The group says that after an intense executive search by Egon Zehnder, an international head hunter, the group was awarded by with leading businessman Makhathini.

Makhathini is a seasoned executive with more than 15 years of experience in the private and SOE sectors.

He is an accomplished businessman with an aptitude for operational excellence and a track record in socially responsible business development and transformation.

Makhathini takes over from Dave Roberts, who now serves as the chairperson of Primedia Outdoor and also heads up M&A at Primedia Group.

Makhathini has served on the boards of:
  • British American Tobacco
  • South African Breweries
  • the Sports Trust
  • the Ekurhuleni World Outreach Centre Advisory Board
  • the SABC
  • Pink Drive, and
  • SAtion.

Makhathini holds a master's degree in commerce and an honours degree in economic geography. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School's general management programme.

According to Primeda Outdoor, Makhathini's stakeholder development expertise, both at an executive level and at a grassroots level, brings immeasurable stature and business wisdom to the group.

He is set to provide strong momentum to Primedia Outdoor's growth strategy, ensuring that the business optimises its business opportunities in all the markets in which it operates.

He will also ensure that the business is always fully grounded, relevant to and rooted in the markets it serves.

Makhathini says, "The Primedia Group's business resilience, expansion and re-invention is the work of courageous leadership, and I am honoured to be joining this exemplary team."

"I have watched as Primedia has elevated business excellence and innovation not only in the broadcasting sector but in the growing and highly contested outdoor media sector. Over recent years, Primedia Outdoor has led and reinvigorated the entire industry, both in South Africa and beyond," adds Makhathini.

"I have always admired the spirit of the Primedia Group — its tenacity and determination to go where others fear to tread and to make the impossible possible. Many years ago, I interviewed with 702's Bruce Whitfield and I told listeners how my uncle gave me the nickname 'Ayilali Ikhonjiwe', which roughly translates as 'Once I have set my mind on something, I go for it full force'. The Primedia Group has the same spirit of tenacity that I do. It is a perfect fit for me," says Makhathini.

Group CEO of Primedia Jonathan Procter says, "Last year I shared Primedia Group's vision 2025 with our staff, our partners and our advertisers. I spoke of how the group's growth strategy wins broadcasting excellence with blue-sky innovation."

"As we reach sky-high for top talent and new programming and innovation peaks, I am proud to introduce Makhathini as the CEO of Primedia Outdoor. He brings a spirit of drive and determination that is an intrinsic part of the Primedia DNA," adds Procter.

"Having him on board gives us a distinctive advantage in the highly competitive markets and sectors in which we operate. We are confident that he has the ability and attitude to take us to new heights in the OOH market in South Africa and the continent, " Procter concludes.  

For more information, visit www.primediaoutdoor.co.za. You can also follow Primedia Outdoor on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.