fbpx

EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

Lauren Filen named Customer Director for Africa at Advantage Group

By our News Team | 2023

Strong experience in the FMCG sector sets up experienced marketer and business executive for senior pan-African role.

Advantage Group International, the Canadian-based specialist in B2B relationship building with offices in 49 countries, has announced the appointment of Lauren Filen as Customer Director for Africa.

In this role, she will be responsible for retailer engagement and coverage, market revenue growth and key account management across the continent.

Executive Appointments

Photo credit: Pexels

Based in Johannesburg, Filen has over 30 years of experience across innovation, logistics, sales, marketing and general management in the FMCG sector.

During this time, she has led small, medium and large businesses in leadership roles, including holding the title of chief executive officer at several companies.

During her tenure at PepsiCo, Filen was the first woman and first South African to lead the Simba snacks business as CEO. She then became CEO of IFFCO, an FMCG conglomerate based in Dubai.

In 2018, Filen started Baobab Nutritional Brands, which involved significant investment in a greenfield manufacturing site and, most recently, she served as Commercial Director for The Natures Choice Group, a wholefoods specialist. 

Broad-based experience gives her a specialised understanding

According to a media statement from Advantage Group, this broad-based experience gives her a specialised understanding of the challenges affecting businesses in the FMCG, retail, distribution and manufacturing industries.

She has expertise in the private later arena and has worked with major retail chains such as Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Spar and Clicks.

“In the highly competitive and challenging business environment we find ourselves in, partnering and communicating better is essential to drive competitive advantage, and Advantage Group facilitates and drives these partnerships,” Filen says.

Comments Dylan Piatti, Managing Director for Advantage Group Africa: “I have no doubt that Lauren will be able to channel her expertise and experience into accelerating customer development in Africa. We are all excited to have someone with her expertise, people skills and business acumen on our team.”

View all articles »

PUBLICATIONS

Strategic Marketing for Africa Magazine

CONTACT INFORMATION

info@africanmarketingconfederation.org

Upcoming Events

AMC CONFERENCE

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.