Koo Govender
CEO of Publicis Groupe Africa

Currently CEO of Publicis Groupe Africa, Koo Govender’s career started from spending 22 years in the Multichoice Group where her last position held at the group was Corporate Marketing and Communications Director. She then moved to VWV group where she was the first female CEO at the global experiential agency.

Koo is an accomplished Executive with experience in management, operations, P & L oversight, and marketing in both start-up and growth organizations. She is a results-oriented leader with authenticity and proven success in marketing and strategic planning and leadership of Teams.

Koo has a passion for inspirational leadership, marketing, and women empowerment. Her passion for women empowerment, mentorship and community upliftment was fulfilled by developing and launching the Mnet Cares brand focusing on breast cancer and literacy as well as the Phakama Women’s Academy which is targeted at Marketing university students to equip and empower them for the corporate world. Currently, 150 students have graduated through the Phakama Women’s Academy thus far.

Koo sits on selected Industry, NGO and Business boards as well as sat on the judging panel for the Cannes Lions Festival 2017, Loeries 2017 and 2019 awards, the AdFocus 2017,2018, 2019 and 2020 Awards as well the 2020 Promax India, Asia, Australis and Africa Awards.

In addition to her personal achievements and being a prominent and accomplished public speaker, judge and board member, Koo has won a number of business and empowerment awards and lives by the philosophy “success is one aspect and significance is of utmost importance”.