Executive Creative Director, OgilvyAction EAME

Howard has been in the industry for over 26 years during which time he’s moved through the ranks from Art Director through Creative Director to Executive Creative Director, Managing Director and more recently CEO of Brand Activation 141 at Ogilvy Johannesburg. Initially trained as a graphic designer working with many blue chip clients and Grey Advertising, he developed his expertise across a multitude of communication disciplines. Howard is a multi-award-winning and highly regarded member of the South African and International creative fraternity. It was his love of channel planning, creative innovation and the opportunity to build a new business within the Ogilvy Group that stimulated him to start Brand Activation 141 in 2002.

Howard has taken up the position of Executive Creative Director EMEA for 141 Worldwide. His vision as a creative business leader is to contribute to the evolution of the industry. To deliver fresh and inspiring communication solutions that drive clients’ business by building a traction with their brands. His passion is to grow young fresh creative talent through drive and inspiration so that they deliver creative solutions that cut through the clutter, through an understanding of consumer behavioural patterns.

During his many years of experience, Howard has been instrumental in launching and shaping brands that have formed the tapestry of the South African landscape. This experience extends across the branding and communications of a multitude of FMCG brands, financial institutions, retail, pharmaceutical, the hospitality and entertainment industries, government, automotive, media and many other categories.

For Howard, it’s all about FRESH. Fresh food and cooking a great meal. Fresh people in fresh environments. Fresh discoveries. Always finding and experiencing something new. Howard has passion for the performing arts and has conceived and directed two productions in South Africa. His obsession remains design in all it’s interpretations: interior, fashion, music, stage, film and city. He has a fascination for doors and shoes (that he’s designed in his head!) and one day would like to present an exhibition on these subjects.