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EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
Branding agency HKLM appoints Clayton McCoy as new Managing Director
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025
McCoy brings two decades of experience of working with blue-chip clients in various markets, including in Africa and the Middle East.
Africa-based branding agency HKLM has announced the appointment of Clayton McCoy as its new Managing Director. McCoy, who was Head of Strategy, succeeds Zahra Mirza with immediate effect.
Clayton McCoy. Photo: HKLM
He has nearly two decades of experience, working across various industry sectors with blue-chip brands in over 25 countries. His experience includes being General Manager of HKLM Middle East, and Partner at Empire, an advertising and media agency operating from offices in London, Dubai and Cape Town.
According to a press statement from HKLM, he will “draw on his extensive experience living and working in Africa, the Middle East and Asia to elevate HKLM’s global strategic offering”.
Comments McCoy: “My passion has always centred on developing compelling, practical brand communication and marketing strategies that fuel success and seamless execution. This foundation excites me as I step into this role, eager to build on HKLM’s legacy and shape its future.”
Notes Gary Harwood, co-founder and Board member: “Clayton joined us 17 years ago as a brand consultant and later led our Dubai office. Heading our strategy practice area in recent years, his profound grasp of our business, industry insight, and strategic flair position him ideally to guide HKLM and our clients toward an exciting new future.”
On his LinkedIn profile, McCoy describes himself as “a passionate strategic brand and communication professional. I work with clients to build brands and reputations that significantly contribute to business goals and to help these brands connect more effectively with their stakeholders”.
He holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in General Management and is pursuing an MBA.
HKLM’s client list includes Rand Merchant Bank, Anglo American, Envusa Energy and Old Mutual financial services.
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