EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

SABC appoints Enver Groenewald as its first Chief Commercial Officer

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

He will oversee advertising and sponsorship sales, as well as alternative revenue streams, partnerships and commercial opportunities.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has appointed well-known marketing industry personality Enver Groenewald as Chief Commercial Officer, effective from 1 October 2025.

The introduction of the Chief Commercial Officer role marks a significant evolution in the Corporation’s strategic approach to revenue generation.

Photo: LinkedIn

“This executive role replaces the former Group Executive: Sales portfolio and reflects the SABC’s determination to broaden and integrate all aspects of its commercial operations in line with the organisation’s five-year strategy to build long-term financial sustainability,” the SABC states.

 

Groenewald will oversee not only advertising and sponsorship sales, but also television licence fee collections, alternative revenue streams, partnerships, and new commercial opportunities.

Holistic approach to driving revenue growth

“This consolidated mandate ensures a holistic approach to driving revenue growth and future-fit business practices that can secure the SABC’s role as a sustainable public broadcaster,” the broadcaster explains.

 

Comments Nomsa Chabeli, Group CEO: “The appointment of a Chief Commercial Officer signals a new chapter in the way we approach revenue generation. This is not just a title change; it is a strategic shift to ensure every commercial lever works together in delivering value for the Corporation and for our stakeholders.”

 

Groenewald brings more than two decades of leadership experience across media, advertising, classical marketing and digital transformation in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

He has held senior executive roles such as Africa Director for Media, Marketing Capabilities, and Digital Transformation at Unilever; Group Chief Executive Officer at Ogilvy South Africa; Chief Executive Officer at Interbrand Southern Africa; General Manager: Revenue at Avusa (now Arena Holdings); and Chief Executive Officer of Ochre Media.

“I am honoured to join the SABC at such a pivotal time in its journey,” says Groenewald. “The new Chief Commercial Officer mandate provides a powerful platform to reimagine how we deliver value to our audiences, our clients, and the country at large. I look forward to working with the team to unlock the full commercial potential of the SABC and to help secure its sustainability for the future.”

A passenger jet at a gate viewed from the nose with a sunset sky and dark clouds in the background

Airline body urges African governments to act on opening market access

‘Strategies don’t move people. Now it is time to make the difficult decisions and execute them,’ senior executive stresses.

Two hockey players battle for the puck along the boards during a game one in blue and one in white

Uganda Tourism Board partners with major European ice hockey league

UTB says its ambition is to turn the visibility into interest, bookings and more visitors choosing to explore Uganda.

Two young women sit together looking at a tablet one in an orange sweater holds a bottle while the other in a pink hoodie eyes the screen

Researchers explain why 10-second micro ads outperform longer spots

Short ads shown on TV increased website visits within five minutes of airing by 10-40% compared with longer advertisements.

Worker on a ladder painting the yellow storefront of a corner shop labeled supeco and label vie with shoppers and parked vehicles nearby

Competition continues to grow in the Moroccan supermarket sector

Supeco’s rapid expansion shows how the discount model is becoming a bigger part of grocery retail in the North African country.

Gold hotel toiletries sachets arranged on a marble bathroom counter including a vanity kit and shower gel beside a glass

Study identifies harmful paradox behind well-meaning green efforts

Consumers reward visible eco-friendly additions such as reusable bottles, but give little credit to businesses that reduce or remove products.

Medical professional in a white coat and pink hairnet demonstrates handwashing at a stainless steel station while soldiers watch nearby

President Mahama commissions expanded evaporated milk facility in Ghana

Nestlé believes Ghana will continue to play a leading role in the future of Central and West Africa.

Diverse group of people posing for a group photo in a bright lobby under an empa banner with 'this is possibility ' text above

Momentum beginning to build for 2027 ACCS gathering in Addis Ababa

Ethiopia’s marketers gather to celebrate hosting next year’s conference – but with an eye on the hard work ahead.

Young woman with curly hair smiling while looking at her phone outdoors wearing earphones

PwC report examines the future of African entertainment and media

Tech is creating more ways for audiences to connect, but lasting value will come from understanding the people behind those connections.

Four professionals in blue protective coats and hairnets cut a blue ribbon during a factory ceremony celebrating a ribbon cutting event

Unilever investment expands its Vaseline production capacity in Africa

The new production line at the historic Maydon Wharf facility in Durban will address growing international demand.

Group of formally dressed award winners posing on stage with trophies at the world cruise awards ceremony

World MICE Awards in Jamaica honour best African and global achievers

Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and South Africa all feature in the African meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions awards.

Five adults in a rural village square talk holding notebooks and papers as they discuss together at sunset

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.