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EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
Creative agency Machine names Lesego Kotane as new national MD
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025
His appointment coincides with various management changes at Machine and its parent company, Publicis Groupe Africa.
Machine, a creative agency within the Publicis Groupe Africa, has announced the appointment of Lesego Kotane as its new national Managing Director.
Lesego Kotane. Photo: Publicis Groupe Africa
He succeeds Robyn Campbell, who has been promoted to the role of Senior Vice President: Communications at Publicis Groupe Africa. Her elevation marks a strategic strengthening of Publicis Groupe Africa’s leadership team.
Kotane is a seasoned leader in the creative industry, with a career that spans senior strategic and executive roles in various well-known agencies.
He joins Machine from TBWA\ South Africa, where he served as Yellowwood Managing Director and Group Chief Strategy Officer. Prior to that, he held the position of Managing Director at King James Group, an advertising and creative agency that is part of Accenture Interactive.
Culturally relevant work
Comments Kotane: “I’ve long admired Machine. It’s a storied creative company making smart, culturally relevant work.”
Supporting Kotane is Alex Forrester-Strydom, who steps into a Managing Partner role. She has been with Machine since 2019 and previously held positions such as Group Account Director and Business Unit Director.
“Alex has been a driving force behind some of Machine’s biggest wins,” says Campbell. “Her ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on client partnership makes her the ideal leader to help steer this next phase alongside Lesego.”
Machine’s clients include Spotify Africa, Absa Bank, real estate company Private Property, and insurance company Sanlam.
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