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Name VIRGINIA HOLLIS |
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About me When I am not working, I really love being outdoors. On weekends you will find me in my garden planting and weeding, and when there is no lockdown, we entertain quite a bit. This COVID-19 lockdown period has been incredibly stressful as we miss seeing family and friends, and I am sure that everyone feels the same way. I spend a fair amount of time reading new trends and looking through global research, a lot of the research is not relevant to Africa, but it is important to stay in touch with what is going on globally. I do balance my reading with Thrillers and the occasional scandal magazine (we all need a little light reading 😊). When I manage to steal time off, I love going to the bush, this is where I reboot my mind and soul. We try to get to the bush at least 3 times a year, and if we do not make it to a game reserve, then we will happily settle for the mountains. Basically, anywhere where there is not a lot of people. International travel is something I think everyone likes to do. I have been to some interesting places over the years but now with what is probably going to be our new normal for the next couple of year, expensive international flights, we will still to local. There is lots to see and do in our wonderful country, and then of course there is our neighbouring countries, lots to explore in the next few years. |
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PROFESSIONAL BIO Senior Media Strategist/Director with over 35 years of experience in all aspects of media – buying, planning and strategy. Worked on a multitude of major clients across all sectors to name a few clients: Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Famous Brands, SABC, Eskom, Peugeot. In addition I have lectured at the AAA School in Johannesburg and the Boston Media School. I helped set the syllabus, that is still being used today and often set the final exam. I set up the AMASA media workshops with a committee, these were targeted at advertising/media agencies, clients, and media owners. They are also still running today, but they have changed emphasis. Over the years I have worked with numerous media companies to help upskill their sales and marketing services staff. Currently is a Director on 2 industry boards – Chairperson of MRF (previously SAARF) and AMF. Was a Board Member of Loeries from 2012 – 2018. Have judged numerous awards – Cannes 2001, AdFocus, APEX (effectiveness), Loeries (Media Innovation Panel Chair – 2012 to 2018). Chaired AMASA for 4 years and sat on their board for more than 10 years. Awarded Media Legend by the industry’s MOST awards in 2011 and most recently was awarded the AdFocus Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. Up until 2012 was MD of The MediaShop (Jhb) and this involved day to day running of the agency – managing, mentoring and developing staff, heading up strategy (working directly with clients on strategy), planning the direction of the company with fellow directors, pitching for new business, interacting with media owners (including attending and lecturing at media owner workshops). Specialties: Media and communication strategy (including digital), planning/implementing & buying, negotiation of discounts, developing of media strategy, creative solutions to media problems, interpretation of various research tools available in South Africa, competitive analysis. In addition, has run numerous media audits for clients and been involved with companies pitching for broadcast media licences. Currently heading up Magnetic Connection which is a boutique media agency, assisting numerous clients and media owners with media strategy, planning and implementation. In addition, we launched G2 Connection at the beginning of 2019 providing clients with curated content and focusing on product/brand integration into TV shows, these are fully integrated campaigns that include other through-the-line media partners & digital assets. |
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Intro Owner of Magnetic Connection (Media Strategy & Planning) |
