Andre Pillay

Technology executive with 20+ years' leadership experience, including 10+ years at C-level as CIO then CTO of Nahana Communications Group, a multi-entity marketing and communications group. Currently leading full IT integration of Nahana and Park Advertising following their merger — designing and executing the group's target operating model across infrastructure, cybersecurity, applications, ITSM, data and IT governance, and confirmed as the combined group's permanent Head of IT (CIO/CTO). Deep, hands-on ownership of the agency technology stack: Chase Production and Chase Nexus Media as the operational core, integrated with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for GAAP-compliant multi-company finance, Egnyte as an API-connected content cloud automating project provisioning off Chase job bags, and Power BI/Chase Insight dashboards linking utilisation to client profitability.

Owns Group IT strategy, budget and SOX and King IV-aligned governance (reflecting Omnicom's continued equity interest in Nahana); leads a technology team of 8; currently completing CGEIT, CISM, ITIL 4 Foundation and COBIT 2019 Foundation to deepen enterprise governance and security credentials.

Chief Technology Officer - Nahana Communications Group - Johannesburg

(2018-01)

Leading full IT integration of Nahana and Park Advertising post-merger: redesigned the group operating model across ~59 IT capabilities in 7 domains (Infrastructure, Cyber Security, ITSM, Applications, IT GRC, Strategy & Delivery, Data), moving from an equal-footing interim structure to a confirmed target state with Andre as the combined group's sole permanent Head of IT (CIO/CTO).

• Own and evolve the agency's core technology stack — Chase Production and Chase Nexus Media for job bags, resourcing, timesheets and media buying — natively integrated into Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for multi-company, GAAP-compliant financial reporting.
• Leading migration to Egnyte as the group's hybrid content cloud, architecting API integration with Chase so new client job bags automatically provision matching, access-controlled project folders — removing manual setup across the creative production workflow.
• Built Power BI and Chase Insight dashboards combining agency utilisation data with Dynamics 365 financial data to give Exco real-time, per-client profitability reporting.
• Define, own and drive Group technology strategy and multimillion-rand CAPEX/OPEX budget across multiple business units, translating priorities into an executable roadmap with direct accountability for delivery.
• Established Group cyber security strategy and ICT governance frameworks — risk management, disaster recovery, SOX and King IV-aligned controls, POPIA compliance — strengthening audit readiness given Omnicom's continued equity interest in Nahana.
• Chair risk and technology governance committees, reporting directly to Group Executives and the Board, while remaining hands-on in critical delivery and technical decisions.
• Lead a technology team of 8 across infrastructure, cyber security and service delivery, embedding clear performance goals and accountability.
• Engage at group level with international network partners WeberShandwick and Omnicom (formerly IPG) on agency network integration and technology governance alignment.

Chief Information Officer - Nahana Communications - Johannesburg

(2010-01 - 2018-12)

• Defined and implemented enterprise-wide IT strategy, building a centralised operating model that standardised infrastructure and services across the organisation.
• Directed cloud adoption programmes (Microsoft 365, AWS), personally overseeing technical delivery to enable remote work, scalability and resilience.
• Implemented business continuity and disaster recovery frameworks for critical systems, and led IT risk management, audits and governance.
• Managed IT budget planning, procurement and vendor relationships across multiple regions and business units, with direct oversight of contract and SLA performance.

Technical Director / Studio Manager - FCB South Africa - Johannesburg

(1999-01 - 2010-12)

Led hands-on technology and production operations for a large advertising and creative studio, working directly on technical delivery for major retail client accounts.

• Led a team of 80+ professionals across multiple technical disciplines, implementing performance management and career development frameworks.
• Delivered the South African bid-book for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, coordinating international stakeholders, vendors and delivery teams.
• Led the technology and infrastructure setup of a new international office for MTN in Tanzania, establishing systems, connectivity and operational capability in a new market.

MSc - Information Systems Management & Technology - University of Liverpool (2016-01)

MBA - Business Administration - MANCOSA (2004-01)

Postgraduate Diploma - Management - MANCOSA (2004-01)