MARKETING TALENT

Online retailer Takealot appoints Karla Levick to role of CMO

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Experienced marketer moves up from her previous position as Head of Brand and Communications for the company.

Takealot, the South African-based e-commerce platform, has appointed Karla Levick to the role of Chief Marketing Officer. 

 

She moves up from her previous position as Head of Brand and Communications for Takealot, which she held for almost seven years. 

 

Prior to that, she was Head of Marketing for the OLX Group, which operates tech-enabled trading platforms, and Head of Marketing for Associated Media Publishing, a magazine publisher. 

Karla Levick. Photo: LinkedIn

Levick was also with Takealot previously in her career – between 2011 and 2013 when she was General Manager Marketing.  

 

“This new journey represents an exciting chapter in my career, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the marketing efforts for South Africa’s leading e-commerce platform,” Levick says in a LinkedIn post.  

 

“What an honour to be taking on one of the best marketing teams in the country …  I’m committed to building on our strong foundation and taking our brand to new heights, always with our customers at the centre of everything we do.” 

 

She assumes the CMO role at Takealot at a time when competition among e-commerce platforms in South Africa is particularly intense. Amazon launched in May 2024 to take on the powerful local online retailers, and Chinese-based online marketplace Temu launched in January 2024. 

 

Many traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers in the country also continue to develop a stronger online presence – including Makro (warehouse-style retail stores), Woolworths (luxury department store, food and grocery offerings) and Mr Price Home (homeware and furniture retailer). 

 

According to market research business, Research and Markets, the South African e-commerce market is going to experience tremendous growth. It is expected to reach US$74.79-pbillion by 2033, compared to US$35.23-billion in 2024. This growth is at a compound annual growth rate of 8.79% from 2025 to 2033. 

 

“Factors driving this growth include increased internet penetration, rising mobile commerce, and greater consumer acceptance of online shopping. E-commerce platforms also benefit from enhanced payment solutions, improved logistics, and changing shopping behaviours nationwide,” Research and Markets says.

View all articles »