AGENCY BUSINESS

SA-based digital marketing agency opens an office in Amsterdam

By our News Team | 2023

Dutch city is an increasingly influential hotbed of industry creativity and Flume sees it as the next step in the local agency’s growth.

Flume, a South African-based full-service digital marketing agency, has announced that it has expanded into the European market and opened its doors in Amsterdam. 

The agency, which has offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town, has additionally appointed Janique Smeets to lead the agency as Account Director in Europe.

Agency Business

Photo by Jack Winbow from Pexels

Jacques Du Bruyn, Managing Director at Flume, says the move into the Netherlands will contribute toward fast-tracking the agency’s growth in the region.

“Amsterdam is home to some of the world’s best agencies and is also one of the fastest-growing agency hubs in the world, so it makes sense for us to set up shop in the city,” he explains. 

“The beauty of digital marketing is that the tools and platforms don’t change based on where you’re sitting in the world.” 

He adds: “Our local team in Amsterdam will have the regional knowledge and understanding, and that paired with our technical expertise, we believe, will achieve great results.” 

Solid experience within the European market

When appointing the right candidate to lead the agency’s Amsterdam operation, Du Bruyn says Smeets came highly recommended through his network and has solid experience and expertise, particularly within Europe. In addition, Smeets aligns to Flume’s ethics and values as an agency.

Smeets started out in fashion design before studying Cultural Heritage, with a specialisation in marketing and entrepreneurship. Her most recent qualification is an Executive MBA at the Rotterdam Business School. She has extensive experience working within an agency context and has been responsible for growing a client base in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

“I really enjoy building something from the ground up, and to work together with a team that is very excited about the opportunity as well, is something I am most looking forward to,” says Smeets. 

European cities such as Paris and Amsterdam are increasingly seen as global advertising hubs, growing in influence over traditional centres such as London.

“Amsterdam’s cultural diversity attracts creative talent from around the world, making it a hotbed for innovation in advertising, design, media [and] technology. Brands like Heineken, Nike and Playstation all thrive on the city’s vibrant mix of cultures and disciplines, which have made advertising and design one of its most important export products,” noted ADCN, the Dutch association for creativity in advertising and design.

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    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.