"The depth of business and ad-industry expertise that this year's panel of jurors bring only serves to further validate the relevance of the FM AdFocus Awards," says Tumi Rabanye, the 2021 FM AdFocus jury chair.

"Brands have faced significant challenges over the past 18 months. The ability of their agencies to evolve and deliver fresh strategies, that keep their sales going to deliver positive ROIs, should be decided by those who completely grasp the market and whose leadership is respected by the industry at large," adds Rabanye. 

New jurors confirmed to date include:

  1. Warren Moss, founder of Demographica
  2. Gillian Rightford, CEO of Adtherapy
  3. Mosidi Seretlo, founder of Mosidi Seretlo Consulting
  4. Muzi Zimema, senior strategist at Telkom
  5. Dr Caitlin Ferreira, lecturer at Luleå University of Technology and adjunct lecturer in marketing at the University of Cape Town
  6. Nkanyezi Masang, executive creative director at King James
  7. Grant Sithole, chief product officer at Publicis Group
  8. Muzi Zimema, senior strategist at Telkom
  9. Lebo Madiba, MD at PR Powerhouse, and
  10. Luca Gallarelli, group CEO of TBWA.
Since its inception in 1990, the Financial Mail AdFocus Awards have established itself as the leading platform for individuals and agencies to be recognised. This is not only for their creative marketing skills but for their overall business acumen.

In 2021, FM AdFocus says that it will be celebrating 'Advertising's Game Changers' in 2021.

2021's confirmed advertising jury members are:
  • Tumi Rabanye, jury chairperson
  • Dr Beate Stiehler-Mulder, senior marketing lecturer at the University of Johannesburg
  • Faheem Chaundry, MD at M&C Saatchi Jhb
  • Haydn Townsend, MD at Accenture Interactive
  • Lebo Motswenyane, founder of Lucky No.8
  • Lehlohonolo (Hloni) Mokema, GM at Absa Group Communications
  • Sindiswa Masutu, strategy business director at Grey Group
  • Thabiet Allie, head of business development at MTN
  • Dali Tembo, CEO of The Culture Foundry
  • Wendy Bergsteed, group head of marketing at Coronation Fund Managers
  • Mpume Ngobese, MD at Joe Public Connect
  • Lesego Kotane, MD at King James II
  • Nkgabiseng Motau, creative officer at thinkcreativeafrica
  • Warren Moss, founder of Demographica
  • Gillian Rightford, CEO of Adtherapy
  • Mosidi Seretlo, founder of Mosidi Seretlo Consulting
  • Lebo Madiba, MD of PR Powerhouse, and
  • Luca Gallarelli, Group CEO of TBWA.
Media jury members include:
  • Carmen Murray, founder of Boo-Yah
  • Monique Claasen, head of media and digital insights at Kantar
  • Mbali Ndandani, Africa Digital Lead at Unilever
  • Koo Govender, CEO of Dentsu Aegis South Africa
  • Margi Carr, MD of InTouch Media
  • Candice Goodman, MD of Mobitainment
  • Ana Carrapichano, founder and CEO of Mediology, and
  • Muzi Zimema, senior strategist at Telkom. 
Jury members for the Student Awards comprise:
  • Mphothe Elizabeth Mokwena, homecare marketing director at Unilever
  • Dali Tembo, CEO of The Culture Foundry
  • Dr Beate Stiehler-Mulder, senior marketing lecturer at the University of Johannesburg
  • Dr Caitlin Ferreira, lecturer at Luleå University of Technology and adjunct lecturer in marketing at the University of Cape Town
  • Nkanyezi Masango, executive creative director at King James, and
  • Grant Sithole, chief product officer at Publicis Group. 
Entries for the 2021 FM AdFocus Awards close at midnight on Friday, 10 September. Award categories, closing dates and entry criteria can be found on the awards' website. The winners will be announced on Wednesday, 24 November. 

Individuals are encouraged to enter on the website. For advertising and sponsorship opportunities in the publication, individuals can contact Montanarid@arena.africa or HoylandC@arena.africa. For any questions about the AdFocus process, you can contact admin.adfocus@fm.co.za

For more information, visit www.adfocus.co.za