Marketing Society of Rwanda joins the African Marketing Confederation
Its aims include developing professional standards and creating opportunities for Rwandan marketers to learn and network.
EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
Experienced marketing executive heads VW Commercial Vehicles Africa
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2026
Ryan Blumrick brings almost two decades of sales and marketing expertise gained in Africa and Asia to his new position.
Volkswagen Group Africa has announced the appointment of experienced marketer Ryan Blumrick as the new Head of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
His new role became effective from 1 February 2026. He replaces Princess Ndlhovu, who had held the position since 2024.
Ryan Blumrick. Photo: LinkedIn
Blumrick has nearly 20 years’ experience in the Volkswagen Group gained in South Africa, China and Japan. He joined Volkswagen South Africa in 2006 and went on to hold multiple leadership positions within Audi South Africa in the sales and marketing arenas.
These include being National Sales Operations Manager, National Pre-owned Sales Manager, Regional Sales Manager and Brand Communications Manager.
He later served as Head of Regional Sales and Marketing Strategy at SAIC Volkswagen in Shanghai, China before moving to Japan. There, he most recently held the position of Marketing Director for Audi Japan.
Bring global best practices to the African market
In his new role, Blumrick aims to strengthen the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand, elevate customer‑centricity, and bring global best practices into the African market.
His vision includes providing African countries with market-specific product solutions and leveraging international insights to unlock new growth opportunities.
“We are confident that Ryan’s extensive global experience and proven leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in the African markets where it has presence,” says Niels Wichmann, acting Director of Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen Group Africa.
SA tourism destination marketing campaign brings back Trevor Noah
Latest campaign aims to boost international arrivals while highlighting tourism’s contribution to South Africa’s economy and job creation.
Changan auto brand enters Ethiopian market with first dealership
Fast-growing middle class and promotion of electric vehicle adoption presents ‘substantial growth opportunities’ for Chinese brand.
MAZ’s 2026 Marketing Week engages local marketers on key topics
Week of activities and events creates opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing and hearing insights from industry experts.
Memorable visuals in ads are more likely to lead to purchase – study
Research suggests that attention-grabbing campaigns may need to be paired with memorable visual design to influence buying decisions.
Underperforming Port of Cape Town seeks a private sector boost
Cape Town’s port must be a competitive advantage rather than a bottleneck that constrains trade, investment and supply chains.
H&M makes senior leadership appointment for South African market
Experienced retail executive Ricardo Valente Da Conceicao returns to Africa as GM, bringing expertise gained in various overseas markets.
Turkish supermarket group BIM hits 1,000-store landmark in Morocco
Local consumers are proving receptive to BIM’s private-label goods and hard-discount model as they struggle with inflationary pressure.
Current issue of AMC magazine brings critical insights for marketers
Issue 1 2026 of Strategic Marketing for Africa, the magazine for deep-thinking African marketing professionals, highlights key trends.
Visit Rwanda announces partnership with Aston Villa Football Club
Rwanda’s tourism marketing arm signs agreement to be the English club’s main shirt sponsor after deal with Arsenal FC ends.
Africa declares a new standard for its communications profession
For too long, the PR landscape has had no shared standard for who practises in it or what responsibility they carry, founders say.
