
AI is causing ‘profound shifts’ in brand value – Kantar report
Google’s brand value surges by 57%, ending Apple’s four consecutive years at the top. Microsoft and Amazon also prominent.
MARKETING TALENT
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025
Experienced auto industry marketer joins after almost two decades with the Volkswagen and Audi brands in SA.
Ford South Africa has appointed experienced automotive industry marketer Tarryn Knight as its new Head of Marketing.
Tarryn Knight. Photo: Ford
With nearly two decades of marketing experience for passenger and commercial vehicle brands, Knight will lead the strategic direction of Ford’s marketing communications, events and sponsorships.
Knight joins Ford after almost five years as Head of Marketing, PR and Product at Audi South Africa. Prior to this she was Marketing Communications and Product Manager for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles South Africa.
She also worked as Senior Brand Manager and Marketing Research Manager for Volkswagen Group South Africa.
“We are delighted to welcome Tarryn to the Ford family as the Head of Marketing, and look forward to the new energy and ideas she will bring to the company as we accelerate our drive to deliver exceptional products and services for our customers,” says Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company Africa.
“A lot of work has gone into refreshing and updating our product portfolio over the last two years, and redefining the complete customer experience,” Hill states.
“Having achieved year-on-year growth in 2024 in a declining market shows that we’re on the right path, and we will continue driving this strategy forward in 2025. We have no doubt that Tarryn and her marketing team will play an instrumental role in helping raise the bar further this year and beyond.”
Comments Knight: “Joining the longest-standing vehicle manufacturer in South Africa, and one with such a unique place in the global automotive story, is a proud moment for me.”
She holds a B.Com (Honours) in Communication Management from the University of Pretoria.

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