Maxwell Ngari
Executive Creative Director, Dentsu Kenya
Maxwell Ngari
Max Ngari comes from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya; Yeah, that country where some of the world’s greatest marathoners come from. In a country, abundant of runners, Max’s sprints in his career have been nothing but award worthy. Grand Clio and 2 Gold Clio winner, 4x Cannes Lions Winner, Grand Prix Dubai Lynx, Gold Loeries, 3 Grand Prix, 12 Gold and 2X Agency of the year at APA/Loeries Awards, among others. Ranked as one of the most awarded creatives in Sub Saharan Africa, he has served in a number of Juries in the region and Internationally; APA Awards, The Loeries, AdStars and One Show Young Guns. Currently sits on the Loeries Africa Committee as the Regional Representative. Max brings with him over 10 years experience in the creative industry having worked as a creative lead, for large and multinational brands in the Telco, FMCG, Software, Financial Services, Business solutions and Mobile technology spaces, just to name a few. His career has seen him work in many markets in Africa and Europe, expanding his exposure and strengthening the potency with which he develops creative solutions.
Yoram Mwangi
Digital Effectiveness Catalyst, EABL
Yoram Mwangi
I have been working in the digital media industry for over 10 years and actually witnessed first-hand the digital revolution in the early 2010s coming from a media background working as a business development manager at one of Nairobi’s biggest radio stations, Capital FM. From a media perspective, I’ve been part of many milestones using digital media from the implementation of the new constitution via online civic education to the public to the implementation of new advertising solutions for the brand and clients including the adoption of the program.
I have now taken up a new channel moving to the client-side of the digital industry working on the use of tools and data to move decision making from instinct, opinion or boas towards data-led business decisions working with one of the biggest FMCG in East Africa, EABL
Shamis Yassin
Director of Product Strategy & Marketing, Xetova Limited
Shamis Yassin
Shamis is an award-winning marketing maverick, communications strategist, creative and muse. Over the last 9 years, she’s been behind some of the top logos on the continent in a corporate, agency and consultancy capacity with a focus on the telecommunications, financial services and technology sectors. Her projects are impactful because she knows what makes people tick, click and stick - employing behavioural science and data to guide her.
She is a change catalyst, a champion for DEI and is insatiably curious thanks to her agile mind. Shamis is currently the Director of Product Strategy & Marketing at Xetova Limited, a Pan-African premier data science company based in Kenya.
Farhan Mirza
Executive Creative Director, Creative VMLY&R
Farhan Mirza
Farhan Mirza is an award-winning senior creative leader, delivering regionally relevant ideas for global brands and the people who matter to them. He spearheaded Industry recognized creative solutions for Airtel Africa across its Anglophone operations including its regional brand strategy and sports, entertainment and sponsorship activations across all countries of operation within the Anglophone region. At Creative VMLY&R, Farhan’s application of a "360-branding" approach with visual/verbal concept development and brand shepherding has produced creative work that won at the Cannes, Loeries, APA, Epica, Gong Gongs and Crystals.
Beatrice Njiraini
Relationship Manager Kenya, Eskimi Ad Tech
Beatrice Njiraini
Beatrice is a seasoned digital marketer with more than ten years of experience working with lead agencies and Global ad tech. During this time, I have been privileged to share my expertise with an eclectic ensemble of global clients in various sectors, including FMCGs, Telcos, Tech, Financial Services, Human Interests, Multinationals, Quasi-Government agencies, and local organization clients.
As a digital marketer, I turn data into digital strategies to reach target audiences which convert to growth in sales and increase in brand awareness. I generally help companies grow and thrive in the digital space.
Mark Mwawaka
Digital Marketing Manager, Copia Kenya
Mark Mwawaka
Mark is the Digital Marketing Lead for Copia, where he works on the overall digital communication & marketing strategy to ensure the continual growth of the brand's digital footprint.
He brings with him a wealth of experience in all things digital, marketing operations, and content development. He has worked with the leading brands across industries including FMCG, the financial sector (banking), and Education among others.
When not working, he’s likely out taking wildlife photographs while exploring some of Kenya’s hidden spots, game reserves, and sanctuaries
Sheila Adam
Senior Account Manager, Tag Brand Studio
Sheila Adam
Sheila is a seasoned digital marketer with a track record of success in strategic marketing across multiple industries. She is skilled in digital media, brand management, project management, and communication strategy. She is recognized as a digital marketing specialist by businesses and partners in the digital space.
