MarketingWorld Magazine’s Top Three (3) CMOs of the Week from July 29th – August 2nd 2024

We are thrilled to announce MarketingWorld’s Top 3 CMOs of the Week, celebrating the innovative leaders who have set new benchmarks in the marketing industry. These exceptional Chief Marketing Officers have demonstrated unparalleled creativity, strategic brilliance, and impactful leadership, driving their organizations to new heights in a competitive industry.

Here are the Top Three (3) CMOs:

Cobus van Zyl Emerges as MarketingWorld’s CMO of the Week

Karimjee Group’s Chief Marketing Officer, Cobus van Zyl, a versatile marketing expert has been crowned as one of MarketingWorld’s top three CMOs of the week.

Currently serving as the Group Chief Marketing Officer at the Karimjee Group, Cobus actively contributes to both group and individual brand and marketing strategy to support the strategic direction and vision of the company. In his capacity as the group CMO, Cobus oversees the marketing department at the Karimjee Group, where he applies his experience in system-and-procedure-related challenges to contribute to day-to-day operations.

Prior to his current appointment, he was the Executive Business Director for FCB Africa from November 2017 – March 2019 where he was responsible for the strategic direction as well as management of the day-to-day operations of the FCB Africa network in 26 countries.

He also served as the Chief Operations Officer at Aggrey & Clifford from September 2013 to October 2017 where he was responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the Aggrey & Clifford network, top-level client relationships, HR, new business development, strategic planning and agency promotion. He also managed the overall operation where he was in charge of a total of 70 people; 60 in Tanzania and 10 in Uganda.

Still at Aggrey & Clifford, he was the Strategic Planning Director from June 2012 to August 2013 where he prepared all new business pitches, including full campaign strategy and roll-out per pitch. He also managed the contract negotiations and onboarding sessions with new clients when they were successful in securing new business.

Also, he successfully led the winning pitch teams on Smile Telecoms (Sep ‘12), Serengeti lager – part of Diageo (Nov ’12), Vodacom Brand (Mar ’13), Stanbic Bank (Apr ’14), Vodacom PR (Aug ’14). He also managed the contract negotiations, subsequent to winning the abovementioned pitches, totalling ±$2 million in incremental revenue.

Aside from the aforementioned, Cobus was the Managing Director for Saturday Studio from May 2011 – May 2012, Consultant for Yardstick CC from August 2010 – April 2011, Divisional General Manager – Africa for JCDecaux Africa from July 2008 – July 2010 and Strategic Planning Director for Roots Marketing Communications Ltd from July 2006 – June 2008.

Cobus has multiple-market brand and marketing strategy experience working on blue-chip brands such as Toyota, Vodacom, First National Bank, Shoprite, Barclays, Absa, AB InBev, and Smile Telecoms.

Cobus also possesses two decades of multi-market experience in brand management, strategy and client service, thereby delivering results in building meaningful brands in emerging markets.

Cobus has positioned himself as a responsible leader in his area. He does this by using creativity and innovation to not only realise brand value but do it in a way that contributes to empowering communities and preserving the planet.

Yatish Narsi Emerges as MarketingWorld’s CMO of the Week

MultiChoice Group’s Chief Marketing Officer, Yatish Narsi, a dynamic and visionary leader has been crowned as one of MarketingWorld’s top three CMOs of the week.

Currently serving as the Chief Marketing Officer for MultiChoice Group since September 2023, Yatish has exhibited a proven track record of driving brand growth and enhancing customer experiences across diverse industries.

Throughout his career, Yatish has consistently placed the customer at the heart of his strategies. His tenure at MultiChoice Group is marked by his focus on aligning marketing initiatives with the company’s long-term vision, ensuring sustained growth and a robust brand presence.

Prior to his appointment, he was the Chief Experience Officer at Grid Worldwide from October 2017 to September 2023 and at Design Partnership, an international architectural firm where he served as the CXO from July 2015 to September 2017. In these organizations, he demonstrated a keen understanding of customer needs and preferences, leading to enhanced satisfaction and loyalty.

In his earlier roles at Design Partnership, Yatish served as the Creative Director from January 2004 to July 2015, directing creative projects and infusing architectural and design innovations into the firm’s work, setting new standards in the industry.

Having led teams and projects in London, Johannesburg, and Sydney, Yatish brings a rich global perspective to his work. His international experience allows him to navigate diverse markets and cultural nuances effectively, making him a versatile and adaptable leader. Yatish values collaboration and believes in the power of teamwork. His leadership style fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where ideas can flourish and collective goals are achieved. He also excels in developing and implementing forward-thinking strategies that drive organizational success.

In terms of his educational background, Yatish graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and this academic foundation underpins his creative and strategic approach, enriching his contributions across his professional roles.

Overall, Yatish is an innovative thinker whose background in architecture and design equips him with a unique perspective, enabling him to approach marketing and customer experience challenges with creativity and originality.

William Surmon Emerges as MarketingWorld’s CMO of the Week

Botswana Insurance Company’s Chief sales and marketing officer, William Surmon, an innovative marketing professional has been crowned as one of MarketingWorld’s top three CMOs of the week.

As the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Botswana Insurance Company (BIC), William leads and manages all aspects of sales, marketing, customer relationship management, distribution, and customer experience across multiple channels and platforms.

With over 30 years of experience in the banking and insurance sectors, he has developed core competencies in commercial strategy and business planning, sales leadership and management, retail banking, mortgage lending, general and credit insurance, and bank/insurance partnering.

During his career in Financial Services in South Africa, he was registered as a Key Individual for Standard Bank, Zurich Life, Zurich Insurance Company and Coface. In Botswana, William is registered as a Controller for Botswana Insurance Company. Other prestigious organizations he has worked with include Absa Bank, Emmanuels, Wyndham Worldwide / RCI and First National Bank.

In the industry, William’s mission is to drive sales and marketing excellence at BIC by building and maintaining strategic partnerships, delivering innovative and customer-centric solutions, and achieving top-line revenue targets while still optimising key costs including Cost of Acquisition and Cost to Serve.

Due to his outstanding contributions to the industry, William has received several awards and accolades, including the prestigious Absa Group Prestige Award for Financial in 2003, Innovation in 2008 & Leadership in 2010. In 2005, he was awarded the BPeSA National Call Centre Manager of the Year and Contact in Gauteng Regional Call Centre Manager of the Year.

William is a certified Master Sales Trainer and a sought-after speaker at industry events related to customer service, call centres, and sales & marketing.

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The outstanding contributions of these CMOs to their various industries make them a deserving recipient of the CMO of the Week recognition by MarketingWorld Magazine.

MarketingWorld Magazine’s CMO of the Week is a weekly recognition of top-performing CMOs across the African continent. This recognition is based on spectacular brand transformation, market growth, breaking new frontiers, disruptive innovation, exemplary leadership, exceptional service and professional experience.