
Africa’s economic reset requires moving from ambition to execution
The Africa Commerce Convergence Summit keynote address identified four elements that must converge if the continent is to achieve a meaningful economic reset.
INDUSTRY APPOINTMENTS
By our News Team | 2023
New role covering the EMEA region emphasises that clients now expect integrated solutions from their agencies.
Ogilvy has announced that Matt Buchanan is to take up the newly-created role of Global and EMEA President of Integrated Communications for Ogilvy, while continuing in his current role as the agency’s Global Head of Consumer PR, which he has led since 2021.
In his new role, Buchanan will focus on strengthening Ogilvy’s integrated offering and the agency’s earned-first creative capability across PR, influence and social in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.
Matt Buchanan takes up a new EMEA role with Ogilvy. Photo credit: Ogilvy
He will thus report to Global CEO, Julianna Richter, and work with EMEA Chief Client Officer, Joanna Oosthuizen, as well as other regional leaders including North America PR President, Charlotte Tansill, and Asia PR President, Emily Poon.
“Brands don’t come to agencies any more simply wanting advertising, PR or social media,” says Buchanan. “They come with a business problem and want the best of everything, all the time.
A focus on integration
“What’s always excited me about Ogilvy is our deep specialist expertise and our focus on integration.
“I’m looking forward to this next chapter, working more closely with our teams across EMEA to further elevate our earned-first offering and ensure our clients are getting the best of Ogilvy’s creative excellence.”
Comments Richter: “This promotion and added responsibility recognises Matt’s leadership over the last five years, and the valuable contribution he has made to elevate Ogilvy PR’s offering.
“Our clients are increasingly looking for the seamless integration of earned media, social and influencer marketing, so it’s the right time to bring this together more formally and have someone with Matt’s expertise lead this for us in the region.”

The Africa Commerce Convergence Summit keynote address identified four elements that must converge if the continent is to achieve a meaningful economic reset.

Vongani Mageza brings more than 20 years’ experience across financial services and FMCG) companies such as FNB and Diageo.

AI agents will influence shopping, algorithms will supersede social connections, and the clip economy will change how brands connect.

The brand partnership includes a new TV commercial featuring Kipchoge, digital storytelling, wellness initiatives and community programmes.

Modern retail in Africa is still dwarfed by the traditional trade. Marketers who dismiss this relationship-heavy retail model do so at their peril.

Research finds brands don’t just sell products. They can also provide employees with stories through which they feel their work is meaningful

Honesty must be demonstrated through transparency, accountability and action – shaping both reputation and future trust following a crisis.

In the funeral plan category, where most advertisements look like an obituary, Standard Lesotho Bank opted to ‘sell the cow’, not the policy.

Strategic Marketing for Africa, the publication for deep-thinking African marketing professionals, is not to be missed.

CEO of Scopen says the expansion into East Africa is a natural progression following the success of the research in South Africa.

Report says around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped.