As we close out International Women’s Month, we highlight how a focus on empowering women within your team and working to nurture existing talent can lead to a successful team and business. Lynette Naidoo, Managing Director of renowned media agency Zenith South Africa, talks about how the company is investing in women in the business.
“Zenith South Africa has started the year strong with client acquisitions and media campaigns expanding from South Africa to sub-Saharan Africa,” says Lynette Naidoo. “Although we are rapidly expanding our business, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower women, champion diversity and drive positive change in the fields of marketing and communications,” she adds.
“It’s important to me as a leader to focus on fostering an inclusive work environment and increasing investment in women, which aligns with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Investing in Women: Accelerating Progress,'” says Linette.
“Over the past month, we’ve made promotions within the company and are proud to announce key new additions to our team. Tasneem Koopman has been promoted to the prestigious position of Business Unit Director and Shannon Xokozela has also joined the team as Business Unit Director.”
“Having been an integral part of Zenith South Africa over the past few years, Tasneem Koopman has exemplified exceptional leadership, strategic vision and unwavering dedication to her work. Her promotion to business unit director is testament to her hard work and expertise in delivering successful campaigns and tangible results for our clients,” said Lynette.
“I am honoured and excited to take on my new role as Operations Director for Zenith South Africa,” said Tasneem. “I am passionate about creating impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences and drive business growth. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with our talented team to deliver innovative solutions to our clients.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Shannon Chocozera to our team as Business Unit Director. With extensive experience in media and communications, Shannon brings a fresh perspective and dynamic leadership style to our company,” said Linette. “This appointment not only recognizes the extraordinary talent and capabilities of women in our industry, but also inspires aspiring women leaders to pursue their ambitions fearlessly. We are proud of our commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in our industry,” said Linette.
Zenith is part of Publicis Groupe Africa, Africa’s leading media, marketing, communications and advertising company. Celia Collins, Senior Vice President and Head of Media Practice, Publicis Groupe Africa, said, “It is heartwarming to see two such accomplished women step into leadership roles. Hard work and tenacity are always valued, and we look forward to seeing these two women grow and take the industry to new levels.”
In the article, Publicis Groupe Africa’s senior leaders, including Celia and Lynette, share their advice for all young women entering the industry: