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MARKETING APPOINTMENTS

Dentsu makes two new senior appointments to its African business

By our News Team | 2022

Regional management appointment announced, as well as new media director role in company’s Zambian office.

Dentsu, the international marketing communications and media agency, has announced two senior appointments to its African operations.

Lana Marais, formerly New Business and Client Director, has assumed a new role as Regional Director, Emerging Markets for Dentsu Africa.

Marketing Appointments

Photo by Picjumbo.com via Pexels

With 14 years’ experience within Dentsu, she has played an integral part in the expansion of the company across the African continent and, in 2016, her exceptional results saw her become one of Dentsu Africa’s youngest directors.

Moving forward, Marais will take on the responsibility of driving profitable growth and operational excellence across a number of emerging markets, with key focus on Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Uganda, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon.

She will be reporting to Dentsu SSA Regional CEO, Dawn Rowlands.

Commenting on her new role, Marais said: “I am incredibly excited to step-change how we drive growth across Africa, creating a unique culture of integration across the region and collaboratively building the success of Dentsu Africa.”

Added Rowlands: “With the massive growth in Dentsu Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa over the last four years, we need to refocus our energy on the emerging markets in our region. I cannot think of a better person to drive this.”

Media Director appointment in Zambian operation

Meanwhile, Dentsu Zambia has announced the appointment of Chishimba Musonda as Media Director, with her new role becoming effective from 19 September. She joined Dentsu in 2020 and has worked on client accounts such as Absa, Nestle and Mastercard.

Musonda’s responsibilities will include driving integrated design and enforcing a collaborative business approach which emphasises viewing the business as an interconnected and interdependent entity.

“Chishimba has shown phenomenal growth during her time here. I do think she will be able to add a fresh spin on how we have been operating. I am truly excited about everyone’s potential possibilities as a result of this promotion,” said Sikota Suuya-Bones, Managing Director of Dentsu Zambia.

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.