Xolisa is Chief Creative Officer and partner at Joe Public United and has been an invaluable  part of the agency group’s growth story, having begun his journey with the agency as far  back as 2006 and becoming a shareholder in 2013.  

He contributes a wealth of experience gained over 17 years, working on iconic brands like  Mercedes-Benz, Ford Motor Company, Nedbank, Dialdirect, P&G, Renault, 3M, Chicken  Licken, UberEats, Converse, Distell, Momentum, Santam, Elizabeth Arden and Toyota. 

Xolisa’s passion lies in the world of creativity. To this end, he has actively contributed to  the industry as Chairperson of Creative Circle, the highest decision-making body for  advertising creativity in South Africa and served as Chairman of the Loeries (2012–2014),  South Africa’s premier advertising awards show. He also strives to give a voice to African  creativity on the global stage, having served on the juries of almost every renowned  advertising award show across the world. Most recently, he was elected to the  international board of the One Show – the premier advertising show in the United States. 

His passion for creative excellence is evident in the numerous awards won throughout his  career at both local and international awards festivals, including Cannes, D&AD, One Show,  Loeries and more – earning him recognition as South Africa’s No. 1 creative leader in 2018  and as one of Finweek’s ‘Top 6 People to Watch in Advertising’. 

Xolisa lists opening the 20th Annual Design Indaba Conference alongside Pepe Marais  among his personal career highlights. He is also proud to have been one of the creative  minds behind Brothers for Life, one of South Africa’s biggest and most successful  behavioural change campaigns – demonstrating another of Xolisa’s passion points,  which is driving social change through creativity. 

Xolisa is a founding member of Ikamva Lakusasa and has also been part of many industry  committees aimed at helping young people from underprivileged backgrounds to gain  access to the industry – actively engaging a new generation of creative minds in finding new solutions for a better South Africa.