Ntando Sikutshwa

Dynamic and accomplished Account Director with over 11.5 years of end-to-end (360°) experience across the full marketing and advertising ecosystem — spanning brand strategy, advertising, digital media, media buying, content production, stakeholder management, event management, and integrated campaigns. I bring a holistic understanding of how all marketing channels connect, enabling me to lead and deliver cohesive, insight-driven campaigns from strategic planning through to execution, optimisation, and reporting. My experience across both strategic leadership and campaign delivery, including hands-on media planning and buying, production oversight, procurement coordination, and client servicing, allows me to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and measurable campaign impact.

Recognised for strategic thinking, strong client leadership, and a results-driven mindset, I consistently translate complex briefs into impactful multi-channel solutions aligned to business objectives and evolving market trends. I have successfully managed integrated marketing budgets exceeding R30 million over the past five years across tourism, government, corporate, and consumer sectors. Experienced in leading cross-functional teams, managing high-value accounts, driving stakeholder engagement, and overseeing large-scale campaign execution while maintaining strong commercial and client relationships.

Account Director - Brandswell - Johannesburg / Durban

(2025-01)

Brandswell is an integrated brand, marketing, media, and communications agency delivering strategic campaigns for leading public and private sector brands.

• Lead integrated marketing and communication campaigns from strategy through to execution across tourism, government, corporate, and consumer sectors.
• Manage high-value client relationships while serving as the strategic lead across campaign planning, stakeholder engagement, budgeting, reporting, and delivery.
• Oversee campaign execution across ATL, BTL, digital, experiential, radio, print, outdoor, and broadcast platforms.
• Manage cumulative campaign and media budgets exceeding R30 million over the past five years while ensuring commercial efficiency and ROI.
• Drive media planning and buying strategies, supplier negotiations, procurement processes, and campaign optimisation.
• Lead cross-functional teams including creative, media, production, and external suppliers to deliver campaigns aligned to business objectives.
• Provide strategic guidance on event marketing, sponsorship activations, brand positioning, and integrated communication strategies.
• Develop and present client proposals, campaign strategies, status reports, and performance reviews to senior stakeholders.

Senior Account Manager - Brandswell - Johannesburg / Durban

(2022-01 - 2024-12)

Brandswell is an integrated brand, marketing, media, and communications agency delivering strategic campaigns for leading public and private sector brands.

• Lead integrated marketing and communication campaigns from strategy through to execution across tourism, government, corporate, and consumer sectors.
• Manage high-value client relationships while serving as the strategic lead across campaign planning, stakeholder engagement, budgeting, reporting, and delivery.
• Oversee campaign execution across ATL, BTL, digital, experiential, radio, print, outdoor, and broadcast platforms.
• Manage cumulative campaign and media budgets exceeding R30 million over the past five years while ensuring commercial efficiency and ROI.
• Drive media planning and buying strategies, supplier negotiations, procurement processes, and campaign optimisation.
• Lead cross-functional teams including creative, media, production, and external suppliers to deliver campaigns aligned to business objectives.
• Provide strategic guidance on event marketing, sponsorship activations, brand positioning, and integrated communication strategies.
• Develop and present client proposals, campaign strategies, status reports, and performance reviews to senior stakeholders.

Account Manager - Brandswell - Johannesburg / Durban

(2021-08 - 2021-12)

Brandswell is an integrated brand, marketing, media, and communications agency delivering strategic campaigns for leading public and private sector brands.

• Lead integrated marketing and communication campaigns from strategy through to execution across tourism, government, corporate, and consumer sectors.
• Manage high-value client relationships while serving as the strategic lead across campaign planning, stakeholder engagement, budgeting, reporting, and delivery.
• Oversee campaign execution across ATL, BTL, digital, experiential, radio, print, outdoor, and broadcast platforms.
• Manage cumulative campaign and media budgets exceeding R30 million over the past five years while ensuring commercial efficiency and ROI.
• Drive media planning and buying strategies, supplier negotiations, procurement processes, and campaign optimisation.
• Lead cross-functional teams including creative, media, production, and external suppliers to deliver campaigns aligned to business objectives.
• Provide strategic guidance on event marketing, sponsorship activations, brand positioning, and integrated communication strategies.
• Develop and present client proposals, campaign strategies, status reports, and performance reviews to senior stakeholders.

Account Manager - Newfound Enterprises (Pty) Ltd / Assegai & Javelin - Durban

(2016-01 - 2021-04)

• Managed multiple client accounts across public and private sectors with a focus on strategic communication and campaign delivery.
• Acted as liaison between clients, agencies, designers, and production teams to ensure successful campaign execution.
• Supported campaign development, presentations, reporting, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Developed communication strategies aligned to client objectives, timelines, and budgets.

Senior Account Executive - Jam Media - Cape Town

(2015-10 - 2015-12)

• Managed briefs, supplier coordination, timelines, and campaign execution.
• Presented creative work and supported new business pitches and proposals.
• Managed relationships between clients, agencies, and suppliers.

Public Relations Intern - Corporate Image - Cape Town

(2014-01 - 2014-09)

• Supported PR campaigns, stakeholder communication, media relations, and event coordination.
• Compiled media monitoring reports, conducted market research, and assisted with press releases.
• Worked with high-profile brands across retail, FMCG, hospitality, and telecommunications sectors.

Bachelor of Arts - Media, Writing & Sociology - University of Cape Town (2010-01 - 2014-12)

Short Learning Programme - Digital Brand Strategy - Vega School (2017-01 - 2017-12)