New marketing director for Plascon

Coupled with this background, he is well versed in marketing, communications and sales, having headed up an advertising agency, as well as the marketing and related departments for Mica, Servistar and Jacks Paints in South Africa. Metzer has also worked with Bosch Automotive - in South Africa and in Germany.

Metzer left South Africa for Ireland in 2007, where he was the sales and marketing chief of one of the country's foremost adhesive and specialist coatings manufacturers and suppliers, Dycon. Shortly before leaving Ireland, he was honoured as the winner of the 2010 Institute of Marketing's All Ireland Award.

Style, colour and innovation

"South Africans are more eager than ever before for style, colour and innovation in the places in which they live, work and play. This is an exciting time to return to this country," says Metzer, who is expecting to face some challenges in his new position.

"The challenge is that paint is being genericised just like petrol, however you get 'paint and you get paint'. Our role as a market leader is to ensure the consumer, the shopper and the customer are clear as to why the brand is superior to the alternatives."

"Demanding and fast moving"

Metzer, who counts brand strategy and speed to market as his key competencies, hopes that by building the confidence in his team and their management of one of South Africa's household names, he will also be able to start a new conversation in paint marketing.

"The team I have joined is energised. This position will be demanding and fast moving but I am confident that this dynamic team will support me in taking more products to more people. While we face challenges here, so do the European countries. The difference I see here is an incredible sense of Africa, hope, optimism - and colour."