Black At has announced its highly anticipated 2025 Dare (Dream, Act, Reimagine, Empower) List, spotlighting the visionary Black executives, agencies, and professionals reshaping the global brand and marketing landscape. As expected, South Africa was well represented by some of the some of the boldest brand executives.
Among this year’s honorees are industry powerhouses Andrea Quaye and Sbusiso Kumalo, recognized for their leadership in marketing and brand storytelling. These trailblazers, along with other distinguished leaders, are breaking boundaries across advertising, media, entertainment, and technology, driving business growth while championing authentic and inclusive narratives.
From launching bold campaigns to redefining brand identity, these executives are shifting the industry towards a future where representation, innovation, and cultural influence take center stage.
“The future of creativity lies in diverse voices leading the conversation,” said Peter Ukhurebor, CEO of Black At. “Black executives are not just part of this shift—they are driving it. They are creating space for new ideas, fresh perspectives, and game-changing innovation.”
South Africa’s Leading Brand Executives
These South African brand leaders have earned their place on the 2025 Dare List for shaping brands, elevating African stories, and setting new industry benchmarks:
Sbusiso Kumalo – Chief Marketing Officer, African Bank
Sbusiso is the CMO of the oldest Black-owned bank in South Africa, which historically provided Black people with access to banking during apartheid. Since joining African Bank, he has driven a remarkable increase in monthly account openings from 15,000 to 100,000. His impact extends beyond numbers—transforming the bank into a lifestyle brand, making it more culturally relevant and aspirational.
Vuyokazi Henda – Chief Marketing Officer, Spur
Vuyo is a trailblazing marketing leader poised to make a global impact with her forward-thinking approach, strategic creativity, and deep cultural intelligence. Her charismatic presence not only energizes every room she enters but also inspires teams to push creative boundaries and deliver outstanding results. With experience spanning South Africa to the UK, Vuyo brings a nuanced global perspective on what truly makes a campaign resonate with teams . Vuyo thrives at the intersection of innovation and impact. She possesses an acute understanding of consumer behavior, brand storytelling, and digital transformation, ensuring that her marketing strategies are both culturally relevant and future-focused. Her dynamic energy, sharp insights, and strategic mindset make her a driving force in shaping the next era of brand marketing. Whether crafting breakthrough campaigns, building powerful brand narratives, or leading high- performance
- Andrea Quaye – Chief Marketing Officer, Heineken
Andrea Quaye is a highly accomplished and award-winning brand marketer with over 20 years of experience driving impactful brand strategies across some of the world’s most recognizable companies, including AB InBev and Coca-Cola. Currently serving as the Chief Marketing Officer of Heineken South Africa, Andrea brings a powerful blend of creativity and data-driven marketing expertise, ensuring that brands not only capture consumer attention but also deliver tangible business results. Her strategic approach to brand storytelling, market expansion, and cultural relevance has consistently elevated the brands she has worked with, making her a respected leader in the industry. Andrea’s deep understanding of creativity, innovation, and consumer engagement enables her to craft campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences while driving measurable growth. Her ability to merge bold creative ideas with business objectives sets her apart as a leader who understands the evolving landscape of marketing in an era of digital transformation and shifting consumer behaviors. As a juror, Andrea’s sharp strategic insights, global experience, and passion for breakthrough marketing will undoubtedly elevate the selection process, ensuring that the most innovative, high-impact, and culturally relevant campaigns receive the recognition they deserve.
Gugu Mthembu – Chief Marketing Officer, Telkom
Gugu Mthembu serves as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Telkom, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s brand strategy and enhancing its market presence. With a focus on connecting South Africans to better opportunities, Mthembu leads initiatives that empower both individuals and businesses through innovative telecommunications solutions. Under her leadership, Telkom has reinforced its commitment to community engagement and corporate social responsibility. Mthembu emphasizes the importance of aligning the brand with activities that resonate with the public, such as supporting cycling events, to foster a sense of community and promote a healthy lifestyle. Mthembu’s strategic vision extends to empowering businesses as well. She advocates for providing smart tools and tailored connectivity solutions to help businesses navigate the evolving digital landscape, ensuring they are prepared for new financial years and beyond. Her approach to marketing is deeply rooted in understanding the unique needs of South African consumers and businesses, driving initiatives that not only promote Telkom’s services but also contribute positively to society. Through her leadership, Telkom continues to thrive as a brand that is both innovative and socially conscious.
