Chairman of Burson-Marsteller Africa to lead Maggie Nally lecture
Robyn De Villiers, CEO and chairman of Burson-Marsteller, Africa, is to give this year’s Maggie Nally Memorial Lecture keynote address, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has announced.
Robyn De Villiers
The annual Maggie Nally lecture was set-up to commemorate the CIPR’s first female president and is held in the House of Commons.
“Out of Africa: an Insider’s Perspective”, the title of De Villiers’ address, will draw from her experience of the changing landscape of communication in Africa and the development of the PR industry across the continent. It will offer insight and advice to those who wish to engage with the diverse markets and cultures of the continent.
De Villiers has been engaged in PR and corporate communications both in South Africa and across the continent for over 25 years. Through Burson-Marsteller Africa, the network of consultancies she founded, the group provides clients with communications services in over 50 African markets.
She said: “Africa is an extremely diverse region with different cultures, and is at different stages of development in terms of communication and PR. I am delighted to be speaking at this prestigious event and hope my lecture will be useful in increasing PR practitioners’ knowledge and understanding of the continent and the issues faced by the industry.”
Shirley Collyer, chair of CIPR International, added: “Africa is a fascinating continent and Robyn’s wide experience in the PR industry across the continent will provide valuable insight into communicating with diverse markets. CIPR International is all about breaking down barriers between people, countries and cultures. This lecture will be an important milestone in our programme.”
Lord Bilimoria, the founder of Cobra Beer and the UK India Business Council, was the keynote speaker at last year’s Maggie Nally Memorial Lecture.
The event will take place on May 4 2017. For details and ticket purchases, go to: http://bit.ly/2luraiJ.
