GroupM South Africa Announces New Leadership Team

Johannesburg, 1 August 2024 – GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, today announced a leadership transition, appointing a team to lead the organisation into a future of bold vision, strategic growth, and inclusive partnerships, effective 1st August 2024.  

Introducing the New Leadership Team 

Claudelle Naidoo has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of GroupM Sub-Saharan Africa, effective 1st August 2024. She brings a wealth of experience, having led EssenceMediacom South Africa for the past nine years. Her leadership as Managing Director and later CEO of EssenceMediacom South Africa has been instrumental in driving growth and strengthening the brand’s market presence. Naidoo’s extensive background in marketing and media, coupled with her proven track record in managing complex business portfolios across Africa, positions her perfectly to lead GroupM into a new era of innovation and success. 

“I am honoured to be a part of GroupM at what is a phenomenal time for our agency, as we set new benchmarks in delivering exceptional value to our clients and pioneering groundbreaking solutions. With this transition, we aim to continue to deliver growth for our clients, drive GroupM’s reputation as a forward-thinking leader and to inspire our people. Our goal is to set new standards in the industry and encourage others to follow”, says Naidoo. 

Kate Kitz takes on the role of Chief Operations Officer of GroupM South Africa. Her transformative leadership as CEO of Mindshare since 2022 has revitalized the agency’s operations, and she is set to bring the same strategic vision and operational excellence to her new position. 

Merissa Himraj has been appointed as Chief Growth Officer of GroupM South Africa. Her decade-long tenure at Wavemaker, where she has excelled in growth and business development, demonstrates her capability to drive GroupM’s marketing and business expansion efforts. 

Tebogo Skwambane, Country Manager of WPP in South Africa, will serve as Executive Chair of GroupM South Africa. Her extensive local, regional and international experience will be crucial in fostering collaboration within the WPP network and supporting the new leadership team. 

Skwambane shares her views about the new leadership: “GroupM has always been a trailblazer in the industry, consistently innovating and setting standards for excellence. This new leadership team marks the next chapter in that journey, building on the strengths of an already dynamic agency. I look forward to working with this group of exceptional leaders to drive unprecedented growth and expansion at GroupM in South Africa.”  

Strategic Vision for the Future 

Federico de Nardis, outgoing GroupM CEO SSA, who has helped develop GroupM over the last 6 years, says, “The new leadership embodies GroupM’s dedication to building and maintaining a culture where creativity, inclusion and personal development thrives. With clients remaining our top priority, this leadership change promises fresh perspectives with a continued focus on client growth and stronger results.” 

Expanding on de Nardis’s vision, GroupM’s CEO for EMEA and UK, Josh Krichefski says, “In an industry that demands adaptability and forward-thinking, our diverse leadership roles are critical to positioning the agency for unparalleled success. Each one brings a unique perspective and expertise, creating a robust framework that enhances our ability to innovate, execute, and drive growth. This multifaceted approach allows us to tackle complex challenges from various verticals, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed our clients’ evolving needs to deliver continued excellence.” 

For years, GroupM and its agencies have been at the forefront of the media landscape, connecting brands with audiences in innovative and impactful ways. The company’s dedication to data-driven strategies, creative storytelling, and client partnerships has earned it a reputation for excellence and results. Coupled with the new leadership team, the media investment group is well positioned to strengthen its role in the market and in the wider Sub-Saharan region to drive business growth.