Gail Schimmel has a BA and LLB from Wits University, and a Honours Degree in Psychology and LLM from Unisa.

She has worked as a lecturer, attorney and consultant, and is currently the CEO of the Advertising Regulatory Board. Gail is also a bestselling novelist.

Gary boasts over two decades of expertise spanning market research, media strategy, and both traditional and digital marketing. His journey began with a focus on comprehensive market research roles at ACNielsen and Millward Brown. Transitioning into media strategy, Gary excelled at Mindshare and Universal McCann before ascending to Consumer Insights Manager at Nestle’ SA, eventually assuming the role of Head of Media.

His talents were further recognized when he was sought after by MTN SA for a senior management position overseeing Trade Marketing, Store Design & Build, and spearheading the digitization of the Branded Retail Channel.

Subsequently, Gary took on diverse Exco group roles at Publicis Media, while concurrently holding a BUD position at Zenith Media. His industry recognition was cemented when he was chosen as a judge for the prestigious AMASA awards in 2018.

Driven by a passion for the media sector, Gary is committed to fostering profound consumer insights that underpin strategic decision-making across agency and corporate landscapes. He places paramount importance on data integrity and meticulous planning. Renowned for his lateral thinking and solution-oriented approach, Gary’s appointment as CEO of the BRC marks the culmination of his versatile, self-directed career and his unwavering dedication to driving meaningful impact.

Steve is an unusual type of businessman. In an industry that seemed to have run out of
inspirational stories, he stepped in and wrote a new chapter. Now, his X3M Ideas Group, which
he founded in 2012, has become the yardstick for a new generation of Nigerian creative
entrepreneurs. 

Steve’s unyielding belief in looking challenges in the eye and staring them down has attracted
the best talents to his firm and pulled in clients from around the world. This has led to setting
up of offices in South-Central Africa, via Lusaka and Johannesburg. His next stop? Congo
Brazzaville, Kenya and United Arab Emirates, where he recently opened independent offices for
X3M Ideas.

Before starting X3M Group, which has now grown to include X3M Music, Media 100 and Zero
Degrees Productions, Mr. Babaeko was the creative director at 141 Worldwide. Over there, he
sparked the fire of creativity that made that agency the trendiest for many years.

Steve began his advertising career at Mc&A Saatchi & Saatchi and later moved to Prima Garnet
Ogilvy. For more than 23 years, he has been helping to create some of the most iconic
marketing works on the continent. You might remember the “Proudly Nigerian” campaign for
British American Tobacco, the “Now You’re Talking” campaign for Etisalat, “You Need A New
Bank” campaign for Diamond Bank and so many others. 

He continues to represent Africa on the global stage, having been a member of the jury at the
New York Advertising Festival, the Loeries, African Cristal Awards, D&AD Awards, Pitcher
Awards Festival and AD Stars. He has also been a speaker at the Cannes Lions Festival, Nigeria &
West Africa’s First Cannes Lions Award winner and also one of Adweek’s Top 100 Creatives in
the world, 2019. He was also conferred with the “Visiting Fellow” honours at the Henley
Business School, University of Reading.

Steve holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from the esteemed Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria, Nigeria. He is currently the President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria
(AAAN) and President of The International Advertising Association (I.A.A), Nigeria
Chapter. Outside advertising, he was the former Chairman, Public Relations Committee of the
Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce.

Steve has attended several international Leadership trainings, including some in Harvard
Business School, Columbia University, New York and Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Adeyinka Oduniyi is a highly experienced and accomplished media professional with over 25 years of experience in the industry. He is a prolific content creator with extensive experience in directing, producing, and editing various TV shows, game shows, reality shows, commercials, and documentaries.

Adeyinka also has experience as a technical director and is proficient in using editing software such as FinalCut Pro, Adobe Premiere, and DaVinci Resolve. He is known for his expertise in developing local talent and sharing African stories globally and has a strong background in leadership and project management. He has held various leadership roles including serving as the President of the Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria (ITPAN), President of Brazil Culture and Business Initiatives, CEO of Ojala TV, and as a Member of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture Task force.

