"The most coveted awards, however, were that of lifetime achievers. We can proudly say that Robin Brozin, was awarded the Marketing Lifetime Achievement Award and Lebogang Letsoalo the Supply Chain Lifetime Achievement Award," says Irene Gregory, CEO of the IMM Institute.

"Each of these people have demonstrated unwavering commitment to their respected sectors, going the extra mile to advance the relevant industries as well as helping create new leaders," adds Gregory. 

According to the IMM Institute, the winners in each category comprise:

  • Marketing Student of the Year: Sria Roopchand
  • Supply Chain Student of the Year: Gugu Nkala 
  • Emerging Marketer of the Year: Liat Madinane, Sauce Advertising Chief Integration Officer
  • Marketer of the Year: Happy Ngidi, Chief Marketing Officer at Proudly SA
  • Supply Chain Professional of the Year: Lethlohonolo Mpshe, Managing Director of SME company, Atarah Solutions
  • Corporate Marketing Team of the Year: Proudly SA, and 
  • Entrepreneur of the Year: Mitheel Ramdaw. 

In the Supply Chain Corporate Team of the Year category, an honourable mention went to Chery SA, the local subsidiary of a Chinese car manufacturer that has been exporting vehicles globally since 1997, says IMM Institute. 

"We were impressed with the quality of entries this year and it is clear that South African professionals are advancing the supply chain," says Judge Ronald Mlalazi, a procurement professional and Supply UK Fellow.

Lethabo Sekhu, Co-founder and COO at Credipple and one of the Judges, says, "South Africa's marketing talent is world-class, and this was clearly evidenced through the quality of nominations we received. It wasn't an easy task selecting the winners."

The awards were bestowed on the winners at the IMM Institute’s Annual Gala Dinner, which was held on Friday, 7 March at The Maslow. "The evening was a success in terms of bringing together professionals who were able to mingle and learn about each other's respective industries at a time when they are converging," says Gregory.

Gregory explains that speed-to-market requires not only a solid understanding of a brand's target audience, and a marketing plan based on that, but also an efficient supply chain.

"We believe that lasting relationships were formed, and best practices discussed during the lively event," Gregory concludes.

For more information, visit www.imminstitute.co.za. You can also follow the IMM Institute on Facebook or on LinkedIn. 

*Image courtesy of contributor