
AI won’t replace market research. But it will expose weak strategy
Much of the broader conversation around AI in market research assumes conditions that do not consistently exist across many African markets, writes Soyinka Witness.
EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025
Henning leverages 15 years’ experience within the business to run day-to-day operations, while CEO Madelain Roscher focuses on expansion.
South African-based public relations agency PR Worx has appointed Shannon Henning as its new Managing Director.
Photo: PR Worx
Henning has been with the agency for 15 years and worked closely with CEO and founder, Madelain Roscher, for much of her career. In recent years, she has headed up PR Worx’s crisis communications, government relations, and client portfolios for high-net-worth individuals.
She has now formally stepped into the Managing Director role to lead the agency’s day-to-day operations, oversee client service delivery, and accelerate innovation across its various services.
Roscher remains CEO and will focus on strategic growth and business development, including rolling out plans to expand the agency’s presence elsewhere on the African continent.
“Shannon has been my right hand for many years, and she’s more than proven that she’s ready to help lead our business into its next chapter,” says Roscher in a press release. “She’s a natural leader with the confidence and instincts that this role demands.”
Entrepreneur and businesswoman
Apart from being an experienced PR professional, Henning is also an entrepreneur and businesswoman in her own right.
In 2024, inspired by her passion for problem-solving, she founded MamasTouch, a company that produces weighted sleeping suits for young children. This runs as an independent business.
Comments Henning on her new role: “PR Worx has been named Africa’s Best on multiple occasions. For years, I’ve had the privilege of doing this alongside Madelain, learning from one of the most respected leaders in our field.
“Now, as managing director, I’m extremely proud to be leading such an incredible, award-winning team as we set our sights even higher, both as an agency and on behalf of our clients.”
Henning holds a BA in Communications and Psychology from North-West University in South Africa.
The PR Worx client base includes mining company Anglo American, health business Novartis, financial services company WesBank, MasterCard, Samsung, and snack brand Doritos.

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