Together with Neo Mashigo (group chief creative officer), Adam Weber (ECD) and Makosha Maja-Rasethaba (head of strategy), Chaudhry will form part of the M&C Saatchi Abel Johannesburg leadership team.

"We have a long-standing relationship of mutual respect with Faheem. It’s great to have someone with his talent and integrity returning to South Africa, and our group," says Mashigo.

Chaudhry left M&C Saatchi Abel four years ago to join M&C Saatchi London as strategy director.

He led a range of clients including NatWest Bank, the British Government and projects across Europe, Bahrain and Tokyo. While in the M&C Saatchi London agency, he also co-founded Black and White — a strategic consultancy within the PLC.

For the past two years, he has been invited by the United Nations to deliver keynote talks on 'The Power of Communication'.

"Faheem is, without a doubt, one of the rising stars in the M&C Saatchi Abel worldwide group. He will play a pivotal role within our Johannesburg agency leadership team. His infectious energy and experience gained in London will prove invaluable," adds Mashigo.

"This feels like a triple homecoming for me — returning to the city I grew up in, alongside a group of partners I admire and trust, in the agency where I spent my formative years," says Chaudhry.

"Gaining global experience at M&C Saatchi’s headquarters in London for the past few years has been fantastic but, ultimately, the pull of home and completing the M&C Saatchi Abel Johannesburg leadership alongside Neo, MK and Adam were too strong," he adds.

He says, "I believe South African creativity is going to enjoy exponential success over the next decade. Trevor Noah, DJ Black Coffee, Dr Ester Mahlungu, Nelson Makamo, Trevor Stuurman, among others, are all building South Africa's cultural capital on the world stage." 

"A huge commercial opportunity for organisations will be to stake their claim in, and contribute to, South African culture. It’s the perfect climate to build brands that are locally transformative and globally admired. The chance to work with our people and in partnership with our clients to drive growth for their businesses, and for the South African economy, is a challenge I find both critical and irresistible," Chaudhry adds.

"We were exceptionally excited when Faheem showed interest in returning to South Africa. It’s great news for our clients and the agency. Together with Neo, MK and Adam, he will ensure we continue to deliver on our purpose of creating beautifully simple solutions in an increasingly complex world while driving our transformation and diversity ambitions in South Africa," concludes Mike Abel, founding partner and CEO at M&C Saatchi Abel.

For more information, visit www.mcsaatchiabel.co.za. You can also follow the M&C Saatchi Group on Facebook or on Twitter