ICOM, one of the world's largest global networks of independent advertising and marketing communications agencies, announced the appointment of June Kiragu, managing director of Nairobi-based Brainwave Communications, to its board of directors to serve as Regional Director for Africa.
Kiragu joins 11 other directors representing independent agencies from around the globe who are responsible for assisting in developing and leading regional new business initiatives, in recruiting new member agencies, and in organizing regional meetings. She succeeds Wale Adeoye-Famosa of Primus Advertising in Ghana, who stepped down after three very productive years leading the region that currently consists of seven agencies in six sub-Saharan markets.
"As founder and managing director of a prosperous agency business, June brings considerable talent and more than 25 years of experience to our board," said ICOM Board Chairman Bob Morrison, also Chairman & CEO, Morrison, Atlanta, Ga., USA. "She has been an ongoing contributor to our ICOM network ever since her agency became a member several years ago. She is a powerful advocate for the region whose potential and growth prospects have caught the attention of many global companies."
To capitalize on this growth with companies aiming to reach a young, better educated and higher earning consumer emerging in the region, Kiragu plans to build even stronger relationships among current ICOM African agency members as well as recruit members from other neighboring countries. "I want members in our region to communicate openly and regularly," she said. "I want us to share our success stories and challenges as we work together to build and strengthen not only regional ties and partnerships but also those with our ICOM partners all across the world."
While the burgeoning consumer market is a driving force for growth in consumer goods, other important industry sectors in sub-Saharan Africa include agriculture, currently Africa's largest economic sector; banking ; mining; oil and gas; and telecommunications.
One country that has taken note is China, which has grown from being a relatively small investor in the region to becoming Africa's largest economic partner with a depth and breadth of engagement in Africa like no other country.
After spending time in advertising and marketing on both the agency and client sides with well-known names such as Young & Rubicam and Goodyear Kenya, Kiragu decided in 2004 to open Brainwave Communications with partner Rio Alves with a vision of making Brainwave the leading communications agency in Africa. She has never looked back. Brainwave is recognized as a leading local, solutions-oriented communications agency offering integrated services with a clear understanding of the market.
"We are differently like-minded," Kiragu likes to say. "We think, speak, drink in a medley of color and sound. We aim to surprise, satisfy, and delight our clients with radical, well-rationalized strategic and creative ideas and ultimately exceed our clients' expectations." Brainwave's client roster includes mainly fast-moving consumer goods companies, such as BASF East Africa, Bidco Africa, Canaan Group, and Grain Industries as well as insurance companies including Kenya Orient Insurance and Liberty Group.
When not giving her all to clients, Kiragu loves to give back to her community. Her greatest ambition is to open a rehabilitation center for street children in Kenya and provide them with employment opportunities.