Abey Mokgwatsane

CEO – Ogilvy & Mather SA

“Started from the bottom now we’re here.” – Drake on Abey Mokgwatsane

Starting as an intern at VWV, South Africa’s leading experiential agencies, while completing his marketing degree at WITS (bottom), he is now the CEO of one of the country’s leading communications services companies, Ogilvy & Mather South Africa (here).

Notice how ‘leading’ had to be mentioned twice? That’s purely because it’s something Abey Mokgwatsane can’t stop doing. He’s the guy behind the famed Castle Loud experiences and the launch of Miller Genuine Draft into the South African market. Under his leadership, VWV produced the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 FIFA World Cup (beating 30 international competitors), earned a Grand Prix Loerie Award, a Special Achievement Award from Finweek’s AdReview, and was named FM Specialist Agency of the Year. He is also a founding member of Young Business for South Africa, a networking organisation for young professionals aimed at developing SA’s future leadership. On top of all this, he was named one of the top 200 young leaders by the Mail & Guardian.

‘Creativity’ and ‘effectiveness’ are two words that come straight from the Mokgwatsane bible. That’s also where he draws inspiration for his colourful leather bow ties and tailored suits.