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ADVERTISING INDUSTRY

New Managing Director appointment announced by Saatchi & Saatchi

By our News Team | 2022

Firdous Osman described as perfect candidate to lead the agency because of her “top-notch skillset and exceptional level of experience”.

Firdous Osman has been appointed as Saatchi & Saatchi’s new Managing Director in South Africa. She joined the business as Managing Partner in May 2020, after 18 years in the industry.

Having run her own advertising agency for almost five years and thereafter spending 14 years at Ogilvy South Africa – nine of those spent leading teams in upper-management roles – Osman has been described as the perfect candidate to lead the agency into the future.

“We couldn’t have found a better fit if we tried. This plan has been in the making for two years now, so I am very happy to finally bring it to life,’ said previous Saatchi & Saatchi Managing Director, Quinton Luck, who has now handed over the reins to Osman.

“[She] has been working closely with me over the past two years to understand the Saatchi & Saatchi business, as well as the wider Publicis Groupe. I’m excited to see her visions come to life and, with her strong people focus, I feel confident that I’m leaving the business in very capable hands.”

Advertising Industry

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Brings with her many accolades

In addition to her extensive experience, Osman also brings with her a number of accolades, including over 50 awards – from Grand Prix at Loeries, to Gold at Cannes. Most recently she received the SA Women Leader 2021 award and was appointed to the board of the Cape Town Film Festival.

Talking about her new position, Osman said: “I am delighted to be leading Saatchi & Saatchi as their new MD and can’t wait to get stuck in and deliver against our strategy and vision. To me, the secret to building a successful agency lies in developing and growing its people and bringing diversity into the workplace. 

“Continuing to foster trust in our people, our creative offering and spirit, as well as our work, are just a few of the things I am excited to bring to my new role.”

Publicis Groupe Africa Senior Vice President, Jonty Fisher, concluded: “We are very proud to have Osman heading up the Saatchi & Saatchi fold. Her top-notch skillset and exceptional level of experience are undeniable, and so is the success she’s already brought to the agency. We’re very excited about what is to come.”

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Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

  • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
  • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
  • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
  • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
  • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
  • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.