Draftfcb South Africa's New CEO and Group Chairman

Draftfcb South Africa has made a number of key appointments at the senior level, effective immediately, heralding a new era for the group.

After 13 years with the business, Chief Creative Officer for the group, Brett Morris will become Chief Executive Officer of Draftfcb South Africa.

Partnering with Morris is marketing and advertising veteran, Mohale Ralebitso, who comes on board as Group Chairman.

Commenting on the appointments, Draftfcb’s Worldwide Chief Executive Officer, Carter Murray, said: “The South African operation is one of the network’s star performers and I believe it is poised to reach even greater heights in 2014. Brett, with his strong creative reputation and intimate knowledge of the brands and business, is a perfect choice to lead the charge. Add to this the strength of someone as accomplished as Mohale, who has been a top agency leader and brings a wealth of client experience, and we have a formidable combination.”

Morris added: “I’ve always been interested in the broader aspects of the business because it all ultimately affects the work, so I’m really excited about the opportunity to collaborate with this team to deliver truly iconic South African campaigns for our clients.”

For his part, Ralebitso is looking forward to coming on board and making a positive impact on the group’s business, as well as that of its clients. “The opportunity to work with an agency of Draftfcb’s calibre and its blue chip clients is one that truly fires up my imagination,” he said.

“It’s fantastic to have someone of Mohale’s calibre joining the group. We look forward to the experience he will bring from his time as a highly successful agency leader as well as curating some of the country’s biggest brands. I couldn’t be happier handing over the chairman role to a businessman of his calibre,” said outgoing Group Chairman, Nkwenkwe Nkomo.

Also taking up a new role is Graham Vivian, the group’s Chief Financial Officer; he will become Chief Operating Officer. “No agency can be great without great finance and operations. Graham’s operational and financial prowess is the backbone of our business and I know that he will help take the group from strength to strength,” commented Nkomo.

The changes follow current Group Chief Executive Officer, John Dixon’s, decision to join BrandsRock as a shareholder. Dixon will become CEO, effective 1 March.  Nkomo will be moving into a non-executive role given his view to retiring in the near future.

Paying tribute to Dixon, Nkomo said that much respect and great thanks must be paid to him for all he has done for the business since joining 11 years ago. “During John’s tenure, we brought home several agency of the year awards and won significant new business. He himself was, in 2012, named as Financial Mail’s Agency Leader of the Year. We wish JD all the best with his new venture and he is always welcome back for a drink!”

For his part, Dixon is extremely satisfied to take leave of such a successful agency, and thrilled that it is Morris who is replacing him. “Much of Draftfcb’s business and creative success can be laid at Brett’s door. He truly understands the psyche of the South African consumer and what it takes to win the nation’s heart and soul. With him at the helm, the only way is up.”