Wood is tasked with further developing Edelman's digital capabilities in the areas of social, experiences and content, as well as integrating further with its EMEA network.

This is to augment the firm's multi-platform service offering and advance digital creative solutions for its clients, says the group.

Edelman Africa is a pan-African communications consultancy that aims to offer clients the largest working network on the continent. It has partners and affiliates in more than 50 African countries.

Karena Crerar, CEO of Edelman Africa, adds, "I am elated to welcome Wood to our Edelman team. By leveraging his broad skillset — hinged on a unique combination of creative, digital and client services — Wood is imperative to our goal of delivering immediate, meaningful impact for our clients in a digital-first world."

"Digital innovation in content and storytelling is imperative in connecting our clients with their audiences. We look forward to bringing our clients enhanced digital solutions across our growing African network," says Crerar.

Wood joins Edelman from the brand team of KFC, where he says he immersed himself in all aspects of the marketing business — both in South Africa and across the continent.

Wood says that, throughout his career, he has delivered a broad set of digital solutions to clients across various sectors, developing and executing successful digital-led campaigns in his work with Firewater Interactive and Ogilvy.

"It's an honour to be a part of a creative, innovative and impactful business, which I believe is spearheading value-based communications models for our clients across the world. I am eager to work closely with our teams in Africa to diversify our range of digital services, ensuring that our clients receive pioneering solutions for our current communications context," says Wood.

Still regarding himself as a creative at heart, Wood concludes that he believes in devising impactful, outcome-centric communications solutions that are centred around trust for clients and their stakeholders — values which are enshrined in Edelman's corporate culture.

For more information, visit www.edelman.com. You can also follow Edelman Africa on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.