He served as a media consultant to the Ooni of Ife and his exceptional work led to his appointment as a Culture Ambassador. Adeyinka has international experience spanning across Africa, Europe, USA, and South America and has pioneered and created several successful shows across these regions.

Koo Govender’s career started from spending 22 years in the Multichoice Group where
her last position held at the group was Corporate Marketing and Communications Director. She then moved to VWV group where she was the first female CEO at the global experiential agency.

Koo was the CEO of dentsu South Africa, a global marketing and advertising agency providing best-in-class expertise and capabilities in brand, media, digital and specialist communications through their original holistic and integrated approach. Koo was responsible for six leadership brands as well as specialist divisions and scaled services across the group. 

Koo is an accomplished executive and exceptionally well-rounded leader with strong experience across people leadership, client management and business operations in both start up and growth organizations. She is a results-oriented leader with authenticity and proven success in marketing and strategic planning. In addition, she is commercially and strategically astute, passionate about DEI and building high-performance, diverse teams that nurture and cultivate next generation leaders.

Koo has a passion for inspirational leadership, marketing, and women empowerment. Her passion for women empowerment, mentorship and community upliftment was fulfilled by developing and launching the Mnet Cares brand focusing on breast cancer and literacy as well as the Phakama Women’s Academy which is targeted at Marketing university students to equip and empower them for the corporate world. Currently 150 students have graduated through the Phakama Women’s academy thus far.

In 2019 and 2021, Koo successfully launched Female Foundry in South Africa (a global, dentsu initiative). Female Foundry was established to bridge the gap in gender parity – especially in emerging markets – by offering experienced training and mentorship to empower and develop the skills of female entrepreneurs.

Koo sits on selected Industry, NGO and Business boards as well as sat on the judging panel for the Cannes Lions Festival 2017, Loeries 2017 and 2019 awards, the AdFocus 2017,2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Awards as well the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Promax India, Asia, Australia and Africa Awards. Most recently, Koo also sits has a counsellor for the MAC Charter in South Africa and was a judge for Miss SA 2022 top 30.

In addition to her personal achievements and being a prominent and accomplished public speaker, judge and board member, Koo has won a number of business and empowerment awards and lives by the philosophy “success is one aspect and significance is of utmost importance”.

Abdul Mathee is a seasoned media and broadcasting professional with over 25 years of experience in the industry. His career began at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), where he gained extensive experience across Television, Radio, and Digital Media Sales units. Following his tenure at SABC, Abdul joined Imagine Communications, a global leader in broadcasting software solutions, where he spent five years. During this period, he specialized in media solutions encompassing trading models, system design, systems support, process design, implementation, training, and management.

At SABC, Abdul’s strategic involvement in pricing, target setting, revenue assurance, inventory management, and research sharpened his focus on aligning operations with the corporation’s strategic objectives. His fascination with media and its profound impact on society drives his understanding of how information, advertising, content, and events converge to engage and entertain audiences globally.

In his role as General Manager of Sales Operations at SABC, Abdul spearheaded the creation of an integrated Airtime Management function. This initiative delivered a comprehensive media processing solution, optimizing inventory across multiple platforms through innovative Airtime Management and Advertising Operations processes aligned with market trends.

Currently, Abdul is the founder of MMS Africa, a dynamic startup that provides cutting-edge media management solutions designed to help broadcasters navigate between traditional appointment viewing and integrated data-driven media strategies.

MMS Africa also supports an e-learning platform aimed at fostering skills development in the broadcast sector. With a forward-thinking mindset, Abdul is dedicated to equipping himself and those around him with the necessary skills to achieve their objectives efficiently. His expertise and commitment make him an invaluable asset to any organization looking to enhance its media and broadcasting capabilities. Abdul is passionate about driving success for his clients and advancing the media industry.

