With complementary skills that will see a more robust spread of disciplines and future-fit capabilities being offered to clients — old and new — the agency is set to continue its current growth trajectory, with its offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg, according to the duo.

The partnership team will be made up of:
  • Paul Newman (CEO)
  • Carol Gallarelli (group managing director)
  • Chris Gotz (group creative office), and
  • Melusi Tshabalala (executive creative director).

Guy Parton will operate in a leadership position alongside the partners. 

Newman says that the merger will set OFYT apart from other agencies as both businesses are committed to the upliftment and development of young talent. Gallarelli says that the merger has come at an exciting time for both agencies.

"With recent account wins in both businesses, we look forward to creating work that impacts the bottom line for our clients, puts brands on the map, moves the public and sparks exciting conversation within the South African market," says Gallarelli.

The new combined client list boasts the likes of:
  • Kia
  • Hi-Q Tyres and Autocare
  • Tracker
  • Woolworths Food & Home
  • The Crazy Store
  • Birkenstocks
  • Campari Group (Aperol, Bisquit & Duboche, Bulldog and SkYY)
  • Douglas Green (Tall Horse, Franschhoek Cellars and Old Road Wine Company), and
  • d-school Afrika.

Tshabalala says, "The OFYT office in Johannesburg has been a hive of creativity and adding these new clients and new creative talent to the team excites me. The work we've recently done on brands like Kia and Birkenstock is just a taste of what can be achieved."

Remaining independent, OFYT will see its staff count of 46 increase by an additional 21 new friends from Hippocampus, offering the best-in-breed creative capabilities and complementary skills, concludes the duo.

For more information, visit www.ofyt.co.za. You can also follow OFYT on Facebook.