Global Marketing Network appoints South African president

Dawn Rowlands

"I have always believed that the sharing of industry insights and key knowledge by professionals in the marketing sector was one of the ways to continue to uplift and encourage those in the sector to keep striving for greatness.

"Africa has the largest economic growth potential globally and ensuring that people in the marketing industry are equipped for this challenge is something that is very close to my heart. I am honoured to take up this challenge of marketing professionals and will do all I can to ensure that we prepare young people going into the ?eld and support and up-skill those already in the ?eld," says Rowlands.

Marketing characteristics

Says GMN chief executive, Darrell Kofkin, "We are honoured and delighted that Rowlands has accepted our invitation to become the inaugural GMN South Africa President. She embodies all the characteristics of a world-leading marketing professional - business-focused, innovative, entrepreneurial and focussed on creating a stronger, more capable marketing profession."

Under Rowland's guidance, Aegis Media has gone from almost obscurity in Sub Saharan Africa to having five network brand agencies; Carat, Posterscope, Isobar, iProspect and Vizeum. Currently 50% of its income comes from its digital interests in Sub Saharan Africa and over 50% of the staff is invested in a 'digital environment', as this space continues to grow even faster throughout region.

Lead with innovation

Rowlands has continued to lead the market with innovation - the biggest one in the past year has been the conception and implementation of its thought leadership programme, hosting monthly Thought Leadership Digibates.

Over the past two years, she has been named Business Woman of the Year 2012, Maverick of the Year, Innovation Through Technology Awards for the Aegis Media Thought Leadership Digibates in Africa, a global STEVIE award for both her personal marketing performance and the Digibate concepts and has served as a judge at Cannes Lions and Cristal Media Festival Awards.