Lenny Nganga is the CEO of the Omnicom Media group in East Africa, the group comprises 2 leading media agencies in Kenya – Saracen OMD and Saracen PHD, Saladin Media in Uganda and Saracen OMG in Tanzania.

Lenny co-founded the group in 2002, and prior to taking his entrepreneurial leap of faith, he worked
for global advertising agencies Ogilvy and Mather and McCann Erickson, where he created and executed communications strategies across East and West Africa for a total of 8 years.

Lenny has 30 years’ experience in the communications industry, and he has worked across most Sub-
Saharan Africa markets, and was bestowed the HK McCann Global Leadership Award for his passion in media, and has been ranked among the most transformative CEO’s in Kenya.

Lenny is passionate about data driven marketing and to elevate planning data he served as the Chairman of the oversight committee of the Kenya Audience Research foundation (KARF), from 2010 to 2020 on a pro-bono basis. The foundation’s primary objective was to bring all industry stakeholders together to deliver the highest quality media consumption research.

He also served as Vice-Chairman of the Association of Practitioners in Advertising for three years before ascending to the chair from 2014 to 2018.

With over 20 years’ experience in advertising pre and postproduction software, specifically talent & use rights management workflow solutions for advertising agencies, brands that produce in-house as well as talent agencies. AdRights is working towards zero use rights infringements for brands globally.

Amanda Louw-Bester is a seasoned media professional with over 15 years of industry experience, known for her successful leadership of two programmatic tech companies and heading the African portfolio for a prominent Singaporean ad network. Prior to founding Pragmattica, a consulting firm specializing in marketing and monetization strategies, Amanda gained invaluable insights working in agency and media publishing houses.

Her expertise in programmatic advertising, strategy development, and digital transformation has consistently provided innovative solutions to leading brands, agencies, publishers, and media tech companies. She is not only a leader in the field but also a dedicated mentor and educator, and a passionate international speaker, sharing her profound knowledge of digital media, strategy, and marketing with audiences worldwide.

I have over 14 years’ experience across both the media owner and advertising and marketing industry, with my roots being proudly entrenched in digital and performance expertise – and having developed an insatiable energy for the fast-paced, engaging and highly dynamic marketing and advertising environment.

I have been an active member of the IAB South Africa for the last 3 years and heading up the IAB Measurement Council since August 2020, I believe that active contribution in the development of our industry is the only way in which we’ll successfully grow together.

I am passionate about people, leadership, the creative process and devising strategic approaches that address our clients business challenges. In addition to my strong marketing and advertising background, I am an active and respected thought leader within our industry as well as a Female Foundry Mentor and an #IamRemarkable facilitator (which is a Google initiative empowering women and underrepresented groups to celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond, encouraging them to push beyond glass ceilings).

Francois Retief obtained a degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Stellenbosch. After a decade of being the chief systems engineer and project manager in the development of various well-known fleet management and vehicle tracking systems, he became COO and one of the 3 founding members of iono fm South Africa’s large-scale international podcasting, live streaming, and digital audio advertising platform. 

Founded in Cape Town in 2008, iono fm is a leading African and global platform with over than 300 radio stations and audio publishers, more than 2500 podcast shows and over 120 streams broadcasting from 16 countries in more than 21 languages.  In addition iono fm  technology is licenced to SharpStream, our affiliate company in the UK, supplying services to over 400 European stations including the Bauer Media Group.

In 2023 iono fm had over 12 million unique South African listeners and tens of millions of global listeners on their platform from media groups including AME, Kagiso, Media 24, Arena Holdings, Multichoice, AB Communications, The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation, Future Media Namibia and various independent commercial, community and digital radio stations and large podcasters.

As COO Francois is responsible for the day-to-day operations including the operational support department, billing, advertising, and special projects.  As a key technical and operational interface for the company he also frequently presents at conferences, provides training and advice on digital audio to various local and international broadcasters, organizations and ad agencies and serves on the IAB’s South African Digital Audio Committee.

