Former Lowe Bull Joburg MD for Yellowwood

Ivan Moroke, newly appointed group MD of Yellowwood Future Architects

The specialist strategic consultancy is hailing the appointment of its new group MD as something of a coup. Director Andy Rice says that going by the congratulations alone which the Yellowwood management team has been receiving, the consultancy has found someone whom the industry really admires.

“The thing which has struck me right between the eyes with Ivan has been the high regard which the industry has for him,” says Rice. “He is not only a great strategist and business leader, but an extremely nice person. His reputation is well-known, but for me there is nothing more important than chemistry, and Ivan clearly has that with many people.”

Moroke started his career in marketing at British American Tobacco, working his way through various divisions, including sales, brand promotions, CRM and sponsorship. His move to international strategic marketing consultancy Added Value allowed him to fast-track his strategic brand marketing skills. He then moved to the agency environment, as a senior strategic planner for OIL, the strategic planning and research arm of the Lowe Bull Group. He soon became a board director of the agency, and OIL's strategic director. Since April 2006, he has been the MD of Lowe Bull Johannesburg.

“Proved his credentials”

“Ivan has proved his credentials as an inspiring strategist, as well as a managing director,” comments Kay Nash, Yellowwood CEO. “These capabilities, combined with his accessible and warm leadership style, made him my ideal candidate.”

Nash says that Yellowwood is now geared for real growth, having the right mix of great talent and a wonderful client base. “Ivan is the man to take us forward, with myself and Andy in specific support roles.”

Moroke's experience in the marketing and advertising arenas will allow him to further enhance the consultancy's offering of strategy, insight, creativity and design. Yellowwood's core competency is its ability to give its clients what it refers to as “unconventional wisdom”. Moroke hopes to enthusiastically deliver such wisdom, with both insight and foresight, to enhance the Yellowwood offering.

Moroke's new position became effective 1 March 2008.