The decision to hire creative graduates is in line with Publicis Machine’s aim to nurture and develop local creative talent.

"Chiquita, Richelle and Nicholas are three of the brightest young design and brand communication graduates in South Africa, with a real passion for creativity," says group executive creative director Gareth McPherson.

"They bring an incredible amount of energy to the team. With their diverse set of skills and personal experience, coupled with a fresh approach to solutions, we believe that they will play a crucial role in ingraining our clients’ brands into popular culture," adds McPherson.

Williams graduated from the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography in November 2017, with distinction. She is a recipient of the Loeries Creative Scholarship, a Gold Pack Awards finalist and was featured in the Design Times as one of Cape Town’s Top 2017 Creative Graduates. She joins the Publicis Machine team as a graphic design intern.

Naidoo and Pollett also graduated top of their respective classes – copywriting for Richelle, and art direction for Nicholas – from the Red & Yellow Creative School of Business in 2017.

Both were selected as runners’ up in the 2016 Student Gold Pack Awards, while Pollett also earned a finalist in the 2016 Loerie Print category and a Silver Pendoring award in the Communication Design category. Naidoo joins Publicis Machine as a copywriting intern, and Pollett takes on the role of art director intern. All three graduates joined Publicis Machine in February. 

"In the three weeks that I have been at Publicis Machine, I have worked on Red Bull, Martell Cognac and Virgin Active," says Pollett. "The calibre of clients is incredible."

"I love that from this space, we have the ability to influence people’s perspectives and possibly even create positive change," adds Naidoo.

"I’ve always believed that there is more to a good agency than an amazing portfolio, and Publicis Machine encompasses just that - a good sense of ‘work’ family, great work environment, greater opportunities and the best possible portfolio. I could not be happier with my choice," Williams says.

"Attracting the right talent, and helping it grow and develop, has always been at the core of building our unique creative culture; it’s an investment in our clients’ future, our future and the future of the industry as a whole," McPherson concludes.

For more information, visit www.publicismachine.com. You can also follow Publicis Machine on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.