Talent pool increases at M&C Saatchi Abel

Kristina Couzyn

Formerly MD of Ogilvy Brand Activation, Couzyn has 16 years experience in brand communication strategy and development at a senior level, with extensive retail shopper and trade marketing experience that will bring further leadership depth to the agency.

"Kris and I have a long history of working together and I know that our clients will find her leadership skills, marketing communications experience and strong strategic ability, in particular on the shopper marketing front, a great addition," comments Jacques Burger (@jacquesburger), CEO of M&C Saatchi Abel JHB.

Chief executive partner Mike Abel (@abelmike) adds, "She has pioneered fantastic retail and customer thinking."

Digital central at agency

The role of digital has been central to the agency's creative and strategic proposition, since its formation two years ago.

Craig Jamieson

On his new challenge Jamieson says, "I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to such a team with diverse skill sets and backgrounds. It has a depth of knowledge, creativity and strong points of view on the role of digital, in a time where the boundaries of media, technology and communication have become increasingly blurred."

Marianna Hadzigeorgiou

Commenting on the closing down of Digital Monarchy, which he opened in April 2012 2011 with Hadzigeorgiou, Jamieson told Bizcommunity.com, "After a year on our own, we made the decision to close Digital Monarchy as running a small business did not afford us as much of an opportunity to do the type of work we really want to do. While we closed our little studio, we will continue to work together as part of the M&C Saatchi Abel team. I started in April, Marianna joins [as art director] in May."

Insight into appointment

Zeyad Davids, managing partner: digital, direct and data, provides some insight into the appointment of Jamieson (@Digiguru): "From day one, digital has been a key growth driver for our business. In the communications mix, the strategic and creative role of digital is often underplayed because it is divorced from the up-front thinking. Our approach does not allow this to happen. Digital, as a discipline, is hardwired into the organisation at every level, from strategy, creative and development, through to channel planning and implementation.

"His appointment underscores the value we place on having the best talent in all disciplines. He will be working closely with executive creative partner Gordon Ray and the creative leaders in our business across key clients. He is charged with leading and growing our specialist digital services teams already established in both the Cape Town and Johannesburg Offices."

"About the idea and where that idea best lives"

Ray elaborates, "We don't just 'do' digital because a client asks for it, and we never treat it as a bolt-on, support platform to a campaign. For us it is about the idea and where that idea best lives. What we love about him is that he insists on being involved in the thinking from the get-go; he refuses to sit around waiting to get briefed on the 'digital bits' at the end."

Because of the acquisition of the Edgars business earlier in the year, together with organic growth from existing clients, the talent pool has grown to over 130 people across the Johannesburg and Cape Town offices in just over two years.

"We are determined to manage our growth by bringing top talent into our various specialist communications channels to seek integrated communication solutions that address our clients' business challenges," concludes Abel.

Updated at 11.17am on 26 April 2012.
Opening date of Digital Monarchy corrected at 11.53am on 26 April 2012. Bizcommunity.com apologies for any confusion caused.