Executive Appointments
Hein Schumacher is a former Heinz executive and currently CEO of a Dutch-based global dairy and nutrition business. He takes over in July.
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.”
Photo supplied
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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