Xavier De Carvalho Email & Phone Number

Johannesburg, Gp, Za

San Francisco, Ca, Us

As a Director of Data & Media at AKQA, I guide a diverse team to develop innovative digital solutions for clients across North America, Europe, and Africa. I've helped our studio open up new work streams in fresh territories driven by the success of our projects.I've innovated a suite of AI-enabled tools to help our teams delve into Marketing Mix Modelling, Causal Impact Analysis, Performance Attribution, Personalisation, and AI-led Media Planning. I've also set up data warehouses and flows, providing timely, accurate data for better decision-making across our clients and teams.My role includes managing my team, fostering their development, and enhancing department processes. I prioritize inter-departmental relationships, recognizing the power of collaborative innovation.In stakeholder management, I facilitate workshops and meetings, and act as a liaison. I supervise the automation of reporting processes, maximize the potential of analytics tools, and ensure accurate metrics are measured.In data and technology, I lead analysis and strategy, departmental governance, marketing automation, and develop and manage AI and ML products. I also contribute to our CX and tech strategies.In the media domain, I drive audience segmentation, data analysis, departmental governance, marketing automation, media planning and buying, media strategy, platform integrations, tracking setup, and tool development.My role allows me to leverage my leadership and technological expertise to deliver optimal solutions to our clients, while fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth within my team.

San Francisco, Ca, Us

As an Associate Director for Data & Technology at AKQA, I worked at the intersection of technology and data, leading a team to develop innovative solutions for our clients across Europe and Africa.I was responsible for managing and guiding my team, ensuring their skills development and aligning our efforts with the overall goals of the department. I led the scoping of projects, optimization of department processes, and fostered positive inter-departmental relationships. Additionally, I spearheaded our studios internal tech product development, laying a strong focus on continuous research and development to stay ahead of industry trends.In terms of stakeholder management, I facilitated workshops, led meetings, and served as a liaison to ensure clear and effective communication between all parties involved.From a reporting perspective, I oversaw the automation of reporting processes and ensured the best analytics and data reporting tools were set up and utilized to their fullest capacity. This included ensuring the correct metrics and attribution models were measured and continuously improving the reporting process and strategy.In the realm of data and technology, I focused on data analysis and strategy, departmental governance, marketing automation, and the development and management of AI and ML products. I also contributed to our UX strategy, technical documentation, tech strategy, and was an active member of the Web 3.0 POD and the WPP Open Data & AI Community Members Board.Finally, in the media sector, I led initiatives in audience segmentation, data analysis, departmental governance, marketing automation, media strategy, platform integrations, tracking setup, and tool development.This role allowed me to leverage my expertise and leadership skills to drive innovation and deliver high-quality digital solutions to our clients, while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within my team.

At African Octaves we aim to help young musicians within our community to achieve greater exposure within the local music scene. We also provide further assistance by liaising with local producers who provide quality recording spaces and professional mixing environments. African Octaves are a group of artists and individuals who perform, record, produce, and distribute their music under the name African Octaves. It acts as a central platform for young South African musicians to get together and have their music distributed within the local music scene. It is also a central point for musicians to get together and collaborate on tracks and albums in South Africa.

We started MadCape Racing Team in 2012 to compete in a number of esports (sim racing) leagues and series. At the time of the teams inception we started with just 2 members, a few years later and we now have 40+ members from around the world who are a part of our humble team.I have managed to secure a number of sponsorship deals for the team throughout its short history, something that isn't all very common within our niche. I enjoy working with our brand partners to find a common interest and to help them reach their target audience through a medium that's differs from digital or traditional advertising.The brands I have liaised with on behalf of my team are: Thrustmaster, TrakRacer, GameVox, RapidSwitch, and GTR Simulator.I also run and manage all of our social media channels, as well as maintain and build the teams web assets such as the website and forums.You can find out more at https://www.madcape.com

Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Nl

Bryanston, Guateng, Za

**Platform5 merged with AKQA.**Becoming Data and Tech Lead felt like entering an engine room of innovation. My background in social, operations, and paid media prepared me to tackle the challenge of leveraging data and technology to totally overhaul how we delivered value and performance for our clients.My role was no longer about about managing campaigns. It was about pioneering new digital solutions, and my team were trusted problem-solvers, developing bespoke and innovative technologies to address client needs in marketing and measurement.A key initiative was building a CDP and a DMP from scratch. We created a tailored system to handle vast data, provide actionable insights, and drive strategic decisions. We integrated machine learning to predict customer behavior and enable personalization across media channels and web platforms - accurately marrying a user's personal ad experience with their digital brand experience for the first time - increasing content relevance, creating a single-threaded experience across platforms, and driving significant performance as a result.Internally, I fostered a culture of innovation and continuous learning, dedicating time to R&D and exploring emerging technologies. We emphasized efficient and effective Data Strategy and Analysis practices, helping to ensure our clients had fast access to data and meaningful insights for decision making.This role differed from previous ones by shifting from optimization to creation. It was about inventing and transforming. Building technologies that redefined possibilities. This journey profoundly impacted my view of technology's role in business, teaching me that true innovation comes from challenging the status quo and building what doesn't exist. This wasn't just a career step. It was a leap into a new realm of possibility.

Bryanston, Guateng, Za

Becoming Paid Media Lead felt like reaching a key checkpoint. My previous roles, from social media to operations, had prepared me for this challenge. Leading a team to push digital marketing boundaries.Leading meant inspiring and fostering excellence. Alongside my team, I developed and implemented strategies designed to foster growth for our clients and for ourselves, collaborating closely, and infusing creativity and data-driven insights to solve complex problems that led to significant results.Mentorship was key. I focused on supporting my team's growth, fostering an environment of curiosity and continuous learning, which led to more dynamic and effective strategies.Our work encompassed the full spectrum of paid media. Planning and strategy, buying and optimization, data and automation, and integration and collaboration with third-party vendors and internal departments.Client engagement was central. We partnered with clients through workshops, meetings, and ongoing dialogue, providing insights and recommendations. Using data as our weapon, we transformed metrics into clear narratives that guided our strategies. Focusing on the right attribution and KPIs allowed us to adapt quickly, test cheap, and fail fast to move toward success at a blinding pace.This role was more than a job. It was a culmination of my experience and a platform for growth. It reshaped my view of leadership and success, highlighting that effective strategies are built by and for people. This continues to inspire me as I embrace new challenges.

Sandton, Gauteng, Za

As Digital Operations Manager, I became the connecting thread across our agency, integrating and optimizing our digital operations for both client and team success. Acting as a versatile "plugin," I contributed across client management, creative strategy, development, media planning, and project management, supporting our agency and partners OMD (Omnicom Media Group).Client-facing, I facilitated workshops, led meetings, and provided training on solutions like websites, LMS, and intranets, empowering clients to confidently use the tools we built for them. Creatively, I dove into strategy, ideation, and wireframing, bringing client visions to life. On the technical side, I built and optimized e-commerce sites and landing pages, implementing tracking and automation tools like Zapier and deploying CRM tools like Active Campaign for brands like McDonald's, Hyundai, Renault, and KIA.Media planning involved defining reporting, developing e-commerce strategies, and optimizing campaigns for brands like Mahindra, KIA, Bidvest Bank. In project management, I implemented planning processes, improved reporting, and automated templates to boost productivity. Fostering growth, both personally and for my team, was paramount, ensuring we stayed ahead of industry trends through continuous testing and learning.This multifaceted role reinforced my understanding of the value of adaptability, accountability, communication, and collaboration. Embracing diverse responsibilities led to significant growth. The challenges and opportunities to contribute across the agency, expanding my skills and deepening my passion for digital innovation and operational excellence all helped shape the foundations of how I run my operations today.

London And Cape Town, Gb

Stepping into the role of Media and Search Specialist was a thrilling career milestone. My first foray into the world of managing a department, leading our paid media and SEO division across two cities. My mission was to craft digital strategies that not only met client goals but exceeded them in a new and increasingly fast-paced digital world.Leading a dynamic team, I developed media strategies for a diverse portfolio of clients, from global giants like KFC, Under Armour, Reckitt-Benckiser, and L'Oréal. I focused on planning and executing paid media campaigns across major platforms like Google Ads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Twitter, and YouTube.Data was my storytelling tool. Transforming numbers into actionable insights, I helped clients understand campaign performance and surpass their objectives. Automation and optimisation were my key strengths that led to success for our business and our clients. Together with my team, we navigated the digital landscape, pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional results. This experience solidified my belief in the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and data-driven thinking. Success wasn't just about strategy. It was about genuine connections and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I’m grateful for the challenges and opportunities to impact client success, fueling my passion for digital marketing and my commitment to delivering optimal performance.

