GroupM South Africa Announces Leadership Team

Introducing the New Leadership Team

Claudelle Naidoo has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of GroupM Sub-Saharan Africa, effective 1st August 2024. She brings a wealth of experience, having led EssenceMediacom South Africa for the past nine years. Her leadership as MD and later CEO of EssenceMediacom South Africa has been instrumental in driving growth and strengthening the brand's market presence. Naidoo’s extensive background in marketing and media, coupled with her proven track record in managing complex business portfolios across Africa, positions her perfectly to lead GroupM into a new era of innovation and success.

"I am honoured to be a part of GroupM’s transformative era. This is a phenomenal time for our agency, one that will be remembered for years as we set new benchmarks in delivering exceptional value to our clients and pioneering groundbreaking solutions. With this transition, we aim to elevate GroupM's reputation as a forward-thinking leader, inspire our employees with a renewed sense of pride and belonging, and position ourselves as a role model for advancing women in leadership. Our goal is to set new standards in the industry, driving recognition and inspiring others to follow, says Naidoo."

Kate Kitz takes on the role of Chief Operations Officer of GroupM South Africa. Her transformative leadership as CEO of Mindshare since 2022 has revitalized the agency's operations, and she is set to bring the same strategic vision and operational excellence to her new position.

Merissa Himraj has been appointed as Chief Growth Officer (CGO) of GroupM South Africa. Her decade-long tenure at Wavemaker, where she has excelled in growth and business development, demonstrates her capability to drive GroupM's marketing and business expansion efforts.

Tebogo Skwambane, Country Manager of WPP in South Africa, will serve as Executive Chair of GroupM South Africa. Her extensive local, regional, and international experience will be crucial in fostering collaboration within the WPP network and supporting the new leadership team.

Skwambane shares her views about the new leadership: "GroupM has always been a trailblazer in the industry, consistently pushing boundaries and setting new standards for excellence. This all-women leadership team marks a new chapter in our journey, building on an already ignited and dynamic agency. With our diverse perspectives and dedication to evolving, we are poised to drive unprecedented growth and expansion. This period will be remembered for how we harnessed our collective strengths to transform the advertising and media industry.” 

 Strategic Vision for the Future

“The appointment of the South African leadership team highlights the exceptional talent and expertise each leader brings, driving GroupM’s continued success. “The new leadership embodies GroupM’s dedication to build and maintain a culture where creativity, inclusion and personal development thrives. With clients remaining our top priority, this leadership change promises fresh perspectives with a continued focus on client growth and stronger results,” says Federico de Nardis, outgoing GroupM CEO SSA, who has helped develop GroupM over the last 6 years.

Expanding on de Nardis’s vision, GroupM’s CEO for EMEA and UK, Josh Krichefski says, 

“In an industry that demands adaptability and forward-thinking, our diverse leadership roles are critical to positioning the agency for unparalleled success. Each role brings a unique perspective and expertise, creating a robust framework that enhances our ability to innovate, execute, and drive growth. This multifaceted approach allows us to tackle complex challenges from various verticals, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed our clients' evolving needs to deliver continued excellence."

For years, GroupM and its agencies have been at the forefront of the media landscape, connecting brands with audiences in innovative and impactful ways. The company's dedication to data-driven strategies, creative storytelling, and client partnerships has earned it a reputation for excellence and results. Coupled with the new leadership team, the media investment group is well positioned to strengthen its role in the market and in the wider Sub-Saharan region to drive business growth. DM