EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

Somnath Saha announced as MD of EssenceMediacom in South Africa

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

New managing director has a background in mechanical engineering, but changed his career direction while studying for an MBA.

GroupM, the advertising media strategy group, has announced the appointment of Somnath Saha as Managing Director of EssenceMediacom South Africa. He was previously Interim Agency Lead.

Somnath Saha (right) with Claudelle Naidoo. Photo: GroupM

EssenceMediacom was founded in January 2023 to deliver marketing breakthroughs for clients by disrupting the old models across media, creative, innovation and analytics. It operates in over 100 countries. 

 

Saha has come to his new role via an unusual route. With a background in mechanical engineering, a career-change while studying for his MBA landed him in the field of media.  

 

“This is something that proved to be his forte, as the most-awarded executive at GroupM, two-time Cannes Award winner Saha is looking forward to sharing his data-driven expertise and growing talent within the marketplace,” the company says in a press release. 

 

He obtained his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Mumbai in 2007 and his MBA, Marketing from the Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, also in India, in 2013. He later worked for Mindshare and Zenith before joining EssenceMediacom in South Africa in 2021. 

 

Comments Saha: “I am both honoured and excited to be leading EssenceMediacom as we address the convergence of media and data into one currency to reach client growth objectives.  

 

“I am looking forward to working with my team and colleagues to create … a working environment that is inspiring and innovative, and makes our clients and our people truly proud to be part of EssenceMediacom. And, off course, I am going to make sure we win some awards along the way.” 

 

Adds Claudelle Naidoo, CEO of GroupM in sub-Saharan Africa: “This appointment will play a pivotal role in helping us accelerate our transformation into a truly client-centric organisation. Somnath is extremely talented and brings a wealth of experience in solving complex client challenges and converting them into growth opportunities.”

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    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.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
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    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.