BE welcomes Uyanda Manana as its new MD

Uyanda has operated in senior leadership roles in London, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa, on both a client and agency side, working through-the-line. She spent eight years at Publicis London (ranked in top 10 agencies globally) where she worked on L’Oréal and Garnier Global ATL.

In South Africa, she has led client divisions at M&C Saatchi Abel, FCB, The Jupiter Drawing Room, running award-winning work for MTN, Nando’s, Nedbank, SA Tourism and Edgars, to name a few. In Dubai, she headed up activations for Abu Dhabi Motor Sports Management. According to BE, Uyanda brings a wealth of integrated, global, blue chip experience to the leadership of BE.

Kevin Power, group MD of Conversation LAB Holdings, a minority shareholder and investor in BE, says, "I worked at Publicis London for four years at the same time Uyanda was there, but we never met. I am delighted that our paths have crossed now and we have secured her to lead BE."

"She is a true talent, coupled with a big personality, and has the energy to drive BE forward. All the shareholders are excited to be working with her as they grow BE into a leading creative and communications force in South Africa," Power adds.

Manana says, "This appointment couldn’t have come at a more opportune time in my professional and personal journey. I am immensely proud and excited to be leading such a talented team of people, all with a diverse history, striving towards a brilliant tomorrow."

"For me, transformation is about second chances. It’s about deliberately seeking innovative ways to create a stronger future for ourselves, our children, our communities — one that learns from the past in order to bear little resemblance to it. That’s the vision and energy I want to bring to our business and our clients," concludes Manana.

For more information, contact [email protected].