MarketingWorld’s CMO of the Week: Khensani Nobanda of NedBank, South-Africa

In today’s dynamic business environment, marketing has evolved into a powerful strategic driver that shapes brand identity, customer engagement, and long-term corporate growth. Among the leaders redefining this space in Africa is Khensani Nobanda, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Nedbank Group.

With more than two decades of experience spanning telecommunications, consumer goods, and financial services, Nobanda has built a reputation for delivering impactful marketing strategies that connect brands with consumers in meaningful ways. Her leadership at Nedbank reflects a commitment to innovation, purpose-driven storytelling, and customer-centric brand building.

As Group Chief Marketing Officer, Nobanda oversees Nedbank’s integrated marketing strategy, guiding brand development, communications, sponsorships, and customer engagement initiatives across the organization. Since assuming the role, she has played a central part in strengthening the bank’s brand positioning in South Africa’s competitive financial services sector. Her work focuses on aligning marketing initiatives with the bank’s strategic priorities, ensuring that campaigns not only elevate brand visibility but also deliver measurable value and deeper customer trust.

Before joining Nedbank’s executive leadership team, Nobanda built an impressive career across several global organizations. At Vodacom, she served as Executive Head of Post Paid, leading initiatives aimed at expanding the company’s customer base and enhancing product offerings. Earlier, she held leadership roles at South African Breweries, where she served as General Manager for the Hansa Pilsener brand, driving brand strategy and market growth in one of the country’s most competitive consumer sectors.

Nobanda’s professional journey also includes key leadership roles at Unilever, where she served as Skin Category Director in Dubai and Tea Category Director in Durban, managing large product portfolios and leading cross-regional marketing strategies. Earlier in her career, she worked with Diageo, where she managed marketing for the Smirnoff Ready-to-Drink portfolio. These roles helped shape her expertise in brand management, product innovation, and strategic marketing across diverse markets.

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Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Nobanda actively contributes to the broader marketing and creative ecosystem. She serves as a board member of The Loeries and is involved with initiatives such as the Morris Isaacson Centre for Music and the Nedbank Foundation, where she serves as Deputy Chairperson. Through these roles, she continues to support creativity, community development, and the growth of Africa’s marketing and cultural landscape.

MarketingWorld Magazine’s CMO of the Week is a global recognition celebrating marketing and communications leaders who demonstrate exceptional leadership, drive brand transformation, champion innovation, and make meaningful contribution to market growth and stakeholder enjoyment.