EXECUTIVE MOVES

Dentsu Kenya CEO steps down after 10 years at the helm of the agency

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2024

Chris Madison is leaving after ‘delivering pioneering innovations and achieving record-breaking account gains’.

After 10 years at the helm of Dentsu Kenya, Chris Madison is stepping down as CEO, marking a significant milestone for both himself and the agency. 

 

He joined Dentsu Kenya in 2015 from TBWA in East Africa, where he was Head of Digital. Prior to that, Madison was Regional Head of Digital & Commercial Strategy at Kantar, where he launched and scaled Kantar’s digital advertising research division across the Asia-Pacific region. 

Chris Madison. Photo: LinkedIn

“Under Madison’s leadership, Dentsu Kenya has experienced tremendous growth, delivering pioneering innovations and achieving record-breaking account gains, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the Kenyan market,” Dentsu comments in a press release announcing his departure. 

 

According to Dawn Rowlands, CEO of Dentsu Africa, Madison has been instrumental in transforming Dentsu Kenya into one of the company’s most innovative and high-performing agencies on the continent.  

 

“His vision and dedication have driven exceptional growth and positioned us as a leading force in Kenya’s dynamic market. We are immensely grateful for his contributions and look forward to building on the strong foundation he’s created,” Rowlands states. 

 

‘Best job I’ve ever had’ 

 

Comments Madison: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead Dentsu Kenya during this dynamic period of growth and innovation. It’s been the best job I’ve ever had. Leaving is bittersweet, but knowing the agency is in strong hands with our exceptional leadership team gives me full confidence in its continued success.” 

 

Writing on his LinkedIn page, Madison says of his time at Dentsu Kenya: “I saw a new opportunity: transforming a traditional media agency into a modern, profitable powerhouse.  

 

“Within 18 months, I led a turnaround that increased revenue by 5,000%, expanded our service offerings to include digital creative, tech solutions, performance marketing, and influencer management. This pivot not only positioned Dentsu as East Africa’s second-largest agency, but set a new industry benchmark for innovation and client engagement.” 

 

Madison hails from the US state of New Jersey and holds an MA in Behavioural Psychology from New York University and an MBA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. 

 

His successor has yet to be announced.

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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.
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