
Ethiopia moves to bolster its coffee exports to the Chinese market
Opening of an Ethiopian coffee-trading centre in Zhuzhou will establish direct sales channels, boost relationships and host product displays.
MARKETING TALENT
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2024
Rapt Group announces new senior group strategy appointment
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team.
South African-based integrated agency, Rapt Group, has announced the appointment of Melanie Campbell as Partner of Group Strategy. The appointment is effective from 1 July.
Campbell joins the agency from her role as Marketing Director at alcoholic brands company Edward Snell, where she has spent last the last three-and-a-half years. During this time, she worked on iconic brands such as Glenfiddich whisky, Absolut vodka and Stretton’s gin.
Melanie Campbell. Photo: Supplied
She has also worked for Heineken in the United Kingdom and Netherlands as part of global brand teams, and on strategic and creative plans for liqueur company Pernod Ricard.
“I believe creativity is a wild imagination coupled with a disciplined eye,” says Campbell. “It’s this, along with my insatiable curiosity, that has empowered me to challenge the status quo throughout my career, working with teams to deliver creative that not only wins awards but drives business results.”
Putting more money into the short game
She adds: “The tough economy will see customers putting more money into the short game or promotions, ultimately shrinking advertising spend in a highly competitive market. Only those who deliver value – effective marketing that does what it’s intended to do – will win.”
Says Garreth van Vuuren, founder of Rapt: “Having worked with Campbell for over 10 years, I’ve seen first-hand her ability to bridge the gap between client commercial objectives and relatable agency briefs; this will first and foremost ensure that our work not only meets, but exceeds, expectations on their bottom line.”
Rapt’s offering includes strategy, creative, PR, influencer marketing, account service, production and on-the-ground execution.

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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.