[NewsMaker] Mike Sharman

Mike Sharman, the co-founder of Retroviral Digital Communications, will be the new head of Bidvest Media's Retroviral subsidiary as Chief Creative Strategist, after it was announced yesterday that Bidvest Media, would take a majority stake in Retroviral, launching the company's foray into the digital marketing sector. Bidvest Media is a subsidiary of the Bidvest Group.

Q: What is your mission with the sale of Retroviral to Bidvest Media?
A: The acquisition opportunity from Bidvest Media offered us the best of both worlds - remain a world class African agency with added capacity to expand internationally where the Bidvest Group has a presence.

Q: What is your core strategy going forward?
A: We've adopted a disruptive approach to digital in five years - we will continue to create tomorrow what doesn't exist today.

Q: What is Retroviral's biggest asset that it brings to Bidvest Media?
A: The way in which we approach a brief and the unique way in which we incorporate digital storytelling to positively impact sales.

Q: How will you make an impact with Bidvest Media?
A: The group's ambition is to grow organically and via acquisition to ensure Bidvest Media can offer a variety of services across the marketing value chain. It's still early days but we are excited about the future, based on this partnership and Retroviral will continue to pioneer - both within the group and in the market.

Q: What is next on your 'to do' list?
A: I'm on a mission to meet all of the brands within the Bidvest Group, and to win more business. We want to be better, as opposed to bigger.

Q: The biggest trend to note in your industry?
A: Tech versus stories. We are constantly exposed to new technology, i.e., Periscope/Meerkat, but in order to build an emotional connection with your target market, you need to hone your storytelling - something we thrive on at Retroviral.

Q: Your life philosophy?
A: Life is short. Play naked!

Q: What legacy would you like to leave in the industry?
A: I want to pioneer and make a difference - whether it be sales or using digital to change lives (very utopian I know). I love mobilising people online to make a difference offline.

Q: Tell us something about yourself not generally known?
A: I sharpened my public speaking skills by spending six months in Hollywood attending acting school and doing stand-up comedy.

Q: At the top of my 'bucket list' is...
A: The Northern Lights...