork Media.
Mimecast is an established and well-respected brand, not only in the South African email management and security space, but also in the international space. Mimecast is helping to make the business IT environment more productive and secure for end users who work across the world and across multiple devices.
Conversation LAB wins more retail business with Leather
Full service creative agency, Conversation LAB, has won the Leather Gallery retail account. Add this to their other retail business such as Mr Price Sport, Beaver Canoe and Style Clothing, which they run in countries across Africa.
Leather Gallery operates six stores across KwaZulu-Natal selling a full range of high-quality furniture, including locally manufactured leather and wood products. The company is looking to expand into Africa and eCommerce, and has appointed Conversation LAB to develop and execute full through the line communication strategies and overhaul the brand. This will include a strong push in eCommerce, supported by search marketing, print and radio.
Work will begin immediately with strategic and brand overhaul with new campaign activity to land in early August
Unisa appointed by President Obama to drive Leadership Initiative in South Africa
The University of South Africa (Unisa) has been appointed the leader of an education alliance tasked with running the South African centre of US President Barack Obama’s Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI). Unisa’s roles in this regard will be to provide quality expertise in governance and leadership training and entrepreneurship support.
President Obama announced the expansion of the Young African Leadership Initiative at a summit with 500 young African leaders this week. The YALI initiative was launched in 2010 with the objective of supporting an emerging generation of African leaders as they work to drive economic growth, enhance democratic governance and strengthen the civil society structures that will help the continent to grow and prosper.
Prof Mandla Makhanya, principal and vice chancellor of Unisa, says the appointment reaffirms the stature and leadership excellence of the University and the significant role that the institution will be playing in the economic, social and political reshaping of the African continent.
What’s out there
GCIS looking for advertising copywriter
Government Communications and Information Systems is looking for an advertising copywriter. The candidate should have an appropriate Communications, Advertising or relevant copywriting qualification and minimum of three years experience in advertising copywriting.
The applicant would be tasked with:
Writing clear and creative copy (taglines, catchphrases, messages and straplines, scripts, etc) for multiple mediums, i.e. print, online, radio and TV; Interpreting briefs; developing creative ideas and concepts; presenting ideas to colleagues and clients. Collaborate with graphic designers, radio and video producers in the development of creative campaigns; Assisting with proofreading, amending, revising or redeveloping material in response to feedback from the creative director or clients; Candidate must be able to work on multiple campaigns at once, sometimes under pressure and often to tight deadlines. Must be willing to work overtime; Have full command of Microsoft Office tools: and be able to conduct project-related research.
Applications must be submitted on Form Z83, obtainable from any Public Service department and be accompanied by a comprehensive CV and certified copies of qualifications, drivers license and ID document. Suitable candidates will be subjected to a personnel suitability check (criminal record, citizenship, credit record checks, qualification verification and employment verification).
Applications can be directed to the CEO of Government Communication and Information System, Private Bag X745, Pretoria, 0001, for attention Mr S Matshageng or hand deliver to 1035 Tshedimosetso House, Francis Baard Street.
For Attention: Mr S Matshageng
Please also provide a portfolio or body of evidence with your application.
Enquiries: Ms Rachel Sekhu (012) 473 0254
Who’s making moves
Retroviral launches Retromedia, a new online media buying agency
Retroviral, the award-winning online communications agency, has launched Retromedia, a new, independent media buying agency that specialises in getting brands’ content seen by the right audiences online. Headed by Kirsty Sharman, there are plans to grow the paid media team aggressively over the next 18 months.
“Retroviral has established a solid reputation for effectively seeding earned and owned media for our clients. We believe there is a huge gap for an online media buying agency that understands the value of leads, sales and actions – rather than selling unnoticed impressions to people who aren’t interested in a brand’s content,” says Sharman, who joined the Retroviral team in 2012.
Many of the targeting methods and options that Retromedia uses to allocate its clients’ online media budgets to were built with learnings from international markets – however they have been structured and adapted to suit the local environment of each country in which Retromedia operates.
PEAR, Intranews merger heralds change for SA monitoring and analysis landscape
Professional Evaluation and Research (PEAR) has announced its takeover of broadcast monitoring agency Intranews Media Management with effect from 1 September 2014. This will provide clients with an integrated agency that leverages the skills and experience of industry veterans with innovative service offerings that cover the range of broadcast, print, online, and social monitoring and analysis.
“PEAR has quickly discerned itself in the market as a media monitoring, research, and analysis agency that works strategically with clients to provide innovative solutions at the highest standards with a focus on customer service and forward thinking methodologies. As one of the most holistic agencies it makes complete sense to grow with the Intranews Media Management takeover,” says Heinrich Nel, chief financial officer of PEAR.
Intranews Media Management has established itself through industry veterans, Jane Duminy and Greg Forsythe, as one of the leading broadcast monitoring agencies in South Africa. This has been based on a similar vision to that of PEAR – one that focuses on a quality offering and the highest level of customer service.
Dentsu Aegis Network enters into joint venture with Media Fuse in Nigeria
Dentsu Aegis Network hasannounced that it has entered into a joint venture agreement in Nigeria with full-service media agency Media Fuse Ltd. In line with Dentsu Aegis Network’s expansion plans and ongoing investment into the African market, Media Fuse will operate as Media Fuse Dentsu Aegis Network, joining the strong network of Dentsu Aegis Network brands in Sub-Saharan Africa: Carat, iProspect, Isobar, Posterscope and Vizeum.
