Kuben Pillay new Primedia CEO

Kuben Pillay, newly appointed CEO of the Primedia group

Commented Kirsch, who has dedicated the past 15 years to the company, “The time has come for me to focus on the next phase of my life... Happily married with three beautiful children, my personal priorities have changed.”

Kirsch will continue to be involved with Primedia as non-executive deputy chairman. He will remain as a shareholder with his father, Talk Radio 702 founder, Issie Kirsh. According to Pillay, Kirsh had been thinking about his future for a while now and had been consulting widely on his move.

Said Pillay, “I am humbled at being appointed CEO of Primedia, one of the largest media companies in South Africa. My vision for Primedia is to continue to focus on operational efficiencies, more innovative product offerings, and cross media offerings through the newly launched Primedia Business Solutions unit, and of course to ensure the overall growth of the company...

“One of Primedia's strengths”

“One of Primedia's strengths is the many good people we have. We have loyal, dedicated, hardworking, talented and passionate staff. This is what makes our company the company it is. Let's continue to grow as individuals - and take our powerful brands to the next level. I hope to personally visit each and every company over the next few months and to interact with staff. Remember, we are all one team.

Pillay is no stranger to Primedia. He currently serves as non-executive chairman on the Mineworkers Investment Company (MIC) board, and has had a long and active association with Primedia since 1998, first as a non executive director for two years, and then as an executive since 2000.

The successful career of law alumnus, Pillay (BA LLB MCJ) has covered a wide spectrum, from being head of the legal department of National Union of Mineworkers - NUM- in 1986, to his current position as CEO of Primedia. After his time at NUM (having obtained a Masters degree in comparative jurisprudence from the Howard School of Law, Washington DC), he joined the public interest law firm of Krish Naidoo, Nicholls and Cambanis.

In 1992, Pillay moved to Cheadle Thompson & Haysom as a managing financial partner, and was involved in many landmark labour law and policy decisions and both the Leon Commissions of Inquiry into the South African mining industry.

Successful bid

In 1996 Pillay became a founding executive director of MIC, which went on to acquire a strategic and controlling interest in the Primedia group. Also in 1996, Pillay led a consortium during its successful bid for 94.7 Highveld Stereo and 567 Cape Talk.

In 2000, Pillay was appointed executive director of Primedia, where he was responsible for corporate affairs and strategy. He had been CEO of the group's advertising division (Adco), comprising all its advertising brands, since 2002. He was appointed deputy CEO earlier this year.

Primedia's non-executive chairman and MIC CEO, Paul Nkuna, said: “We know we are in good hands with Kuben at the helm. We wish him all the success. He is an able and capable leader.”

Added Pillay, “We also have a very strong management team at head office level and we have powerful and hands-on division heads and company executives. Together, we will continue to grow and develop Primedia's strategy and we are looking forward to your support. I am confident that we will continue to lead the way... William has brought a lot to this company and we wish him well. We are delighted that he will continue with his association with Primedia going forward.”