#OnTheRadar: Top Appointments at Stellantis SA, McDonald's SA

Why It Matters

These leadership changes position two of the region’s biggest consumer brands to accelerate growth through integrated communication, CSR, and advanced data marketing, while the agency and tech moves reshape how brands reach African audiences.

Key Takeaways

• Sizwekazi Mdingi leads Stellantis SA communications and CSR strategy
• Keegan Alicks becomes McDonald’s SA CMO, emphasizing data-driven marketing
• Bernbach agency consolidates Volkswagen’s global creative work under Omnicom
• Turn Left partners with Logan.ai to offer cookieless ad solutions in SSA
• Liesl Lategan represents South Africa at Cannes Lions 2026 program

Pulse Analysis

Stellantis’ decision to place Sizwekazi Jekwa Mdingi at the helm of South African communications and corporate social responsibility reflects a broader industry shift toward purpose‑driven branding. Mdingi’s background in journalism and stakeholder engagement equips the automaker to weave CSR narratives into product launches for brands like Jeep and Alfa Romeo, strengthening community ties and differentiating Stellantis in a competitive market. Meanwhile, McDonald’s South Africa’s appointment of Keegan Alicks as CMO underscores the fast‑food giant’s commitment to leveraging data analytics and digital channels to personalize offers, a tactic proven to boost same‑store sales in mature markets.

The leadership moves arrive alongside structural changes in the advertising ecosystem. Omnicom’s launch of the Bernbach agency, named after legendary ad‑man Bill Bernbach, consolidates Volkswagen’s creative, media, and strategic services under a single global roof, simplifying brand governance while preserving local relevance. In parallel, Turn Left’s partnership with Logan.ai introduces a privacy‑first, “cookieless” ad solution tailored for sub‑Saharan Africa. By harnessing “super small data,” the platform enables precise audience targeting across mobile, CTV, audio, and digital OOH without relying on third‑party cookies, aligning with emerging data‑privacy regulations and consumer expectations.

Talent development remains a strategic priority, as evidenced by Liesl Lategan’s selection to represent South Africa at Cannes Lions 2026 See It Be It and the continued leadership of Anna Noakes Schulze and Enzo Scarcella at The Mark Awards jury. These programs spotlight the region’s creative capacity and signal to brands that investing in award‑winning work can drive both cultural relevance and measurable business outcomes. Collectively, the appointments, agency restructuring, and AI‑driven ad innovations illustrate a dynamic landscape where communication, technology, and creative excellence converge to shape the future of marketing in Africa.