Anita Prendergast new Leo Burnett Group MD

Anita Prendergast, newly appointed group MD of Leo Burnett

Prendergast brings with her 23 years' experience in industrial and financial advertising, corporate identity and public relations. This, combined with a wealth of knowledge in visual communication and implementation strategy, is expected to add to her tenacity and determination in driving these two agencies to greater endeavours.

“Highly driven entrepreneur”

“Anita is a highly driven entrepreneur who will skilfully drive both the Leo Burnett and rednail agencies into their next growth phase. Her strategic leadership and branding expertise position her as a captain in the industry and a valuable mentor to our staff. My colleagues join me in congratulating Anita on her appointment,” said Groovin Nchabaleng, Leo Burnett Group CEO.

Prendergast's executive career began at Trademark International, where she managed the South African operation and was integral in the R40 million corporate identity development and rollout of the Alpha brand.

From 1996 - 1999, she was seconded to De Beers Corporate Identity Worldwide as the international consultant responsible for overseeing the revamp of the corporate identity on a global platform. This included integrating a disparate international identity with many sub-brands and achieving support from all internal operations. This intricate organisation and its process gave her great insights into effectively dealing with companies of this magnitude, and to deliver brand solutions such as the one which led to the transformation of the De Beers brand worldwide.

Integral in pioneering

For the past 10 years Prendergast has been integral in pioneering and establishing Motiv, a national investor and branding agency. During her tenure as MD of this operation, she worked nationally with many leading organisations and industry stalwarts including Nedbank, Standard Bank, Old Mutual, Absa, Petro SA, Woolworths Holdings, Grinrod, Spar, Rainbow, Foschini, New Clicks, UCT Graduate School of Business and Truworths Int.

“We are committed to providing holistic branding solutions and strengthening client relationships across the board and believe that Anita perfectly compliments the rednail and Leo Burnett ethos and future vision,” concluded Nchabeleng.