Matola moves from ICC Durban to IMC

“He brings strategic and operational skills set to the IMC. His international, domestic and local experience and understanding of the national imperatives will inform his leadership of the IMC. This is critical as we strive to contribute to national economic growth by ensuring that South Africans buy into, and, live the brand promise made in the country's marketing campaigns,” said Anitha Soni, IMC board chairman commenting on yesterday's announcement.

Matola takes over from acting CEO, Paul Bannister who stepped into the role on a temporary basis in 2009 whilst the agency sought to fill this permanent position. “We extend our sincere gratitude to him for his passion and dedication for South Africa he exhibited during his term as acting chief executive,” added Soni.

Responding to the announcement of a full time CEO at the IMC, Minister in the Presidency, Collins Chabane, who is responsible for the IMC, welcomed the stability a full-time appointment would bring the organisation. “The appointment of a CEO brings stability to the IMC. Critically, this comes at a time when we are all well geared towards a programme of delivery in positioning South Africa as a country ready and open for business,” said Chabane.

Leadership expertise

Matola began his career in education, which fuelled his interest in the tourism sector. He joined the Department of Tourism where he developed frameworks for key service areas within the sector. He then moved to South African Tourism to lead its Business Tourism Unit and then managed the Americas portfolio for SA Tourism, which included the US, South America and Canada. During this time, he won the SAA award for ‘most outstanding individual in the industry' (2002). Prior to taking on the challenge of heading up the ICC Durban, he was CEO of KwaZulu-Natal Tourism.

“Throughout his career, his responsibilities have required engagement with a myriad of stakeholders, to achieve greater coordination and unlock synergies. We have every confidence that he is the ultimate fit to lead the organisation during a defining time in the life of South Africa's Nation Brand,” concludes Soni.