She has a bachelor's degree in commerce and is currently pursuing an executive masters in media leadership and innovation. She has worked with marketing agencies such as WPP Scangroup – Scanad Kenya, Bean Interactive, and WPP Scangroup – GroupM, which have exposed her to various marketing tactics in Pan-African countries through brands such as Unilever, Nokia, Mars, Standard Chartered Bank, Equity Bank, ABSA, EABL, Lafarge Kenya, and Nation Media Group. She has brought brand concepts to life through strategic media innovations and led successful media campaigns and projects with excellent data-driven results.
Sheila is currently a Senior Account Manager at Tag Brand Studio, involved in managing key business accounts, strategy development, media executions, and supporting the Nation Media Group marketing and commercial team through digital media.
Maryanne Montet
Account Director Zilojo Limited
Maryanne Montet
Successful businesses also invest in brand building. That’s where a brand manager or account director comes in, to serve as the brand custodian throughout the customer’s acquisition and retention journey, from writing creative and production briefs about business problems, through research to insight analysis, campaign ideation, production, implementation, monitoring, influencer management, media management and reporting. That’s where I come in.
I am a seasoned communications and marketing practitioner with 7 years of agency experience and capabilities extending across digital and above the line marketing. Working in the business development and client service departments, I have had the pleasure of contributing to the growth of many start-ups, SME’s and international companies by connecting them with their consumers through insight and data-driven brand communication, advertising and marketing strategies. I’m also results-oriented; a passion that has helped lead many teams into creative, innovative and award-winning marketing campaigns while helping brands achieve their marketing goals and ROI.
On an ordinary day, I’m in my creative team player boots, living up to my track record for strategic thinking, strong planning and execution skills, effective leadership and key stakeholder partnership management. I grow and learn every day, a journey that I hope will leave a mark in the world.
Mannat Arora
Digital Lead, Squad Africa
Mannat Arora
“Mannat, currently the digital lead for Squad Africa, delivers Digital Marketing and Technology solutions to clients. She started her career by setting up her own company and making it successful by the age of 24. Mannat carries her entrepreneurial grit and interest in marketing to provide a solutions-oriented approach to her current role. Her core focus is to help clients manage their business growth and get the most out of Squad Africa’s Digital marketing and MarTech capabilities.”
Christopher Okotch Ochieng
Senior Art Director Email, Dragonfly EA
Christopher Okotch Ochieng
As a strategic creative thinker, I’ve had 9+ years of experience in the industry and fortunate enough to work with advertising agencies such as Squad Digital, Digital Republic and Dragonfly EA. I’ve been part of executing award-winning advertising campaigns. Worked with global and local brands in different fields: banking, education, lifestyle, entertainment, technology industry, insurance and manufacturing. Some of these brands include Unga Wa Dola, KCB Bank, Equity Bank, NIC Bank, DIB Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Madison Insurance, APA Insurance, Britam Insurance, Sanlam Insurance, Basco Paints, Keroche Breweries, Dairyland Products, Supa Loaf, P& G, Tictac, ICT Authority, MMC Africa Law, LG East Africa, Longhorn Publishers, Upesi and many more. Recent honours include MSK Awards 2020- Best marketing Realignment through COVID, Muse Creative Awards 2020 (Platinum), Muse Creative Awards 2020 (Gold), Ad Stars Awards 2020 (Bronze), African Crystal (Gold And Silver), DMA Awards 2019 – Best in Storytelling, DMA Awards 2019 – Best Use of Live Streaming/Hangout.
Joy Ruth Wahome
Business Unit Head, Belva Digital
Joy Ruth Wahome
Advertising specialist with over 8 years experience in business, client and project management, digital marketing and traditional marketing. My current role as a Business Unit Head at Belva Digital Limited, consists of overseeing key business functions such as commercial, strategy & innovation, creative design, media and technology in both Kenya and Somaliland. This has given me the opportunity to build and support collaborative teams that meet different brand and business challenges that clients have. I've had the opportunity to work on some of the leading and most exciting brands across Africa in the FMCG sector (EABL- Tusker Portfolio, Captain Morgan, Pernord Ricard), Telco (So! Gasho in Somaliland) Banking sector (Co-operative Bank, Sidian Bank, Stanbic Bank, m-GURUSH- South Sudan) and NGOs KPMG, AECF and MasterCard Foundation for Rural Prosperity among others. When I’m not working, I’m most likely across the country on an extreme adventure, discovering Kenya’s hidden gems.