Robert Thompson – Head of Marketing, Sanlam Investment
Robert Thompson is a visionary marketing leader with a proven track record of driving brand transformation, strategic innovation, and business growth. With over two decades of experience across financial services and FMCG, he has mastered the art of building impactful brands, optimising marketing functions, and delivering measurable results. In this role, he has been instrumental in leading initiatives that align with the company’s commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles as we as driving the impact and sustainability agenda.
Since 2012, Robert has been a driving force at Sanlam Investments, where he serves as Head of Marketing for Sanlam Investment Management. Under his leadership, the marketing function was restructured to align with strategic business priorities, addressing internal limitations and unlocking new growth opportunities. Leading a full-cluster marketing team, he implemented a client-centric model that has significantly elevated the Sanlam Investments brand, expanded communication and packaging capabilities, and strengthened its market presence. His expertise extends beyond traditional marketing, supporting direct strategies that drive engagement and retention.
Before joining Sanlam, Robert played a pivotal role at Cadiz Holdings (2004–2011), where he built the marketing function from the ground up and developed the company’s first Brand Blueprint. As Group Marketing Manager, he spearheaded an integrated marketing strategy that increased assets under management in the unit trust and institutional sector, a testament to his ability to create compelling, results-driven marketing programs. His work also cemented Cadiz’s brand presence in a highly competitive investment landscape.
Robert’s early career at South African Breweries (SAB) from 1993 to 2003 laid the foundation for his expertise in marketing, operations, and strategic growth. As Trade Marketing Manager, he successfully developed and executed regional marketing and sales growth plans, managed high-profile special events, and optimized marketing capital expenditure. His tenure as Operations Manager and Projects Manager saw him leading warehouse optimization, distribution strategies, and regional expansion initiatives, all of which contributed to improved sales performance and the successful launch of international brands.
With a career defined by strategic foresight, bold execution, and a passion for brand excellence, Robert Thompson continues to push boundaries in investment marketing, ensuring that brands don’t just exist but thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving marketplace.
Linda Kachingwe-Sisya – Executive Head of Marketing & Communications (Africa & International), First Rand Bank
Linda is a seasoned financial services executive with over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, spanning 20+ countries across Africa. Her deep commitment to driving growth, fostering innovation, and creating value-driven strategies has positioned her as a leader with a profound impact on the continent’s financial landscape.
Currently overseeing FNB’s growth strategy, Linda has played a pivotal role in expanding market reach, enhancing customer experiences, and driving financial inclusion. Her extensive experience working across markets such as Kenya and Ghana has given her a nuanced understanding of the diverse economic, cultural, and consumer dynamics that shape successful banking and marketing strategies in Africa.
Linda’s expertise lies in crafting culturally sensitive, value-driven campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences while ensuring tangible business results. Her ability to merge financial acumen with strategic marketing insights makes her an invaluable contributor to discussions on brand growth, consumer engagement, and impactful storytelling.
As a juror, Linda’s pan-African experience, strategic foresight, and deep market understanding will provide unique and insightful perspectives, ensuring that creativity is evaluated through the lens of cultural relevance, business impact, and long-term value creation
Driving a New Era of Brand Leadership
This year’s Dare List serves as a powerful reminder that South Africa is home to some of the most influential and forward-thinking brand executives on the continent. Their work is not just about brand growth—it’s about shaping culture, telling authentic African stories, and driving inclusive business transformation.
As the industry continues to evolve, these leaders are at the forefront, proving that Black excellence is not only present but thriving in South Africa’s brand and marketing space.
