Ogilvy SA appoints two new chief officers

Ogilvy has announced the appointment of Neo Makhele to chief strategy officer of Ogilvy South Africa and Mathieu Plassard as chief growth officer as it continues to future-fit Ogilvy for the new marketing environment.



In her new role, Makhele's mandate will be to fuel the agency's modern marketing orientation. She has led a consistently strong strategy team within Ogilvy, which has delivered great work and business results for clients. She is currently poised to complete her MBA at the Berlin School of Arts.

In addition to her skills and experience, Makhele says that her commitment to social justice and her strong spiritual foundation inform much of what she does in her work life.

"I am passionate about women's issues and about the potential of the African people," she says. "Fortunately, these values are shared by many in South Africa and by many of our clients. I see us as being engaged as much in a process of social change as in building a new marketing model."

New to the Ogilvy South Africa leadership team but an Ogilvy veteran, Plassard will help build out Ogilvy South Africa's business strategy and future offering, leveraging the unique strengths of Ogilvy, the Social.Lab, Collective ID, Superunion and Geometry.

Plassard is a 360° communications expert with 20 years of experience in agency management and brand stewardship. Among his accomplishments, Plassard was instrumental in his most recent role as CEO at Ogilvy Africa in winning the first-ever Cannes Lions for Ogilvy Nairobi. He has also won a Dubai Lynx Grand Prix and a Grand Clio.

"I am excited about joining Ogilvy South Africa," he says. "I have a passion for making ideas matter and cannot wait to add value to a like-minded leadership team," he adds.

"Neo and Mathieu are two experienced individuals, who are both passionate about their crafts," concludes Ogilvy South Africa CEO, Alistair Mokoena. "We are certain of their ability to anticipate client needs, evolve our capabilities to drive effectiveness and deliver great business results. We wish them all the best in their new roles."