
Africa’s economic reset requires moving from ambition to execution
The Africa Commerce Convergence Summit keynote address identified four elements that must converge if the continent is to achieve a meaningful economic reset.
EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
By our News Team | 2023
Twenty-year company veteran André Andrade has previously overseen Spain, Portugal and sub-Saharan Africa.
Dentsu, one of the largest global marketing and advertising agency networks in the world, has announced the appointment of André Andrade as CEO for Dentsu EMEA.
In his new role he will overseeing the integrated growth strategy and business execution for the company within the Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region.
André Andrade. Photo courtesy of Dentsu
Andrade joins the community of regional CEOs overseen by Giulio Malegori, recently appointed Group Chief Operating Officer for Dentsu Group Inc.
Andrade has been with the company for nearly 20 years and, according to a media statement, has demonstrated “a proven ability to drive growth and scale client relationships across EMEA markets”.
Since 2004 he has served as CEO of Dentsu operations in Spain and Portugal, and further assumed the responsibility CEO for Iberia & Sub-Saharan Africa (IBSSA) in 2013.
He significantly grew revenue and performance
In this most recent role, Andrade is said to have significantly grown revenue and performance in the IBSSA cluster, and delivered a successful acquisition plan that integrated 10 operations across media, creative, content and data.
“André has shown passion and commitment to bringing together the best of Dentsu and spearheaded innovation to deliver integrated solutions at scale,” says Hiroshi Igarashi, President and CEO of Dentsu Group Inc.
“I am looking forward to working in close collaboration as we continue to focus on putting our clients at the centre, and delivering a seamless, integrated experience, driving growth and competitive advantage.”
Comments Andrade: “It is an exciting time to be part of Dentsu, given our uniqueness in the marketplace, sitting at the intersection of marketing, consulting and technology.”
The company will announce Andrade’s successor over the coming weeks.
Dentsu Group Inc. is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and has 72,000 employees working across four regions: Japan, Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific.

The Africa Commerce Convergence Summit keynote address identified four elements that must converge if the continent is to achieve a meaningful economic reset.

Vongani Mageza brings more than 20 years’ experience across financial services and FMCG) companies such as FNB and Diageo.

AI agents will influence shopping, algorithms will supersede social connections, and the clip economy will change how brands connect.

The brand partnership includes a new TV commercial featuring Kipchoge, digital storytelling, wellness initiatives and community programmes.

Modern retail in Africa is still dwarfed by the traditional trade. Marketers who dismiss this relationship-heavy retail model do so at their peril.

Research finds brands don’t just sell products. They can also provide employees with stories through which they feel their work is meaningful

Honesty must be demonstrated through transparency, accountability and action – shaping both reputation and future trust following a crisis.

In the funeral plan category, where most advertisements look like an obituary, Standard Lesotho Bank opted to ‘sell the cow’, not the policy.

Strategic Marketing for Africa, the publication for deep-thinking African marketing professionals, is not to be missed.

CEO of Scopen says the expansion into East Africa is a natural progression following the success of the research in South Africa.

Report says around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped.