Brand Kenya director named among worlds best marketers

The director of Brand Kenya has been named among the best marketers in the world and lauded for influencing high standards in the profession, in an award ceremony that drew marketing professionals from around the globe.

Chris Diaz, who is also the marketing director of national carrier Kenya Airways, was recognised in a ceremony hosted by the World Marketing Congress and World Brand Congress at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai on Saturday.

The event drew marketing professionals from 40 countries, with the organisers noting that the recognised marketers are leaders who are raising the standards, development and experience of global marketers.

According to the organisers, congress considered the leaders’ contributions to both sustainability and environmental issues and best-in-class marketing strategies.

Speaking after receiving the award, Mr Diaz said that the success of African marketing leaders continues to grow and be recognised globally.

“We have many strong brands and marketers in Africa who are influencing more investments and tourists into Kenya and the wider African market. Africa has great strength of marketers. We have been championing modern marketing solutions and trends, which include digital marketing, which is transforming marketing strategies of most brands. This is making Africa compete in the global marketing space with world-class standards,” he noted.

He stated that there are huge opportunities for marketing in building African brands, adding that it is important for the country to invest in strong marketing teams as the demand for marketing as a career grows.

“There is a need for more investments in training and development for global marketers,” he said.

He called for more youth development partnerships, entrepreneurship marketing, sports marketing and wildlife protection programs focusing on the future of Africa.

“Upcoming leaders in both digital and marketing development will position us even more strongly in the global marketplace,” he argued.