Media Fuse Dentsu Aegis Network will be led by Media Fuse’s CEO, Emeka Okeke, an expert on Africa’s converging media and digital landscape, having worked extensively across the West African countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, Cote D’ Ivoire, Sierra-Leone, Gambia and Liberia.
Emeka and his team of 25 specialists bring to the partnership a known market reputation, passion for the industry and a vision to grow clients’ brands locally and now internationally through the partnership with Dentsu Aegis Network. Established associations between Media Fuse and the Carat-Adams affiliates in Ghana and Senegal, as well as relationships with key Dentsu Aegis Network global clients, highlights the immediate strengths and opportunities of the new partnership.
”I have worked alongside Emeka for five years and value his drive, integrity and ability to attract and build a great team around him. I have no doubt that this joint venture will create a powerhouse in West Africa for the Dentsu Aegis Network” said Dawn Rowlands, CEO Dentsu Aegis Network Sub-Saharan Africa.
Eventerprise: Connecting the World of Events
Eventerprise is a groundbreaking online subscription network for the global events industry – the first of its kind in the world. Coming to South Africa in October, Eventerprise aims to connect those who are hosting, staging and arranging events of any kind with those providing the very best products, venues and services.
Charlie Wright and Götz Thümeke, who are the driving force behind the Eventerprise initiative in South Africa, have more than 50 years of combined experience in the international events, sales and strategic marketing arenas.
“Eventerprise is all about taking the power of ‘word of mouth’ and multiplying up so event buyers can make the right supplier choices with complete confidence. Our brand depends on the quality of the suppliers we list, so we take absolutely no chances,” Wright says.
New digital magazine from RS Components
RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the world’s leading high service distributor of electronics and maintenance products, has released the first edition of its DesignSpark Automation & Control magazine, a new digital publication aimed at machine and panel builders.
Published in iPad, Android, Kindle and PDF page-turner formats, the magazine reports on the latest developments in the automation and control sector, including new products and technologies, as well as directing readers to free, time-saving online resources from RS such as the company’s DesignSpark Mechanical 3D design software, and 3D model libraries. Published in four languages (English, German, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese), this is the first RS publication to offer a free digital news service in multiple languages to the machine and panel building community.
To coincide with the magazine’s launch, a new free-to-download mobile app that delivers regular news alerts directly to smartphones and other portable devices has been introduced and is now available from online app stores. The app will bring updates on industry legislation, highlight health and safety issues and provide a quick look ahead to featured articles in upcoming issues of the magazine.
TBWA\HUNT\LASCARIS Cape Town invites change via PocketMedia
TBWA\HUNT\LASCARIS\ Cape Town has selected a PocketMedia Solutions’ Changer – which has a front cover with a tab which is pulled to reveal different messages – to officially launch its offering, TBWA Coastal, to the Eastern Cape business community. “Our philosophy is based on a simple observation. If you stay in the middle of the road, you get run over both ways. Mediocre work always leaves you (and your client) with a sense of what might have been,” says the agency’s managing director, Tim Culley.
TBWA\HUNT\LASCARIS Cape Town has established its presence in Port Elizabeth, and in East London, via a JV agency with Sondlo and Knopp Advertising. The company’s anchor clients in the region are ECDC and Spar.
“On the back of this we are officially launching the TBWA offering to the rest of the Eastern Cape business community via two functions, one in East London on 5 August and one in Port Elizabeth on 6 August, as we continue to grow our footprint,” says Culley.
“We were thus looking for an innovative invitation to send to our guests and selected the PocketMedia® Changer, of which two versions were produced, one for each event. The Changer is the ideal medium to use for the invitation as it shows a progression – a before and an after – which explains our concept for the invite which is to ‘Discover Distinction’ with TBWA,” he adds.
takealot.com announces headline sponsorship of Cape Town 10s 2015
Fast growing online retailer takealot.com has signed on as the official headline sponsor of the rapidly growing Cape Town 10s for 2015. The world’s biggest 10s tournament, now known as takealot.com Cape Town 10s will return to Hamilton’s Rugby Club for their seven year anniversary on 6 and 7 February 2015.
Commenting on the decision to sponsor the event, Kim Reid, CEO of takealot.com said, “We are very excited to be associated with the Cape Town 10s. It’s an event that shares similar brand characteristics to our own, being fun, young, innovative, dynamic and most importantly customer focused.”
“Our ambition is to create a lasting association with the event, add value to participants and spectators alike while having fun and converting a few more people to the only way to shop, and that’s online with takealot.com” he added.
“We are excited about the partnership with takealot.com and believe this will take the event to a whole new level”, says Rob Fleck, 10s co-founder. “We only hope to strengthen this relationship over the next few years and to establish the takealot.com 10s as one of the biggest social sporting events in South Africa, as well as abroad”.
Launched in 2009, by rugby legends, Bob Skinstad and Rob Fleck, the Cape Town 10s is now the biggest ten-a-side tournament in world rugby.
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