ACA announces the 2015/2016 Board of Directors

Board of Directors

At the meeting, Chair of the ACA, Mike Gendel reported on the ACA's activities during the past fiscal and stated that he was encouraged by significant progress made by the ACA in a number of areas. In contrast to this, he noted that the profession continued to face significant challenges in important areas however despite the challenges, the ACA remained committed to supporting its members and tackling the numerous issues in a positive and meaningful way.

Standing L-R: Wimpie le Roux, Karabo Denalane, Chris Primos, Nicole Wills, Karabo Songo, Dale Tomlinson, Sarah Dexter, Emmet O’Hnalon, Kershnee Pillay. Sitting L-R: Jerry Mpufane, Mike Gendel, Gareth Leck, Odette van der Haar

He further reported that in terms of transformation, the MAC Charter had reached the Minister of Trade and Industry and the ACA now awaits sectoral implementation. He noted that the reputation and stature of the ACA had been enhanced across various stakeholders, including government, allied associations, marketers, procurement managers, the media and the ACA membership base. He went on to say that the Secretariat had implemented prudent financial management in the period under review.

Looking ahead, he stated the following matters will be included in the strategic objectives for the 2015/2016 fiscal:

• Sustainability and operational stability of the Advertising Standards Authority

• Retention of entrepreneurial agencies in the sector
• Skills development through the AAA School of Advertising
• Maintaining agency leadership
• Reputational management
• Government relations
• Inter-industry interaction
• Future proofing the ACA and the profession
• Addressing unreasonable payment terms
• Implementation of the MAC Charter and the Charter Council

• The Independent Advertising Agency Special Interest Group (IAA SIG) set up earlier during 2015 that represents the economic interests of the ACA members that are 100% South African owned and who do not benefit from global structures. The group will provide non-competitive interaction and sharing of experience and advice.

Gendel thanked the outgoing Board of Directors and other agency personnel who served on the various operations committees of the ACA and noted that the ACA CEO, Odette van der Haar continues to set the benchmark for passion and commitment to the Association.