London And Cape Town, Gb

My journey continued as a Social Strategist with a passion for connecting brands with their audiences in the dynamic world of digital media. The core challenge? Harnessing the power of social media, paid advertising, and SEO to tell captivating stories that resonated across diverse cultures in South Africa.Working with a vibrant mix of brands – from global giants like KFC, McDonald's, and Huawei to everyday names like Garnier and Disprin – I relished the opportunity to craft strategies that delivered optimal results for each of them. Platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Twitter Ads became my canvases, and each campaign a chance to delve into the world of analytics, transforming data into actionable insights that maximized ROI and engagement.Reporting wasn’t just about numbers. It was about telling a story. A story of growth, hurdles overcome, and exciting opportunities. I made it a point to provide clients with comprehensive reports that not only highlighted key metrics but also fostered transparency and collaboration.One of the most exciting aspects of this role was supporting the development of iGlass, our augmented reality storefront solution. This foray into cutting-edge technology broadened my horizons, revealing the transformative potential of AR in revolutionizing customer engagement and retail experiences.This chapter of my career was a period of immense growth. I honed my skills in paid media strategy, campaign execution, and performance analysis. But more importantly, I learned the crucial art of adaptability and how to pivot and innovate in the ever-shifting digital landscape.I'm grateful for the challenges that pushed me, and for the chance to contribute to impactful campaigns. It laid a solid foundation for my ongoing pursuit of excellence in digital marketing, always striving to push boundaries and deliver exceptional results.

London And Cape Town, Gb

For three months of my junior career, I wore two hats. Project Manager and internal process optimizer. It was a balancing act, navigating the complexities of client needs while simultaneously looking inward to improve how we did things. The central question was how could I quickly understand our clients’ world while also transforming our own?I immersed myself in their industries, their aspirations, and their challenges. This wasn't just project management. It was about forging genuine connections and building trust. At the same time, I took a hard look at our internal workflows, hunting for bottlenecks and searching for opportunities to boost efficiency.Working closely with my mentor, I focused on streamlining how we communicated, defining and refining project timelines, and ensuring our team felt empowered to do their best work.Those three months were more than just a temporary assignment. It was a defining period in my career that helped me get more serious. I sharpened my skills in project coordination, strategic planning, and stakeholder management. I learned the delicate art of balancing stakeholder satisfaction with business efficiency and the importance of agility in a fast-paced environment.Most significantly, this period deepened my understanding of how powerful, well-defined processes can drive success. It laid the groundwork for future roles, where I’ve continued to bridge the gap between client needs and business objectives, always striving for exceptional results.

London And Cape Town, Gb

My marketing and advertising career journey began as a Social Media Manager with a simple desire. To connect people through the power of digital storytelling. It was thrilling to work with global giants like Huawei and McDonald's, but also a challenge. How do you capture the authentic soul of each brand while speaking to a diverse, global audience on a myriad of platforms?I dove headfirst into understanding what made each brand tick. Their unique values, their quirks, their stories. Crafting content became less about grabbing attention and more about building genuine connections. I worked closely with creative and strategic teams, brainstorming innovative campaigns that not only boosted engagement but truly resonated with followers, forging a sense of loyalty.Data became my compass. Pouring over metrics, compiling reports, and dissecting insights allowed me to constantly refine our approach and demonstrate tangible results to our clients. In the ever-shifting landscape of social media, this data-driven mindset was crucial for staying ahead of the curve.The experience was truly transformative. I honed my skills in content creation, strategic planning, and data analysis. But even more importantly, I learned the art of corporate storytelling and witnessed firsthand the power it holds in building lasting relationships between brands and their customers. Along the way, I forged strong bonds with clients and colleagues, expanding my network and building a foundation for future growth.

Apeldoorn, Gelderland, Nl

During my time at RaceDepartment, I helped organize and execute a number of leagues and events that were enjoyed by members of our community.I wrote articles that were featured on the front page of the website. The articles pertained to the series and events we were organizing, and included many innovative ideas for our niche such as driver profiles and championship predictions.I also worked as part of the broadcast staff during my time at RaceDepartment, as a commentator and sim racing pundit. I commentated on the RaceDepartment Le Mans Series, the Virtual World Endurance Championship, Virtual World Series by Renault, and a number of club races as well.My community management skills were birthed and grown whilst I held my position at RaceDepartment as I filled the role of Forum Moderator, more commonly referred to as a Community Manager.You can find out more about RaceDepartment at: www.racedepartment.com

Ieb Nsc, English, Afrikaans, Life Science, Life Orientation, Geography, Design, Mathematical Literacy

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