Robyn de Villiers to speak at CIPRI Maggie Nally Lecture

The address, Out of Africa: an Insider’s Perspective, will tap into de Villiers’ experience of Africa, its changing landscape of communication, and the development of the PR industry across the continent. It will offer insight and advice to those wishing to engage with the very diverse markets and cultures of the continent.

De Villiers says, “Africa is an extremely diverse region with many different languages and cultures, and is at different stages of development in terms of communication and PR. I am delighted to be speaking at this prestigious event and hope my lecture will be useful in increasing PR practitioners’ knowledge and understanding of the continent and the issues faced by the industry.”

This annual event, organised by the CIPRI, is held in memory of Maggie Nally, the CIPR's first female president and a leading public relations figure of her time. Nally co-founded CIPR's Greater London Group, served on the CIPR International committee, and was awarded the Sir Stephen Tallents Medal in 1987.

Shirley Collyer, chair of CIPR International, says, “Africa is a fascinating continent and Robyn’s wide experience in the PR industry across the continent will provide valuable insight into communicating with diverse markets. CIPR International is all about breaking down barriers between people, countries and cultures. This lecture will be an important milestone in our programme.”

De Villiers has been engaged in public relations and corporate communications both in South Africa and across the continent for over 25 years. Through Burson-Marsteller Africa, the unique network of indigenous, in-country communications consultancies she founded, Burson-Marsteller provides local and international clients with market relevant communications services in 53 of the 55 African countries.

For more information, visit bm-africa.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook, Twitter or on LinkedIn.