A multi-award-winning brand builder with over 14 years of experience in the FMCG industry.
Elizabeth Mokwena is the Executive Marketing Director at Unilever Southern Africa and a multi-award-winning brand builder with over 14 years of experience in the FMCG industry. Recognised as one of Africa’s leading marketing professionals, Liz has built a career around creating powerful brand experiences, driving sustainable growth and connecting global brands with African consumers.
Throughout her career at Unilever, Liz has led the growth strategies of some of the world’s most recognised billion-dollar brands, including Sunlight, Pampers, Omo, Duracell, Ariel and Domestos. Through her ability to combine creativity, consumer insights and strategic marketing, she has successfully grown brands into market-leading positions while delivering meaningful business impact.
As the leader of Unilever Southern Africa’s Home Care division, Liz focuses on expanding the reach of iconic brands across the region. Her approach to marketing is built around the idea of giving global brands an African perspective while showcasing African creativity and innovation on a global stage.
Beyond her corporate leadership role, Liz is passionate about developing the next generation of African brand builders. She actively contributes to the marketing industry as a speaker, judge and advisor for leading platforms including Cannes, Effies, Advertising Week, Loeries, Bookmarks and the Marketing Achievement Awards SA. She is also committed to advancing diversity, inclusion and women’s empowerment within the creative and business industries.
• Executive Marketing Director – Unilever Southern Africa
• Leads the Home Care division across the region
• Built and managed multiple billion-dollar global brands including Sunlight, Pampers, Omo, Duracell, Ariel and Domestos
• Delivered sustainable brand growth and shareholder value creation
• Drove brands into leading market positions across Africa
• Over 14 years of FMCG marketing experience
• Multi-award-winning brand strategist and marketer
• Judge and advisor for leading global and African marketing platforms
• Advisory board member of Marketing Association of South Africa (MASA)
• Advisory board member of Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), Unstereotype Alliance SA Chapter and Red & Yellow Creative School of Business
1. Building Heritage Brands for Modern Consumers
2. The Power of Purpose-Driven Marketing
3. Creating Global Brands with Local Relevance
4. The Future of FMCG Brand Building in Africa
5. How Creativity Drives Business Growth
6. Connecting Brands with Culture and Communities
7. Building Brands That Stand the Test of Time
8. Women Leadership in Marketing and Business
9. The Evolution of Consumer Experiences
10. Developing the Next Generation of African Brand Builders
Elizabeth brings exceptional insight into building, growing and evolving some of the world’s most recognised consumer brands across Africa. Through her leadership at Unilever, she has demonstrated how heritage brands can remain relevant by embracing creativity, understanding consumers and adapting to changing cultural landscapes.
Her session will explore how brands can honour their legacy while continuing to innovate, connect with new generations and create meaningful experiences that drive long-term loyalty. Elizabeth’s experience offers valuable lessons for businesses looking to build brands that are both globally competitive and deeply connected to African consumers.
• Executive Marketing Director – Unilever Southern Africa
• Multi-award-winning African brand builder
• Judge for Cannes, Effies, Advertising Week, Loeries and Bookmarks
• President Judge – Bookmarks Awards
• Marketing Achievement Awards SA Judge and Advisor
• Advisory Board Member – Marketing Association of South Africa
• Advisory Board Member – Association for Communication and Advertising
• Advocate for diversity, inclusion and women empowerment in business