Besides iono fm Francois is also a principal consultant and course presenter for an Australian company called Project Performance International, presenting training, and advising on the development of large-scale, complex technology systems, incorporating various technologies and disciplines, and steered by diverse stakeholder groups.

Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his life partner and 3 children, has a black belt in Goju Ryu karate, and enjoys trail running, hiking, scuba diving, movies and various other ‘geeky’ pursuits.

A seasoned media professional in the advertising industry spanning over 19 years. Kelvin has vast experience across various business operations having worked within a full-service agency (FCB Cape Town 2004-2007), within a media independent (Dentsu: Vizeum 2007-2018), TV/Video player Multichoice: DStv Media Sales (2018-2022), and most recently Radio/Audio Leader, Primedia Broadcasting (2022 – ).
Starting his media career at FCB Cape Town, Kelvin first got a taste for the love of media strategy working on the Premium Brandy segment (Distell) and the Financial Services Category (Coronation Fund Managers).

He later moved on to be one of the founding members of Vizeum South Africa (launched in September
2007) and later became the Group Managing Director (2016-2018) whilst collecting numerous awards along the way: Small Agency of the Year (MOST Awards), Media Agency of the Year (Financial Mail: 2018), MOST Award for Rising Star (2017) to name but a few. Vizeum was highlighted by RECMA as the media agency with the highest business growth for 2017. He was also instrumental in some key pitch wins for the agency, some key ones being Spur Group, BMW South Africa, Telkom, Virgin Money, and ABinBev.

Moving onto DStv Media Sales during the latter part of 2018, Kelvin took on the helm of Head of Media Intelligence where he was instrumental in the positioning of TV (Total Video) and ecosystem planning.
He joined Primedia Broadcasting last year November taking on the position as Chief Intelligence Officer where he is continuing his journey in total ecosystem planning driven by key audience insights assisting
both the Audio and Primedia Studios (Video) business. Passionate in delivering media solutions, driving the upskilling across the various departments, and on a quest for continuous improvement.

With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Byron has held leadership roles at top media agencies like Mediacom, Omnicom Media Group, and dentsu.

His expertise lies in strategic communication, data analytics, and media intelligence.

Byron excels in transforming raw data into actionable insights, helping clients optimize their advertising campaigns.

A published author and contributor to academic texts, Byron holds a BComm in Industrial Psychology, a specialization in Media from the AAA School of Advertising, a BA and BAHons in Strategic Communication, and a Masters (cum laude).

Outside of work, Byron enjoys family time, playing guitar, and running innovation workshops.

Matt Angus-Hammond has been designing and implementing quantitative and qualitative media research projects in developing markets since 2005. His work has covered over eighty countries, helping advertisers, media agencies, media owners, governments and international development organisations to understand their media audiences and make informed, data driven decisions.

His early career included seven years guiding Unilever’s brand positioning and media strategy across their key African markets with Millward Brown (now Kantar), after which he spearheaded the establishment of new East and West African offices and client portfolios as Market Insights Director. In 2014 he joined US mobile tech firm Mobile Accord, which under the GeoPoll brand had developed an innovative mobile-based media audience measurement product that delivers overnight TV and radio audience ratings in developing markets. Leading GeoPoll’s business development efforts across southern and West Africa, he conceptualised and implemented innovative research solutions for clients in the media, marketing, FMCG, financial, government and international development sectors.

In February 2024 he was appointed to head up GeoPoll’s new specialised Media Audience Measurement team, a role in which he has overseen media audience measurement, profiling and insights projects in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Afghanistan, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Benin, Togo, Kenya, Liberia, South Africa and Tanzania. Clients include the US Agency for International Development (USAID), BBC Media Action, Omnicom, Farm Radio International, the Malala Fund, Vodacom, Kantar Media, Mediametrie, Nation Media Group, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Ministry of Information of the Government of Ghana.

