Based in the Western Cape, Rightford will oversee the operation of WPP's activation, experiential and shopper retail company in both Cape Town and Johannesburg.
"With three decades of marketing experience, Grant has the exact know-how to successfully partner with clients in this increasingly important discipline", says Mokgwatsane. "His insights have made him instrumental in developing a streamlined operation for our retail clients and I am confident that he will drive the business unit to greater heights."
Following his departure from O&M in 1998, Rightford launched Orrey Rightford and Drysdale, a successful experiential agency, before starting up an independent advertising consultancy. In 2013, Rightford rejoined O&M as deputy MD of O&M's production arm, Redworks. He was promoted to the role of MD, in 2014, and was consecutively appointed to the agency's executive committee. He has since played an integral part in the rapid growth of the division. Rightford has worked on brands across various industries, including Old Mutual, Shell, Coca-Cola and Marlboro.
"The decision by O&M to concentrate its shopper marketing business in the group's specialist agency is extremely exciting,” comments Rightford. “The ability to combine Redworks' large scale, speed and efficiency with the strategic shopper skills in Geometry Global makes for an attractive opportunity for clients to harness both in one unit. I'm looking forward to the challenge."