"Mark will be driving the commercial strategy for our business as a whole, which is a much broader portfolio than we have had in the past. He will bring his considerable talents and skills to grow revenue and strengthen our market positioning," says Primedia Broadcasting CEO, Omar Essack.
Jakins is capable of managing multiple portfolios to drive revenue and improve profitability, as well as lead new initiatives and projects to bring in new revenue streams, motivate teams, and build equity for the brands that he has worked on.
He will join the broadcaster from Peermont Hotels Casinos and Resorts where he has served as both chief commercial officer and chief marketing and operations executive since 2006.
His experience spans the hospitality, entertainment, service and FMCG industries, and includes exposure to the media environment. He was chief executive of commercial enterprises at SABC from 2001 to 2006.
He was responsible for all television and radio airtime sales, sponsorships, marketing, audience services, mobile, and merchandising divisions – while serving on the SABC EXCO – and was a driver in returning the SABC to profitability at the time.
Jakins has also held senior positions in marketing and sales at Budget Rent-a-Car, Southern Sun Hotel Group, and, early in his career, worked for Sun International, Royal Beechnut (Nabisco), and Unilever.
"Mark is a very strong negotiator, has an excellent track record as a leader, and he’s an innovative marketer," adds Essack. "With this combination of talents, we feel he is going to play an important role in future proofing and growing our business."
"I am looking forward to joining and making a difference in the dynamic Primedia family and its fantastic brand offerings – real assets that are loved by knowledgeable audiences – and who are, in turn, chased by serious marketers wanting to connect and positively influence their own product sales," Jakins concludes.
For more information, visit www.primediabroadcasting.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Twitter.