Sewraj has previously worked with major brands including Unilever, Samsung, Nedbank and Vodacom, and is an experienced business leader and innovator. He also successfully launched Product of the Year in South Africa, the world's largest consumer-voted award for product innovation. Since its launch in 2008, the award has helped millions of consumers identify innovation that adds value.

Sewraj says that he sees his role as "leading the Loeries in its mission to unearth and share great examples of creativity and innovation, as well as to ensure deeper engagement with organisations across the region that are aligned to supporting this goal."

"Creativity is the cornerstone of great innovation and the Loeries is uniquely positioned to help stimulate greater innovative thinking and execution across the Middle East and Africa," adds Sewraj.

"The changing communication needs of consumers means that the Loeries truly is the strongest source of insight into how consumer thinking is evolving across the region, [and shows] what both brands and agencies need to do to ensure that they develop a deep understanding of these ever-changing needs."

"I want to ensure that we break down barriers between the countries in our region to facilitate collaboration that creates opportunities for new thinking, greater conversation and respect for the human experience — regardless of where it is experienced," he says.

Sewraj has featured regularly on CNN, SABC News, The Sunday Times, Destiny Man, SAFM, Channel Africa and other media platforms. He is the co-host of Power Edge on Power 98.7's Power Lunch and has spoken at several conferences including TEDx Soweto, TEDx Johannesburg, the GIBS Innovation Conference, the PIA Idea Design Conference, Seamless Retail, and the Wired Women Conference.

Tseliso Rangaka, Loeries chairperson and executive creative director at Ogilvy Cape Town, says, "We are really excited by the appointment of Sewraj as our new CEO. He brings deep experience in the awards and events space, coupled with a fresh perspective on our industry. This, combined with a passion for creativity and boundless energy, are exactly the qualities we need at the head of the Loeries table."

During his tenure, Andrew Human grew the Loeries into the largest celebration of creativity across Africa and the Middle East. Human led the launch of multiple new initiatives, including the Creative Future Scholarship. Human concludes that he is confident in handing over to Sewraj and believes he has "exactly the right combination of skills, motivation and energy to take the Loeries forward."

Entries for the 2020 Loeries will open on Monday, 3 February.

To enter the Loeries or for more information, visit www.loeries.com. You can also follow the Loeries on Facebook or on Twitter.