Media Moves… TheMediaOnline’s weekly round up. Sweeping appointments at Independent Media. New head of advertising sales for Media24 Lifestyle. Samantha Morgan now editor of Environmental Management magazine. Paula Hulley steps ups as Gloostad MD. New faces, new places at Ole! Media Group. Gijima strengthenes board, appoints Hoggarth as a board member. Moving Tactics appoints dynamic content strategist. Amplicon Public Relations has been appointed PR agency for the Superbalist.com brand. Swaziland Tourism Authority appoints local experts to raise profile in SA. SA hellopeter.com platform acquired by consortium of entrepreneurs. Lange Strategic Communications extends capabilities in Africa. Pondering Panda took mobile research insights to Belgium. Spintelligent launches training academy
This week’s BIG move/s
Sweeping appointments at Independent Media
Ryland Fisher has been announced as the resident editor of the Independent Media’s Sunday publications in the Western Cape. Unathi Kondile as the new editor of the Group’s vernacular publication in the Eastern Cape and Lutfia Vayej has been appointed as group executive for branding, marketing and communication, Independent Media announced this week.
Fisher is a former editor of Cape Times and The New Age, and was assistant editor of the Sunday Times. His experience in the media industry extends across all media platforms, including broadcast, online, books and events. Unathi Kondile was at UCT where he taught new media elective courses to undergraduate and post-graduate students.
Lutfia Vayej is the former head of communication for Media24. She will be responsible for the rollout of Independent Media’s new corporate identity, the consolidation of marketing initiatives and the establishment of an internal and external communication function for the Group.
“The appointment of key people who are experts in their respective fields is central to our strategy to re-position Independent Media as a leading content, multi-platform media company”, said executive chairman, Dr Iqbal Survé.
“I believe that many people have bought into our vision. We’ve attracted several senior people from the country’s top media houses who want to be part of the new Independent Media”, said Survé.
He also emphasised the company’s transformation goals, which will focus on diversity, merit and development
Last week, Kevin Ritchie, currently acting editor of The Star, was appointed editor of the publication. Wally Mbhele will take up the position of editor at large for the Group’s Sunday publications and Mazwi Xaba was appointed deputy editor of the Sunday Tribune.
Ritchie, who will be at the helm of one of the Group’s flagship publications, is a veteran of Independent Media. He is a former editor of the Diamond Fields Advertiser (DFA) in Kimberley and managing editor of the Saturday Star. His previous position was as The Star’s deputy editor.
Mbhele, a seasoned journalist who has held various editorial positions at several publications including City Press and Sunday Times has worked as a newspaper journalist for over 20 years. In 1999, Mbhele was named co-recipient of the Outstanding Journalism Award, which was presented to him by late President Nelson Mandela on behalf of the Foreign Correspondents’ Association. Mbhele received further professional accolades when in 2005, he was named co-recipient of the Mondi Shanduka Award for Best Commentary and Analysis. He has worked as an independent media and communications consultant for the past two years.
Xaba is a former editor of Independent’s popular brand of isiZulu newspapers, Isolezwe. He was among the founding editorial leadership who oversaw its growth from its launch in 2002. Xaba also had a stint in Johannesburg as editor in chief of the Daily Sun and Sunday Sun in 2012 and then as content editor at The New Age.
Who’s moved where
New head of advertising sales for Media24 Lifestyle
Yvonne Shaff has been appointed the new head of advertising sales for Media24 Lifestyle (publisher of Media24’s magazines), effective 1 December.
“We’re excited to welcome Yvonne aboard as a permanent member of the team. She is one of the most highly respected personalities in media advertising sales in the country, and has an exceptional track record with multiple sales awards on her shelf,” said Charlene Beukes, general manager of the lifestyle division.
“Yvonne is unfailingly dedicated to the medium. A tough, but fair negotiator and a much loved manager, she is the perfect candidate to lead the team in tackling both the challenges and opportunities we face.”
Schaff’s appointment rings in a new chapter in a 24 year career that has included heading sales teams at Readers’ Digest and Associated Media. As an independent advertising sales consultant for the past seven years, she has been working on several brands and brand extensions for Media24. These include the annual jewellery, watches and luxury goods glossy Shine/Skitter, and the bridal annuals.
When Media24 launched Grazia SA almost three years ago, Yvonne took the position of advertising director. The unprecedented growth in advertising revenues bagged her the Media24 lifestyle sales manager of the year Award at the publisher’s recent annual Excellence Awards, with the Grazia sales team receiving the sales team of the year award.
Samantha Morgan now editor of Environmental Management magazine
Samantha Morgan has been appointed editor of Southern Africa’s leading sustainability publication, Environmental Management magazine.
A respected name in the media industry, Morgan is also editor on the well-known laboratory business publication, Analytical Reporter Africa, and brings a wealth of experience to Environmental Management magazine.
