SMG announces top women executive appointments

Lourens has 17 years experience in the communications service industry and has been with the group for nine years. She currently oversees and manages the financial and operational requirements within the Media Division of MMS Communications, including Starcom, MediaVest and ZenithOptimedia as the group's financial manager. Her strengths reside in systems and operations.

Pennington has been in the media industry for 18 years and, having worked in media independents, full service advertising agencies on the client side, brings a well rounded view of the requirements of a leading media agency. Her driving principle is building consumer insights and strong relationships with creative agencies and media owners, resulting in great work. Eve is the head of human experience at SMG.

Celia Collins

Having been in the media industry for over a decade, Collins is one of a handful of people in the country with a comprehensive understanding of the South African, African and cross-cultural media landscapes, having travelled to over 26 African countries throughout her career. Having headed up its Africa division since 2003, Collins has progressed through the ranks as a director of Starcom, head of media buying: Africa and media director. In 2007, she was PAMRO's Achiever of the Year and a SAARF Harmonisation Committee member. She has had under her command Starcom, MediaVest, ZenithOptimedia, group negotiations and Africa.