FURY is a specialist strategic storyteller agency for innovative African businesses and global businesses wishing to establish a footprint in our continent. By developing compelling brand narratives for a range of traditional and digital communication platforms, we help companies tell their stories where it matters to improve business conditions and drive action.The agency was founded to address the need for simple, clear, compelling content that supports African businesses' growth strategies and builds awareness, understanding and credibility among customers, partners, employees and investors.

In my role as MD I am responsible for creating and implementing a long-term vision for the agency that will ensure its ongoing success and profitability. I manage the efficient and effective operation of the business and implement strategic planning to ensure we are able to take advantage of new opportunities in the field of marketing, PR and communications.At present, my key focus is on three areas:- Attracting and retaining top talent in key positions within the agency. - Evolving the current service model to meet changing market needs, especially as we enter a period of global economic uncertainty. - Broadening our scope of services to ensure client success in an increasingly fragmented market, with a strong focus on strategic consulting.

Core function is to ensure the agency’s ongoing profitability and viability - effectively managing existing business and growing the business through the attainment of new business. Working with account teams to ensure efficient and effective management of client accounts, and working with senior management to align new business strategies and solutions with the agency’s vision and mission.Key responsibilities include: - Day-to-day management of various accounts, including conceptualization and strategic implementation of campaign plans and thorough clear communication with the client. - Supervising, assisting and mentoring account management staff, including Senior Account Managers, Account Managers, Account Executives and PR Candidates - Providing market feedback to senior management regarding competitive offerings, prospect needs and generating product development ideas. - Initiating and managing effective relationships with selected, developed leads on an ongoing basis. - Developing a viable business plan for the agency with set objectives, timelines, initiatives, etc. - Providing ongoing strategic guidance and input across all integrated communications plans for existing clients.

I joined DUO as an Account Director and fulfilled writing, strategy, client service, media liaison and project management duties for a number of B2B technology companies. In May 2014 I was asked to assume the role of Business Unit Director: Western Cape, following our agency's expansion into Gauteng and the appointment there of a regional manager.My key responsibilities included:- Managing and supporting the Western Cape team to ensure their optimum performance and growth- Creating a spirit of cohesion and collaboration within Western Cape team, as well as establishing open lines of communication and inter-office support with the Gauteng regional office- Ensuring quality standards are upheld and all client SLAs are met- Assisting with defining, packaging and communicating the company values and essence to the newly-established Gauteng office- Balancing quality with profitability to ensure clients receive optimum value without compromising the long-term success of the organisation.In addition, I retained senior Account Director responsibilities (strategy, client service at exec level, thought leadership writing) for a number of B2B technology clients, including:- wiGroup, a platform provider that enables retailers to accept any kind of mobile transaction at their till points (and winner of numerous international awards for innovation excellence)- Stone Three Venture Technology, an engineering and software development firm - Stone Three Mining, a provider of technology solutions to the mining industry- Framework One, a software development firm - Nomanini, a provider of cash-based mobile transactions for emerging markets

I returned to The Phoenix Partnership to assume account director duties on the agency's suite of local sport, business and hospitality clients. I led a team of Account Managers and junior staff in developing and implementing PR strategies for retainer and project clients that included:- The Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour- The Cape Town International Convention Centre- Accelerate Cape Town- Yuppiechef - The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon- The Vineyard Hotel & Spa- The Townhouse Hotel & Conference Centre- Oude Werf Hotel

I joined both agencies to at first fulfill a pure copywriting function across the client base of both. Before long I was asked to help establish a social media division within Positive Dialogue that would also provide services to Arctic Circle's client base. Key responsibilities included: Social Media strategy development, management and implementation across all clients; Publicity Campaign creative conceptualisation across all clients; Writing of press material for print, online and broadcast media across certain clients; Mentorship of junior staff in terms of writing and social media campaign management.I was a primary interface between the account management teams and the above-the-line advertising agency that handled the ATL component of each client's campaign, and advised on top-level PR and digital strategy. Clients during this time included:- Futuregrowth Asset Management- Earthchild clothing- KWV Brandy- One&Only Cape Town- Marble Classic- Capestorm- Pyrotec

I accepted a short term project for a leading luxury whiskey brand to support social media and digital strategy development ahead of the FNB Whiskey Live Festival 2010.

My initiation into the world of consumer PR included account management and support on a number of business, lifestyle, hospitality and event clients, including:- Accelerate Cape Town- Madame Zingara- Sidewalk Cafe - Bombay Bicycle Club- Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour- One&Only Cape Town (SA) and Le Saint Gerain (Mauritius)- Workaway International

Sentient was my first agency job. I joined as an Account Executive working on four B2B technology clients and within a year had assumed an Account Manager position. In October 2008 the agency made a strategic decision to launch a digital division and I moved over to support the division head. to develop PR strategies and campaigns across digital communication media. I helped with new business development, strategy formulation, writing and campaign implementation across a range of local and international clients, including:- Renault South Africa- Virgin Mobile- The 2009 South African General Elections

Running PR activities for the Commerce faculty (exhibitions, conferences, internal comms, Master's Degree course assistant)Assistant Communication Science 2 lecturer (stand-in for subject head, taking charge of two of the six weekly classes)