Sandra Ladas, publishing manager at New Media Publishing, which produces Enviromental Management, says “Samantha’s expertise in the industry of business journals as well as her passion for people is already taking Environmental Management into a new era.”
Morgan said she is already thoroughly captivated in the word of environmental management. “This publication is so much about what we, as people, can do to help the environment in which we live flourish. As Mahatma Gandhi said: What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another.”
Paula Hulley steps ups as Gloostad MD
Gloo has appointed Paula Hulley as managing director of its Cape Town business. Hulley was one of the first people to join Gloo in 2006 and has moved through the ranks to her current position, after working in the account management team. Her previous role was deputy MD, which she held for two years.
“Paula has been instrumental in Gloo Cape Town’s growth over the last six years. She epitomises our culture and values, and drives a perfect blend of operational know-how alongside leadership skills. I’m very excited that we’re able to keep growing her value inside the business – and wish her success in the new role,” Pete Case said.
Under Gloo’s recent restructure, Gloo Cape Town will operate autonomously inside and outside the Ogilvy & Mather South Africa group with Hulley continuing to oversee the key client relationships as well as helping drive the strategy of the Cape Town business – alongside the wider leadership team.
The Cape Town office has recently won new business with both Virgin Active, further developing their online acquisition and retention based strategies, as well as AFB, a pan-African financial services provider, assisting with their online communications development. The Cape Town portfolio of work continues to shine at both the effective and creative national awards.
New faces, new places at Ole! Media Group
Ole! Media Group (OMG) continues its rapid expansion and has appointed digital content specialist, Justin Zehmke as head of publishing (Africa). Based in the Cape Town head office, Zehmke rejoins the group after a stint at Kagiso Media.
While at Kagiso, Zehmke established MSN as a leading lifestyle and news portal, growing its unique users to over two million and increasing its verticals to 16 (from a base of four) during his tenure. As executive producer of digital content he also helped to grow the websites of East Coast Radio and Jacaranda Radio into the two biggest radio portals in the country. His credentials include numerous awards.
Zehmke is now tasked with driving OMG’s African publishing strategy though mobile channels and launching and managing new publishing services, as the group seeks to expand its owned media properties.
TEAMtalk Media, OMG’s syndicated sports content arm has teamed up with Brendt Brooks to captain its digital products. Brooks, a well-known and successful member of the digital community, is a former co-founder of Blueworld Communities (sold to Naspers in 2008). At Via Media (2009 to 2014) he was instrumental in creating and growing their stable of interactive mobile products. He will now add his considerable expertise and enthusiasm to championing digital products at TEAMtalk Media.
Gijima strengthenes board, appoints Hoggarth as a board member
Gijima, a JSE-listed ICT company, has announced the appointment of Bill Hoggarth to the company’s board as of 20 November 2014.
“Bill Hoggarth brings a wealth of expertise in the ICT industry, and we are pleased to welcome him to the board of directors,” said Robert Gumede, Gijima executive chairman. “His insight and counsel will undoubtedly be a strong asset to Gijima as we pursue our turnaround strategy for profitable, sustainable growth.”
Hoggarth has extensive experience in the ICT industry and with corporate turnarounds, and considerable international experience. He has lived and worked in several countries across Europe and the Middle East. He was also instrumental in lifting companies such as Business Objects, Siebel and SAS to positions of market leadership.
Moving Tactics appoints dynamic content strategist
Earlier this year, Forbes Magazine predicted that hiring a content strategist would be one of the biggest marketing trends of 2014. Ryno Colyn, content strategist at Moving Tactics, South Africa’s leading digital signage solutions company, believes that content is the future when it comes to interacting with any digital device.
“Consumers are moving away from buying devices because of the hardware and are, rather, becoming more interested in their operating systems and the content that is available to them. The quality of content determines the customer’s level of engagement with that product or brand and because of this the creation of good, quality content is becoming more competitive. We are moving into a world where not only must the content be strong, but it must also be the right content made available to the right consumer at the right time,” says Colyn.
When not at work developing a content strategy and creating compelling content, Colyn plays drums for a band and in his very sparse spare time, loves visiting wine farms in the Boland.
Who’s won what
Amplicon Public Relations has been appointed PR agency for the Superbalist.com brand
Amplicon Public Relations has been appointed PR agency for the Superbalist.com brand in a pitch process, starting with a bang with a Christmas campaign kicking off in November
“We are delighted to announce this piece of new business, won over by delivering standout creative work with our tried and tested consumer-centric, content focused strategy. The Superbalist.com brand is a perfect fit for Amplicon, being the fresh and youth oriented brand that it is. It complements our existing brand stable well and we’re extremely excited to do some outstanding work together”, says MD Kate Thompson Duwe.
“We are excited for our new venture with Amplicon Public Relations and look forward to big, creative campaigns to share with our fast growing, energetic community”, said Luke Jedeiken, MD of Superbalist.com
Swaziland Tourism Authority appoints local experts to raise profile in SA
Lloyd Orr Communications has announced that it has been awarded the account for the Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA) with the primary objective of assisting in raising the profile of Swaziland as a destination of choice for South Africans to visit for leisure or business purposes.
