Dentsu appoints Marais as Group Operations Director

By Zion Rufus

Dentsu, a leading global advertising and marketing communications company, has appointed Lana Marais as its new Group Operations Director for dentsu SSA (Sub-Saharan Africa).

Effective June 1, Marais will play a crucial role in driving the company’s ambitious growth plans and spearheading its strategic initiatives across the region.

Over the past decade, Dentsu has experienced remarkable growth across 12 African countries. With the goal of doubling its business by 2030, the company is committed to adopting a fresh approach to work, investing in its talented workforce, and forming strategic partnerships with the right clients.

In line with this vision, Lana Marais has been chosen to lead the way in achieving these audacious objectives.

Marais brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having been with dentsu since 2009. Her extensive tenure with the company has provided her with an in-depth understanding of the business and the unique challenges it faces in the region.

Her recent focus on the emerging markets within SSA has equipped her with valuable insights, positioning her to drive efficiencies and effectiveness across the region.

As Group Operations Director, Marais will work closely with the regional leadership team across all 12 markets to ensure the successful execution of dentsu’s regional business strategies.

She will be responsible for developing and delivering comprehensive plans, metrics, and targets that align with the company’s growth objectives.

Dawn Rowlands, CEO of dentsu Africa, expressed her confidence in Marais’ capabilities, stating, “We have full confidence in Lana’s ability to drive our transformation agenda and implement our business model effectively.” Rowlands also highlighted the initial projects where Marais will define project and execution plans while retaining responsibility for the emerging markets.

With Marais at the helm, dentsu aims to support brands in predicting and planning for disruptive future opportunities while creating new paths to growth in the sustainable economy.

Leveraging its deep understanding of people and their behaviors, dentsu will connect brands, content, commerce, and experiences, driven by modern creativity. The company prides itself on being the network designed for what’s next.

The appointment of Lana Marais as Group Operations Director for dentsu SSA represents a significant step forward for the company in achieving its ambitious growth targets.