Remaining on the Board from 2017 are Catherine Kruger (HKLM), David Wingfield (ABSA), Gaby De Abreu (Switch), Kendel Falkson (Blank Page Communications) and Mathew Weiss (Superunion). Additionally, Leigh Anne Acquisto (Liquorish Ink) will remain as chairperson and Anli Grobler (Vega School) has been appointed as deputy chairperson.

The management committee for 2018 will include Rhiannon Rees (Yellowwood), Wade Moonsamy (Grid WorldWide), Amori Brits and Janeke Nel (HKLM), and Nicholas Symmonds and Stephanus Naude (Grid WW).

Acquisto says, "This new, varied complement of creative pioneers on the board and in our management team is a first for our organisation in two years. We anticipate a unique dimension and highly innovative thinking and strategy to come forth as we continue to represent the whole industry, and deal with issues regarding how business is conducted and how the industry ensures sustainable quality and talent." 

According to the Brand Council South Africa, these new additions are expected to play an integral role in the organisation’s multilayered vision for the future, including their plans for students who will soon be entering the industry.

This will aim to see a stronger emphasis placed on the student council arm of the Brand Council South Africa, aiming to encourage and equip the brightest and best talent to enter the industry.

Plans to achieve these goals include introducing mentorship programmes, providing a platform through which graduates can improve skills and present their input and feedback, increasing the number of student events and creating more opportunities for students.

"It is vital that we actively and intelligently concentrate on including more tertiary facilities in the conversation around how we can effectively create greater transformation in the industry, and improve talent development so that graduates are equipped to make a meaningful contribution of their own when they join the workforce," says Acquisto.

The news coincides with the announcement that the Brand Council South Africa's updated website is live. 

Acquisto adds, "We are particularly grateful to HKLM for all their hard work to create a clean and fresh online platform through which we can distribute relevant information about our ever-evolving industry, as well as announce upcoming events, such as our annual conference, which will take place in June this year."

The annual Brand Council South Africa conference aims to be a significant event, where all members of the marketing and advertising industry are invited to attend.

“The board is currently in the process of bedding down key speakers and finalising this year’s topic, so we encourage all members of the industry, from brand owners and architects to planners, researchers and directors to keep an eye out for the announcement in the coming months,” concludes Acquisto.

For more information, visit www.brandcouncilsa.org. You can also follow Brand Council South Africa on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.