Weber Shandwick names Ipelegeng Thibedi Africa CEO

Weber Shandwick announced today the appointment of Ipelegeng (Ipi) Thibedi as the new CEO of its African operations. Weber Shandwick Africa, with offices in Johannesburg and Nairobi and more than 13 partners in Africa, is a growing network within the firm’s EMEA region, serving clients across a range of practice areas.

Based in Johannesburg, Thibedi will lead in developing business and further strengthening multi-market client relationships in Africa, and help manage and expand Weber Shandwick’s growing network across the regional operation. She will report to Weber Shandwick EMEA COO, Jonas Palmqvist.

“By applying her experience in building teams focused on creative, strategic communications initiatives, Ipi will help us continue to strengthen our African operation as a leading partner for clients in the market,” said Palmqvist.

Thibedi brings more than 15 years’ experience in communication and business development, with great knowledge of strategic communications across consumer and business-to-business, as well as media relations. Most recently a business leader in Deloitte Greenhouse Africa, Thibedi is an expert in developing teams and driving operations, and will apply this expertise in broadening Weber Shandwick Africa’s offering.

“I have joined Weber Shandwick to help drive an important transformation of this innovative, strategic and creative communications agency,” said Thibedi. “I see opportunity for Weber Shandwick to continue to develop its influence in marketing in Africa by further building and merging data, technology and great storytelling to offer best-in-class, channel agnostic, creative campaigns that drive change.”