New appointments at Avusa Media Live

Promotions

Elan Lohmann, former GM of AML, has been promoted to MD of Avusa Group Digital, a move that will both strengthen the group's digital strategy as well as position it firmly in the South African digital arena. Although his new role sees him focusing more on the overall success of the group's digital division, which includes businesses such as CareerJunction, I-Net Bridge, MapIT and Exclusives Online, he will continue to drive both publishing trade and consumer strategies, together with the AML team.

Specialising in business communication and digital implementation, Derek Abdinor now heads up AML as its GM. With over a decade's experience in digital media, Abdinor has extensive management experience and was integral in the development of Avusa Media's group-buying website Zappon.

AML appointments

Marc Hershowitz has been appointed to lead the commercial operations. Formerly business development manager of MediaMind Africa (previously Eyeblaster) and most recently key accounts manager at The SpaceStation, he brings managerial experience in digital and online media.

Rohenie Naidu joins the sales team as its sales account manager, bringing over 10 years' of sales and digital media strategy experience, most recently at Habari Media.

Shana Kay has been appointed senior business analyst. Her experience in co-founding two IT businesses, Maxxor and Infointeg, makes her well-suited in her new role. She will be responsible for evaluating and creating business processes across all functional areas, facilitating and leading workshops for new products and projects as well as liaising with all business units to gather requirements for new interventions.

With an eye to growing the division's trade relationships and communications strategies, Laetitia van Rensburg joins as trade marketing manager. Working in synergy with the commercial and marketing team, Van Rensburg - who has a strong background in digital marketing, project management, campaign and sales operations - will focus on marketing strategies that help raise the profile of the division's assets to the trade media.

Zappon appointment

Due to its considerable growth since inception in March this year, Brent de Beer - an online marketing and sales specialist - has been appointed as sales manager for group-buying website Zappon. He will also be responsible for creating online sales opportunities to the SME market across all of AML's online platforms. De Beer brings with him over 15 years' experience in both the digital publishing and online marketing spheres at senior level.

"We're excited about the positive energy and impetus these new appointments will bring to the AML team and to the Avusa Group Digital structure as a whole," concludes Lohmann.