Ogilvy Africa, has named Alex van Niekerk as Group Creative Director. Based in
Nairobi, Alex joins the network’s creative leadership team to a portfolio of brands
managed by Ogilvy Africa from Kenya and select countries across SSA.
Alex is a highly accomplished creative having won over 50 awards at festivals such
as Cannes Lions, Clios, D&AD, One Show, London International Awards, Loeries
and several others.
Speaking of the appointment, Vikas Mehta, CEO – Ogilvy Africa, said “Top-of-the-
line creative talent across marketing disciplines is an essential ingredient to our One-
Ogilvy recipe. Over the past 12 months, we’ve made a deliberate effort to further
strengthen competencies across communication, content, experience and PR&I with
fresh talent who thinks digital-first. Alex’s appointment is another important step in
that direction. With his track record of continued excellence, we hope to see him
further raise the bar in how we drive growth for our clients.”
With over a decade of experience at some of South Africa’s top agencies, Alex
started his career with the red and white at Ogilvy Cape Town and later became
Creative Director at the King James Group, where his work contributed to both
agencies reaching #1 rankings by the Loeries Panel including Digital Agencies of the
Year respectively. He has created and executed world-class campaigns for some of
the region’s leading brands for clients such as EABL, Ford, Sanlam Investments,
Santam Insurance, SAB, Netflix, Pick n Pay, Johnnie Walker, Carling Black Label,
Volkswagen, Audi and Comedy Central, to name a few. His previous experiences at
both traditional and digital agencies means he brings to the table concepts that truly
transcend disciplines.
“What excites me most about rejoining the organization, which in many ways has
had a profound impact on my development as a creative leader, is to see the
resilience and conviction with which the team here has upheld the standards of
creative excellence that Ogilvy has always stood for. In a time where finding ways for
brands to make meaningful differences in people’s lives has become more complex
and challenging than ever before, it speaks volumes to the talent and ambitions of
our agency, as well as the potential for new innovation that lies in front of us in
finding solutions for the problems our clients are facing. I’m looking forward to the
ride”, said Alex.
