Ogilvy is a 51% black-owned agency and retains its Level 1 B-BBEE status. As the incoming CEO, Groenewald will continue to drive Ogilvy's commitment to transformation, which is embedded in the agency's business objectives and agency culture.
"Groenewald is a highly experienced, widely networked business leader, with a 20-year career in senior and executive management in blue-chip South African and global organisations," says Paul O'Donnell, chief executive of Europe, Middle-East and Africa, and executive partner for the Ogilvy Group.
"His breadth and depth of experience across industries will further strengthen our team's ability to drive growth for our clients' businesses. And, as a majority black-owned agency reflecting the aspirations of the country, he will continue driving Ogilvy South Africa's transformation objectives of advancing black talent in operations and management," adds O'Donnell.
According to Ogilvy, Groenewald has deep expertise in multiple sectors, having worked in consulting, advisory and operations roles across FMCG, financial services, marketing, media and the public sector.
Groenewald has experience in more than 25 markets across Africa, including most SADC countries, as well as Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. Groenewald spent time at Ogilvy early in his career, before moving on to Times Media, Omnicom and Unilever.
"I'm thrilled to be back at Ogilvy," says Groenewald. "While my leadership approach is very focused on consultation and collaboration, my business philosophy is based on creating economic and social benefit through purpose, people and creativity."
"I can't think of a better place than Ogilvy where these three elements intersect so powerfully. And, I am very excited to work alongside the group's depth and breadth of industry talent, as well as with the leading brands that Ogilvy helps grow," concludes Groenewald.
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