In August 2023 he was awarded Best Paper at the 24^th annual conference of the Pan-Africa Media Research Organisation in Casablanca for his media audience measurement work in the DRC. He holds a degree in Social Anthropology and African History from Rhodes University, South Africa.

Adaptable media and communications expert with extensive experience in providing first-class leadership for the Broadcasting Industry. Meeting business demands and deadlines through a diligent work-ethic and dedication to excellence.

Ambitious senior executive with a demonstrated history of accomplishment spanning 15-year media career. Change manager driven to lead continuous improvement in all areas of business operations to enhance revenue and streamline internal systems. Focused on growing profits with multi-pronged strategies.

Accomplished professional with a penchant for success.

Currently serving as Director Programmes for the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC). 

Being 16 years in the digital space and working across 3 very different agencies. I have learned, developed and still learning Digital transformation is happening,and it is happening in a big way. To start sewing this picture together, Dentsu SA needed to form a holistic approach to digital performance management. That approach combines the right set of technologies, skills, processes, and KPIs to keep digital services up and running at top-class digital experience for our clients and partners

Dr. Bada Akintunde-Johnson is a media, music and marketing communications professional who currently runs the Paramount Africa business in Nigeria as Country manager. Paramount owns entertainment brands such as MTV, MTV Base, Nickelodeon, BET, Comedy Central, Paramount pictures, the MTV Africa Music awards and many other international media and entertainment platforms.

Before his current role, he worked in advertising as Creative Director Globacom at SO&U and ran award winning campaigns at agencies such as TBWA Concepts and Centrespread FCB. He was also the Creative Manager at Hitv, Nigeria’s biggest indigenous pay-tv platform for some time where he led the in-house post-production and creative agency teams.

Bada co-owns a music talent management and production services company, Peaceville Africa, which managed and still manages superstar musicians and producers such as Runtown, Vector tha Viper, Dija, Crayon, Lamboghini, Nosa, Babyfresh, Egar Boi, Ozedikus, London, Cleo Thelma and Protek.

He is a mentor with the United States Department of State program, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). He is also the co-founder of Africa Creative Market, a platform that brings Creative professionals from more developed markets to Nigeria and Dubai with a view to create training and mentorship programs as well as facilitate networking and collaborating opportunities to accelerate the growth of the local creator sector and economy.

He is a graduate of Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan, holds a post graduate diploma in Marketing Communications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing and is currently studying for an MBA at the Berlin School of Creative Leadership in Germany. He holds a doctorate degree in Media and marketing communications. He was named as one of the 10 most powerful people in the media under 40 in Nigeria by Ynaija and continues to grow his influence with his work across the media and entertainment landscape.

I have been in media research for 18 years and I am currently the Head of Sales Intelligence at SABC. In this capacity, I oversee market intelligence, media strategy, and business intelligence, contributing to the strategic direction of the broadcaster. Prior to joining SABC, I spent 9 years at Multichoice as a Senior Research Manager in the Audience Insights division. There, I focused on understanding viewership behaviour and trends across several African countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, Tanzania, Angola, Mozambique, and Ethiopia to name a few. This role allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of diverse media consumption patterns across most of the continent.

My career began at Nielsen, where I worked in the media research team. In this role, I facilitated the growth of Nielsen’s audience research capabilities, working closely with clients across broadcasting, media agencies, and advertisers. This early experience was instrumental in shaping my approach to media research.

Additionally, I have experience leading the Analytics and Insights team at a media agency. In this role, I focused on delivering strategic research and insights to help advertisers maximise their media investments.

I also serve as a board member at the Broadcasting Research Council of South Africa, where I contribute to the development of industry currency standards and practices in media research.

My extensive background in audience insights and media research has been driven by a commitment to understanding and improving how media connects with audiences and my work continues to support broadcasters, media agencies, and advertisers in making informed decisions.

I hold a BCom Honours in Marketing Management and a Masters in Strategic Management from the University of Pretoria.