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Fionna Ronnie becomes Chairperson of Marketing and Media Alliance SA

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Ronnie becomes Chair at a time the MMA is rebranding and showing a stronger commitment to the sub-Saharan Africa region.

Fionna Ronnie, Executive Head of Customer and Loyalty at The Foschini Group, has been named as the new Chairperson of the Marketing and Media Alliance South Africa – commonly known as MMA SA. 

 

With more than 18 years of experience in digital transformation, customer strategy and brand innovation, the MMA says Ronnie’s appointment reflects its “bold intent to shape the region’s marketing agenda through collaboration, creativity and purpose”.

 

With growth across sub-Saharan Africa in view, MMA South Africa will establish a Regional Executive Committee to guide expansion into key markets across the region, maintaining a strong local focus within global frameworks. 

Fionna Ronnie

Fionna Ronnie. Photo: LinkedIn

Sarah Utermark, Regional Director for MMA SSA and South Africa, says this is an exciting next step for MMA in South Africa, one that reflects the ambition, collaboration and innovation already happening across our region. 

 

More than just a name change 

 

“Our renaming to the Marketing and Media Alliance isn’t just a name change, it signals a stronger commitment to empower CMOs and senior marketers in Africa to lead with purpose and proof,” she states. 

 

“Our local industry has the ambition, the talent and the market relevance to shape global marketing’s future, and through this alliance, we are bringing that potential to life.” 

 

MMA claims to be the only association that encompasses all parts of the marketing ecosystem at the governance level – including brand marketers, media, adtech, martech, agencies and consultants, all working together, in support of CMOs. 

 

Comments Ronnie: “Our industry is evolving at unprecedented speed, and this moment demands leaders who can bridge creativity with commerce, and technology with humanity. The goal is to shape a marketing landscape that is dynamic, data-driven and deeply human, empowering South Africa to lead on the global stage,” 

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Jason Lottering
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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.
    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.