FCB Joburg has been crowned as South Africa’s Agency of the Year for 2017.
The award, announced earlier this week (November 22), was made by Financial Mail AdFocus, the local industry’s premier marketing award show.
As winner of the 2017 Large Agency of the Year category, for the second consecutive year in the category’s three year history, FCB Joburg was up against other category winners for the AdFocus’ top honours.
The AdFocus judging panel, convened by editor Jeremy Maggs and chaired by Craig Page-Lee, praised the agency’s commitment to achieving its objectives in exceedingly tough business conditions.
In fact, it referred to FCB Africa Group CEO Brett Morris’ promise – made when FCB Joburg received the 2016 Large Agency of the Year accolade – that “we will do even better next year”.
Morris was understandably incredibly pleased with his lead agency’s performance. “There’s no getting away from it; 2017 has been a challenging year for the industry on many fronts.
“But all the FCB agencies met each and every one head on, always collaborating with clients, staff and suppliers to find innovative solutions that added value. And leading the pack was FCB Joburg; I’m so pleased their monstrous effort this last year was recognised with this accolade.”
Managing Director Thabang Skwambane, added: “Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy, and should never be taken for granted.
“The incredible inner strength of the FCB Joburg team, every staff member’s commitment and professionalism in a challenging business environment, ensured we were able to ensure growth while delivering the kind of work at which we excel, that which wins the hearts and souls of everyday South Africans and builds South Africa’s favourite brands.
“Well done and thank you to all for your belief in our vision, and your support in making it happen.”
Agencies considered for Large Agency of the Year and AdFocus Agency of the Year are marked on four criteria: new business and growth, business retention and relationships, awards and industry recognition, and empowerment and social responsibility.
FCB Joburg is a level one BBBEE contributor with more than 51% black and 32% black female ownership. The agency also boasts 55% female representation across the business and reported a 50% revenue growth in the review period with its biggest account gain being Absa/Barclays.
Creatively, FCB Joburg won South Africa’s first Best-In-Show at the International One Show awards for its NetFlorist radio campaign, and took the Robyn Putter Award as the top brand agency for a third consecutive year at the Sunday Times Top Brands awards in the review period. In addition, Ahmed Tilly, founder of Black River FC, joined Jonathan Deeb as Joint Chief Creative Officer.
Credit to Tiso Blackstar Group for use of pic
