Fran Luckin, chief creative officer at Grey Africa, was elected as the new chairperson. Lucklin takes over from Tseliso Rangaka, chief creative officer at FCB Joburg and Hellocomputer.

"I am delighted to be joining this incredible team of industry captains to propel the Loeries vision forward and nurture budding creative talent," Luckin says.

Also joining the new board is Sydney Mbhele, chief executive of brand at Sanlam.

The new board comprises:
  • Fran Luckin (Loeries chairperson): chief creative officer, Grey Africa
  • Preetesh Sewraj: chief executive officer, the Loerie Awards
  • Tseliso Rangaka: chief creative officer, FCB Joburg and Hello Computer
  • Neo Mashigo: chief creative officer, M&C Saatchi Abel
  • Gareth Leck: group CEO, Joe Public
  • James Barty: co-founder and chief executive officer, King James
  • Gaby de Abreu: creative director, Switch Design
  • Linda Bogle: executive producer, Your Girlfriend
  • Dawn Rowlands: chief executive officer, Dentsu Aegis Network sub-Saharan Africa
  • Suhana Gordhan: executive creative director, FCB Africa
  • Sydney Mbhele: chief executive: Brand, Sanlam
In his chairperson's report, Tseliso Rangaka spoke on the success of Loeries Creative Week in 2019. "Around 2 500 entries were received. A total of 646 brands were represented by 281 agencies from 15 countries across Africa and the Middle East," says Rangaka.

"The awards were judged by over 140 regional and international industry leaders in their fields, including international jury presidents Nedal Ahmed, Tara McKenty, Ralf Heuel and Katja Thielen," Rangaka adds.

"2020 is no-doubt a defining year for the Loeries. It has also shown itself as a year of many firsts. For the first time ever, entries to the awards are free. This is to assist agencies with a cost burden many cannot afford to have right now," says Rangaka.

"We would like to thank the outgoing Loeries board for its hard work, commitment and guidance over the last 12 months. The board made immense strides to deliver on its mandate of supporting creativity across Africa and the Middle East," says Preetesh Sewraj, CEO of the Loeries.

The new board has indicated that its focus now turns to delivering on the theme of '#CreateChange' for Loeries 2020. "2020's Loeries Creative Week will deliver deep insights into how creativity helps business and society in general move forward, even if they face of one of our toughest challenges," Sewraj concludes.

The board aims to to lead the Loeries in delivering an "innovative roadmap with the aim of recognising, rewarding, inspiring and fostering creativity for positive change within the Africa and Middle East region".

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