McCann Worldgroup secures Sisulu partnership

“Herdbuoys McCann Erickson was the first black owned advertising agency in South Africa. It is with immense pride that I am now able to be part of the team that will continue to build on this successful foundation and develop McCann Worldgroup into South Africa’s leading communications company,” commented Sisulu.

McCann Worldgroup South Africa comprises of McCann Erickson (advertising), Universal McCann (media planning bnd Buying) and Momentum McCann (retail and sales promotion). The South African office currently manages a portfolio of local and international clients including Telkom, SABC, Hewlett Packard, SAB Miller, Tiger Brands, Microsoft, L’Oreal and Nestle.

Jan de Kok, executive VP and deputy regional director EMEA of McCann Worldgroup, who was in Johannesburg for the announcement, said, “We have been involved in an ongoing search for the optimal partner in this market. We look forward to working with Mr Sisulu in realising our joint vision for McCann Worldgroup in South Africa. As we enter this new era together, we are confident that McCann has a solid platform upon which we can grow through nurturing the superb talent within the country.”

Sisulu will be appointed as non-executive chairman of the board of McCann Worldgroup South Africa, his primary focus being the development and growth of the company in the local market.

In addition, Sisulu will establish depth within the BEE structure so as to enhance the Herdbuoys legacy.

Leading the agency through this new phase will be Martin Hummel, the newly appointed group chief executive of McCann Worldgroup South Africa. Hummel and Sisulu have been mandated to aggressively address the transformation process and have already begun the search for a senior black management team to lead the group.