Keshia Patchiappen: Intern to CEO

In an industry where a mere 3% of directorship is held by women, Keshia Patchiappen is paving the way for women of colour with her dynamic, strategic approach to the realm of digital marketing and communications. Keshia has experienced a stellar career trajectory, rising from an intern to CEO through 11 years of experience across all advertising platforms.

Keshia initially took on a law degree, but by her second year of studies she had fallen in love with her second major – Communications. She completed her studies at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in 2007, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media and Communications, English, Drama and Performance. Thereafter, her humble beginnings in the communications industry took place at Olivia Jones Communications in Durban, where she worked as an intern. Keshia then moved up to Johannesburg and began her tenure at The Creative Council as a Campaign Manager in 2008.

By the next year, Keshia had moved to Ogilvy as an Account Executive. During her five years here, she climbed through the ranks to Senior Account Manager and worked on brands such as Ford, SAP and Motorola.

Keshia joined Riverbed as an Account Director in 2014, and it was here that her flair for strategy, entrepreneurship and new business development flourished. She attributes her growth and passion for integrated communications solutions to her mentor, Monalisa Zwambila, Riverbed’s owner and director and all-round marketing and communications maverick. While at Riverbed, she worked on major accounts such as PPC and Nestle.

Keshia was appointed as a director and CEO of Condriac Digital Communications in March of 2017. She was drawn to Condriac because of the agency’s processes and attention to detail. She says the following, “Agencies often try and fit a square shape into a round hole; but at Condriac we’re different – we’re looking at individuals who don’t have specific qualifications but a certain mindset, a love of data, creativity and passion.” Keshia believes that diversity works hand-in-hand with creativity, and under her watchful eye, the Condriac team has grown from 4 to 22 people since April 2017.

Keshia is passionate about revolutionising the way in which brands are marketed in the digital space, and is extremely focused on the inclusion of data in cohesive Public Relations and Communications strategies. Data is central to all of Condriac’s strategies across the board in order to create tailored solutions to client’s unique needs. Keshia’s tenacity, creativity and thorough knowledge of the industry allows Condriac to continue to break new ground and provide clients with an invaluable competitive edge.