“I am delighted that we were able to attract someone of Michael’s calibre. He brings with him many years of experience in corporate communications, reputation management and public affairs. We look forward to welcoming him to our team, where he will work with us to grow the business in South Africa, at the same time enabling me to focus more strongly on advising our clients and on our Africa strategy,” said Arcay Burson-Marsteller CEO, Robyn de Villiers.

Since March 2007, Farr has served as head of reputation and corporate communications for SABMiller, based in London. Prior to this, he was the head of communications for The South African Breweries in Johannesburg. Before joining SAB, Farr held CEO positions at The Cape Town Partnership, The Tourism Business Council of South Africa and South African Tourism. He began his career in the diplomatic service with his last posting being as South Africa’s Consul-General (Ambassador) to Hong Kong and Macau.

“I am excited to be joining one of the leading international strategic communications firms and look forward to making a valuable contribution to the future plans for the business in South Africa. I am attracted by the large number of great brands Arcay Burson-Marsteller advises and look forward to using the experience I have gained over the past nine years, in particular on the reputation management front, in further strengthening and expanding Arcay Burson-Marsteller’s client portfolio. I am delighted to be working together with a strong team of people to take Arcay Burson-Marsteller’s South African operation to even greater heights,” said Michael Farr.

“In October 2011, Burson-Marsteller acquired a 51% stake in Arcay Communications after an extremely successful affiliate relationship over five years. Robyn and her team have, over the past 20+ years, built a formidable network across Africa and a great business in South Africa. We are delighted that Michael will be joining our team in Johannesburg - this is a major investment which I believe will help in developing business across the continent,” said Jeremy Galbraith, Burson-Marsteller CEO Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Mike Short, acting corporate affairs director for SABMiller, said “Michael has made a significant contribution to the company since he joined SAB in August 2003. At SAB he led the company’s Communications and Media Relations Department and after transferring to SABMiller in early 2007, he led the development and implementation of a global reputation management strategy and framework for the Group. I would like to congratulate Michael on his appointment as Arcay Burson-Marsteller’s managing director for South Africa, and wish him every success in his new career.”