Naomi Thoiya
Influence and Advocacy Manager, EABL
Naomi Thoiya
Rachel.W.Karanu
Head of Brand Partnerships/Ad-Sales-Africa, Mdundo
Rachel.W.Karanu
For over two years, Rachel Karanu has been recognized as one of Kenya’s music streaming industry progressive leaders. She is known for her collaborative leadership style, and her pivotal role in helping local and global brands find their voices in the modern world. Currently, Rachel serves as Head of Brand Partnerships/Ad-Sales-Africa at Mdundo, where she is responsible for overseeing the platform business-to-businesses stakeholders’ relationships across fifteen African markets.
Prior to Mdundo, she was Business Development Manager at Creative VMLY&R and Business Manager at Magnate Ventures. Rachel has been called upon to participate in Thought Leadership about the music industry as well as the choice of music as a key platform for brand marketing. Rachel is based in Nairobi where she has engaged in several things that she is passionate about– Women’s Ministry and Mentoring young ladies when she is not working.
Almudin Esmail
Founder & Creative Director, Yellow Agency LTD
Almudin Esmail
It’s been over 23 years since I started out at Kul Graphics back in 1999. I took a graphic design course there, seeing as becoming a pilot was too expensive and I really couldn’t see myself living out of a suitcase. To my surprise, I actually ended getting a job at Kul Graphics as a junior designer. From there on it was all about learning and growing as much as I could.
A couple of years later I found myself in Toronto, Canada working on my Second Diploma in graphic design. Here, I was introduced to photography, a skill I believed could advance my career path. I came back to Kenya and started my career with what was then DDB-CCL. Long weeks and late nights were the name of the game. However, between agency and the freelance life, I felt I need something bigger and bolder that would broaden my horizons.
My search lead me to Melbourne, Australia, where I joined the Communications Design program at RMIT and graduated with a distinction in 2007. I moved back to Kenya in 2008 and soon after got myself a job as an Art Director at McCann Erickson, Scangroup.
Here, I got to work on big brands like Nestle, Safaricom and Coke. Life in Scangroup was tough but I did learn a lot, especially regarding what not to do. I eventually made the bold step to quit, take my experience with me to start out on my own. Like any other bright-eyed young man with big dreams, I found out the hard way that building your own agency is no small feat. But hey, eight years on here we are - very grateful that I didn’t give up on myself or Yellow Agency.
Stephen Baya
Head of Art, Betika
Stephen Baya
"They say when you see a man thinking while stroking his beard he is about to do something great. Judging from Steve’s long list of great campaigns and clients he has worked on, his long beard has come in handy.
An art director who’s work experience spans from advertising to the corporate industry. Building brands that range from banking, aviation, energy, betting, Telcos and FMCG.
Steve brings over 10 years of experience and an eye for seeing the craft in every big idea."
Emuron Alemu
Chief Creative Officer, Betika
Emuron Alemu
From saving an endangered rhino species and reducing the HIV infection rate among urban youth in Africa to using an ageing black kung-fu master and a love-seeking octogenarian to sell talk time & mobile data bundles, Emuron has spent more than a decade creating communication for a vast range of categories on the African continent.
Emuron has taken his writing and creative thinking across almost every key sub-Saharan African market where he has milked true local insights by interacting with every day people at local bars and flea markets to create, craft and tell locally relevant African stories.
In a career that spans over a decade, he has created campaigns for a range of markets including but not limited to: Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, DRC, Congo Brazzaville, Ethiopia, Angola, Seychelles, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, Niger and Tchad. During this period, he has worked on a range of brands across categories, including but not limited to: Telecommunication, Finance, Health Marketing, Beverages, Durables, Aviation and Motor, FMCG, Electronics, Government and Animal Conservancy and has shown the ability to quickly adapt to new categories and territories.
Emuron’s work has picked up a range of local, regional and international awards including Clios, Cannes Lions, One Show, Dubai Lynx, Loeries and APAs. His highlights have included winning a Grand Clio and Dubai Lynx Grand Prix for Good.
He has also served a s jury member at a host of awards shows including the Clios, One Show and Loeries.