Vodacom appoints Abey Mokgwatsane as its new Executive for Brand Marketing and Communications

JOHANNESBURG – Vodacom has appointed one of the country’s well respected and talented trailblazers in marketing and advertising, Abey Mokgwatsane, as its new Managing Executive for Brand Marketing and Communications.

Mokgwatsane has been the Chief Executive Officer of Ogilvy South Africa since January 2012, one of the country’s leading advertising agencies where he bagged a string of accolades. He brings to this post a broad skills set, honed over a career that spans over a decade in Brand Marketing and Communications industry in some of the country’s leading corporates.

Matimba Mbungela, Chief Human Resource Offer for Vodacom Group commented:

“Mokgwatsane is no stranger to Vodacom and is acquainted with the brand’s rich history and inner workings. He brings with him the sort of ingenuity that Vodacom needs at this time. This year, we revised our strategy to ensure that we are best positioned to seize opportunities, and manage the risks, of a rapidly changing marketplace, characterised by significant levels of digitalisation. We’re confident that Mokgwatsane will do well in positioning our brand as we seek to position Vodacom to be a leading digital company that empowers a connected society.”

Mokgwatsane began his career as a marketing intern and was later promoted to marketing manager at VWV Group in 2005 where he was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2007. He previously worked for South African Breweries (SAB), as Brand Manager for Castle Loud and Brand Group Manager for Miller Genuine Draft, was widely credited with the successful launch of the MGD brand into the South African market, earning three Managing Directors Awards for marketing excellence at SAB. Most notably, he recently led the merger of Gloo Digital with Ogilvy, expanding Ogilvy’s digital offering. He was also nominated as one of South Africa's Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young Leaders of the year in 2011.

He is taking over from Mzamo Masito who joined Vodacom in May 2013. Masito played a key role in applying a segment marketing approach to brand.  He brought a dynamic perspective to the Segment and Brand teams. His accolades include increasing the Brand NPS lead; winning SA’s Best Liked Ads for three years and Vodacom being named South Africa’s Favourite Brand at the Sunday Times Top Brands for 2016.