John holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Witwatersrand. He spent four years in the information technology sector before joining the marketing industry with AMC, a TBWA Hunt Lascaris company.  John later joined ESPM Legends (a start up sponsorship agency later known as Octagon). For six years, his marketing, communication and broad business skills were key in servicing clients like ABSA, Coca-Cola, Castle Lager, Eskom and MTN. These clients gave him the opportunity to add cross-border experience to his skills and he played a key role in setting up Octagon's Nigerian affiliate.

In 2003, John joined Draftfcb (then FCB) as Managing Director of the Johannesburg advertising agency. As a passionate believer in integrated communication, it was perhaps inevitable that in 2005 his responsibilities were extended to include the promotions, design and digital agencies as well. In 2008, John was promoted to his current position of Group Chief Executive. 

Brett joined FCB in 1999 and was appointed Executive Creative Director of the agency in 2003. Under his leadership, Draftfcb won more awards than ever before in its 80-year history, including South Africa’s first Cannes Grand Prix. He also has to his credit 12 gold Loeries, 6 Cannes Lions, 7 Clios, 5 D&AD entries, 6 One Show merits and 2 Ad of the Years. Other career highlights include AdReview Campaign of the Year in 2005, 2006 & 2010, as well as the Sunday Times Marketing Excellence Grand Prix for Campaign of the Year 2006.   In 2007 he joined Nando’s as Global Chief Creative Officer, and later formed The Scoville Unit.   Brett rejoined Draftfcb in 2009 as Chief Creative Officer for Draftfcb South Africa. 

History:

My story is a typical South African township story where parents’ dreams and aspirations had everything to do with what I decided to study at university.  My brother and I having grown up in a family business knew we wanted to get into business but my parents fancied having a lawyer and a doctor for sons and so we obliged. After qualifying we both decided to pursue careers in business.

Marketing Career:

I cut my marketing teeth at Unilever on home and personal care brands such as Axe, Brut, Shield, Ponds and Skip. I then acquired food marketing experience at Tiger Brands on famous household brands Dairybelle Cheese, Fatti’s & Moni’s Pasta and Tastic Rice. This was followed by another stab at the liquor industry, this time as Marketing Manager at SAB on such international brands as Peroni, Miller, Pilsner Urquell  and Grolsch. I was then enticed to join the confectionery industry as Marketing Director on Cadbury’s Gum and Candy portfolio, looking after brands such as Stimorol, Dentyne, Clorets, Chappies, Halls and Endearmints.

Entrepreneurship:

When Kraft took over Cadbury I decided to take a 2 year break from corporate and dabble in entrepreneurship, setting up 2 businesses and a non-profit organisation. The first start-up was a Marketing Consultancy called Birds Eyeview Marketing. The next was a clothing and stationery range called Barcode Landscape inspired by my love for landscape photography. What I do is take my best landscape photos and put them on t-shirts, greeting cards, postcards and so on and sell these through word of mouth marketing. As if that is not enough activity to keep one busy as a family we started a football foundation called Johnny Magwegwe Mokoena Football Foundation. It’s a non-profit past-time that invests in football development in disadvantaged communities. Our services include hosting tournaments in honour of football legends, donating soccer equipment and offering life skills training to township kids.

Recent Past:

Like any classical marketer I had to do a stint in banking. I joined Absa as head of marketing for Retail and Business Banking. I learnt a lot but never fitted into the banking world. While that was happening I decided to shift gears and contemplate a future career in advertising. So I was thrilled when Draftfcb approached me with an opportunity to join them as Managing Director of their Johannesburg agency. A challenge I’m really excited about and an agency that I have a lot of respect for.  I feel like everything I’ve done so far has prepared me for this. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get into building strong sustainable brands for our clients. Brands that get people talking because they offer real solutions while touching lives in a meaningful way. I hope that one day I’ll look back at my Marketing career and feel that not only have I helped build strong brands but that I’ve made a positive difference in the lives of others.

My perspective:

My life purpose is about making a difference in the world. That’s the legacy I wish to leave behind. I’d like to be known for advertising that moves people, gives them hope and leaves them inspired.  In conclusion “obsess on ideas and you’ll be self-serving, obsess on customers and you’ll serve mankind.” 

Godfrey is Managing Director of Draftfcb Cape Town.  He joined FCB South Africa as Group Managing Director in 2006.  Prior to that, he was sales representative at Caltex Oil, Head of Sponsorship for SABMiller,  Marketing and Communications Director for McDonalds in South Africa, and Group Marketing Director of Samsung.  

Philip was appointed to his current role of Managing Director, Draftfcb Africa in 2007.  Philip joined Lindsay Smither FCB/Johannesburg in 1995 to head the Toyota account which he did until 2002 when he moved to Cape Town as Managing Director of Draftfcb Activ, where he was responsible for the Shoprite account in South Africa and Africa.