Rohenie Naidoo

Communications and marketing leader with 15+ years' experience shaping integrated, multi-channel strategies for some of South Africa's most recognised organisations. Skilled at translating complex information into clear, compelling narratives for boards, partners and diverse audiences — and at leading cross-functional teams and external partners to deliver on them. Now focused on bringing this discipline — big-brand rigour, data-informed storytelling and stakeholder leadership — to the non-profit and development sector, where clear communication drives funding, awareness and lasting impact.

Business Unit Head at WPP Media (Wavemaker) (2025-05 – Present)

Lead the strategic communications and media partnership for a major multi-brand FMCG portfolio, acting as senior strategic advisor across oral, personal and fabric care brands.

• Translate complex, multi-source campaign data into clear, decision-ready insight and narrative for senior client stakeholders.
• Direct integrated multi-channel strategy and budgets to maximise reach, efficiency and measurable outcomes.
• Lead and mentor a cross-functional team, fostering accountability and excellence.

Business Unit Director at dentsu iProspect SA (2022-05 – 2025-04)

Held strategic and commercial leadership for a portfolio of major national accounts across multiple markets.

• Structured, staffed and trained teams, embedding best-practice processes and clear performance measurement.
• Led integrated strategy and drove digital transformation across a complex brand portfolio.

Media Director & Client Services Lead at Ogilvy Social-Lab SA (2021-06 – 2022-04)

Served as primary strategic contact for local and international clients, building strong, enduring relationships.

• Owned account health end-to-end — strategy, delivery, budgets and financial management.
• Aligned multi-disciplinary teams and resources to deliver quality work on time and on budget.

Media Manager / Performance Manager / Digital Media Specialist at Nedbank Group Marketing (Media) (2016 – 2021)

Headhunted into the group marketing team; progressed from specialist to manager within five years.

• Built and owned integrated reporting dashboards, giving leadership real-time visibility across all channels.
• Led multi-channel campaign strategy, agency management and stakeholder education across the group.
• Developed and executed social and content strategies across Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Search and YouTube; contributed media input to board packs.

Agency & media-owner roles at The Media Shop, MediaCom SA, Habari Media, TBWA Hunt Lascaris, Mercury Media (2007 – 2016)

Progressive digital strategy, client service and media roles across leading agencies and media owners spanning digital strategy, campaign management, new-business development, and advertising sales across radio, cinema and digital.

Leadership & Management in Action – Duke Corporate Education (2019 – 2020)

Advanced Certificate in Marketing – IMM Graduate School

Data Visualisation for Marketing – LinkedIn Learning (2020 – 2020)

Media Management – AAA School of Advertising (2008 – 2008)

Digital Marketing – AAA Digital Marketing Academy (2009 – 2009)

AI Agent Training – WPP Media (2025 – 2026)