Johannesburg 1 November 2023 The IMM Institute South Africa (IMM) is pleased to announce the finalists of this year’s IMM Marketing Excellence Awards.

The Awards recognise and honour those individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to the marketing industry.

This year’s finalists: 

Marketer of the Year: sponsored by IMM Graduate School: Celebrating the individual marketer who has demonstrated excellence in their field.

• Alistair Mokoena – Country Director for Google Africa
• Chantal Sombonos - van Tonder – CEO of Chicken Licken
• Andisa Ntsubane - Managing Executive: Brand, Marketing and Communications Africa for Vodacom Group
• Firoze Bhorat – Chief Marketing Officer at Discovery

Emerging Marketer of the Year: sponsored by BrandX: Recognising the rising star in marketing who has shown exceptional promise and potential.

• Charles Poulter – Account Director for SWM Communications
• Tanya James – Business Owner at The MarketHear
• Pat Mahlangu – CEO of 3 organisations: Lerato Agency; Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards; Pat On Brands

Marketing Student of the Year: sponsored by UXi Private Education: Acknowledging the outstanding achievements of marketing students who are the future of our industry.

• Dhashika Ramgolam – An Honours student at the IMM Graduate School
• Justin Beswick – An Honours student at Vega School
• Nico v d Westhuizen – 1st Year student at the IMM Graduate School

Corporate Marketing Team of the Year: sponsored by BrandSA: Honouring the collaborative efforts of a high-performing marketing team within a corporation.

• Old Mutual Insure
• Deloitte Africa Consulting
• Tiger Brands - Albany

Lifetime Achievement: sponsored by SAB (ABINBEV): Celebrating a seasoned professional's lifelong contribution to the field.

• This winner will be announced at the Awards Gala Evening.

Irene Gregory, CEO of the IMM Institute and organiser of the event, congratulated all the finalists. “The finalists have received the endorsement of their peers, who have not only acknowledged their outstanding work but also their inspiration to others in the industry to strive for excellence.”

Through the Marketing Excellence Awards, the IMM seeks to recognise contributions to the industry by bold brands and marketers who display thought leadership and commitment to excellence in the art of marketing. A committee of South Africa’s top business and marketing executives, as well as marketing education specialists, have  identified these individuals, brands and businesses that will be honoured at the Marketing Excellence Awards gala dinner to be held at The Venue in Melrose Arch on the evening of 8 November 2023.

Angela Bruwer, Academic Head of IMM Graduate School and also a judge, says: “Classic marketing strategies are no longer enough to move businesses forward, and today’s marketers must hone their technology skills to drive their own competitiveness and that of their clients.”

To this end, the 2023 IMM Marketing Conference is this year venturing into the realm of AI and exploring its potential in marketing. Gregory adds: “The evolving landscape of influencer marketing will also be explored, and we will redefine its impact. In addition, delegates will learn how to navigate the intricacies of user-generated content. Striking a balance between its vibrant energy and potential risks is critical.”

Attendees will enjoy an array of practical case studies, panel sessions, and insights from international and local industry giants as they share what it means to be a marketer in 2023.

The 2023 IMM Conference takes place at the IMM Graduate School in Parktown Johannesburg on 8 and 9 November 2023.

A highlight of the conference will be the first day’s Brand SA session looking at ways to position the South African brand. It commences with the keynote presentation, Creating a Compelling Brand Story for South Africa: Unleashing its Global Appeal, followed by a review of global trends and innovations in destination marketing, and a panel discussion.

About the IMM 

The Institute of Marketing Management South Africa (IMM) has been the pre-eminent marketing institute in Southern Africa for decades. It brings together like-minded individuals to share thoughts and experiences within the rapidly changing marketing environment.

The Institute of Marketing Management South Africa offers a wide range of value-added products and services for marketing professionals who are Associates in either an individual or corporate capacity.

www.imminstitute.co.za

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF IMM

For more information contact:
Lunice Johnston Communications
Lunice Johnston
Mobile: +27 82 824 6384