Ralebitso will ensure a smooth transition for clients and staff while the recruitment of the new chairman is finalised.

Murray said: “Mohale has strong business acumen and I’d like to thank him for his contribution to FCB South Africa’s success over the past year.”

“He was instrumental in helping Brett Morris transition from CCO to CEO, and it has been a huge success – with Brett being recently ranked as one of the ‘Most Admired Agency Leaders’ in South Africa,” Murry adds.

Ralebitso commented: “It has been great working with the team at FCB, and I’m very happy to have contributed to help making the agency an example in terms of building a healthy and client-centric business in South Africa under tough trading conditions.”

“It has also been very satisfying to help advance progress in transforming and ensuring that we build a sustainable society out of our young democracy. As you always need to put your money where your mouth is, I decided, with FCB’s assistance, to make donations to a number of charities that help transform our society before I leave the company. I’m grateful to FCB for partnering with me in this regard,” says Ralebitso.

In 2014, FCB South Africa was the top agency at Loeries, the country’s second-most-awarded agency at Cannes, and Sunday Times’ Top Brands Agency of the Year. The group had a significant new business record, including Cell C, MoneyGram, Bonitas, Cape Union Mart, Adcock Ingram, Parmalat, Capfin and IDC. Additionally, its digital arm was named AdFocus Digital Agency of the Year as well as Digital and Integrated Agency of the Year at the 2014 Tony Koenderman AdReview Advertising Awards.