The award was introduced by the Loeries in 2007, to recognise an individual for their marketing achievements over a sustained period of time.

Previous winners have included:
  • Andrea Quaye, former vice president of marketing at Anheuser-Busch InBev
  • Doug Place, chief marketing officer at Nandos
  • Claudia Waters, marketing communications manager at Mercedes Benz, and
  • Yegs Ramiah, former chief executive of Brand at Sanlam.
"Chantal's leadership has seen Chicken Licken win numerous Loerie Awards over the recent years culminating in Chicken Licken becoming the number one ranked brand in the Loeries 2019 rankings. Chantal's support of her agency is a testament to how effective brand and agency partnerships can create innovative experiences for society," says Preetesh Sewraj, CEO of the Loeries.

Sombonos-Van Tonder says, "It's a huge honour for me on behalf of my creative team and Chicken Licken family, but also on a personal level it's a huge affirmation of the work I am doing in continuing my father's legacy of tenacity, hard work while chartering new territories for the brand."

"The success of our brand is a balance between our agency's outstanding creativity and my instincts for knowing what is best for the brand which has been part of my life since primary school," Sombonos-Van Tonder says.

Since taking over the helm, Sombonos-Van Tonder has collected a series of accolades, comprising a total of 49 Loeries including a Grand Prix, eleven Gold Awards and both the coveted Brand of the Year and Brand Representative of the Year Awards for 2019.

"Women can achieve the same success and, with determination and support, can balance both career and family," Sombonos-Van Tonder adds. 

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