Lloyd Orr is a boutique communications agency specialising in the travel and tourism industry and they have a successful history when it comes to increasing visitor numbers for the destinations they represent.
“We are delighted to be working with Wendie White and her team at Lloyd Orr. They have the expertise we need in order to establish a footprint in the minds of the trade and consumer in South Africa,” said Eric Maseko, CEO of STA. “Swaziland has so much to offer and it is right on the doorstep of most South Africans. Our aim is to welcome many more of our neighbours into our nation and to showcase to them all the experiences we have on offer that we know will appeal to visitor from the republic.”
Who’s making moves
SA hellopeter.com platform acquired by consortium of entrepreneurs
Hellopeter.com, South Africa’s leading consumer advocacy and corporate reputation management website, has been acquired by a consortium of South African and global entrepreneurs, all with a highly proven track record in the global marketing and online arena.
Since its launch in 2000, Hellopeter.com has grown into one of the leading websites in South Africa and has become one of the largest customer service platforms in the world.
Alon Rom, former shareholder and director of Mr Delivery, the South African multiple restaurant delivery service, co-founder of Mr Delivery Express, the non food logistics arm of Mr Delivery, and shareholder of takealot.com, has been appointed as the new Hellopeter.com CEO from 1 December 2014, replacing founder, Peter Cheales, who announced his exit from the business. Supporting Rom will be the current Hellopeter.com team, which remains in place.
New shareholders include Founder Collective, a venture capital firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts and co-founded by David Frankel, one of South Africa’s tech leaders. As a firm, Founder Collective has made early investments in over 150 startups including consumer marketplaces like Coupang, South Korea’s largest ecommerce company and Uber, the revolutionary ridesharing service.
Rom says that the Hellopeter.com platform and brand will live on under the new ownership structure and encourages South Africans to continue using the service as per usual. He explains however, that the platform will evolve, by combining the authenticity of its core offerings and values, with the launch of exciting new products and services that will significantly benefit both consumers and corporates.
Lange Strategic Communications extends capabilities in Africa
Lange Strategic Communications, the only Southern Africa partner of the WORLDCOM Public Relations Group, has announced its extended capabilities in Africa with the addition of PFC Africa Communications, in Lagos, Nigeria to its network. It also has representation in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, Benin Republic, Togo, Guinea, Cote de Voir, Sierra-Leone, Gambia, Senegal.
PFC Africa Communications (formerly Pauline Fredericks & Co) is a team of young entrepreneurs and experienced communication professionals that combines multiple specialties, capabilities and relationships across Nigeria, Africa and the African sub-region to serve local and multinational clients.
Specialising in the Banking and Finance, FMCG and IT &Telecoms sectors, PFC’s clients include leading industry players such as Standard Charter Bank Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Banks of Nigeria, Security and Exchange commission, Ecobank Nigeria and Mansard Insurance Plc.
“PFC Africa was elected at the recent Worldcom EMEA/Asia pacific region meeting in Dubai and it is a real boon to have them join our existing African footprint which already has a strong foothold in Mozambique and Angola. Through our partnership we have access to over 140 offices to service our clients wherever in the world they need help “says Ruth Golembo, MD of Lange Strategic Communications.
Pondering Panda took mobile research insights to Belgium
Hot on the heels of presenting a paper at the inaugural Market Research in a Mobile World (MRMW) Africa conference held earlier this month in Cape Town, consumer insights company Pondering Panda presented mobile research insights at the 2014 Belgian Association for Consumer & Data Driven Marketing (BAQMaR) conference being held in Ghent in Belgium on Wednesday, the 26 November, as an invited speaker.
Shirley Eadie, CEO of Pondering Panda, discussed the implications of the company’s recent insights into the application of new behavioural science findings to research conducted on mobiles. Along with Anneke Deetlefs of Standard Bank, Eadie was one of only two speakers from South Africa presenting papers at the conference. Eadie pointed out some of the pitfalls in research design that can be avoided if recent learnings are taken into account, as well as suggesting more effective and valid research designs.
Spintelligent launches training academy
Spintelligent Pty, a Cape Town-based publisher, trade exhibition and conference organizer, has launched the Spintelligent Training Academy to address learning and development needs in the energy, utilities and mining industries on the African continent. “Part of our experience in providing quality content B2B industry events in the energy and mining sectors, is that we are part of the industry and therefore perfectly placed to identify trends and gaps and challenges with regards to skills development,”
said Spintelligent managing director David Ashdown.
Note: TheMediaOnline has a job advertising service. The site is read by media professionals across South Africa. A job posting on the Media Online Costs R342 (incl VAT) and appears for 30 days. It appears both on the Media Online site and Memejobs.com.