Attention Measurement Expert
Marcus Stephens
Business Director
Johannesburg
Summary
Accomplished Business Director with over 20 years of experience in mobile marketing, content, and publishing industries, specializing in driving commercial success. Expertise in global AI ad-tech across omnichannel platforms enables effective utilization of leading digital channels such as CTV and mobile, alongside partnerships with publishers on the open web. Certified in attention measurement and cookies, with a proven track record of executing multi-million-dollar digital marketing campaigns across diverse sectors including automotive, financial services, CPG, QSR, and technology. A strategic leader committed to leveraging innovative solutions to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Business Director
Teads
03.2024 - Current
- Supported by Ad Operations, Customer Experience, Creative, Data, and Measurement teams, I am responsible for global and local digital advertising client development.
- My key deliverables include revenue generation, client and media agency relationship management, and quarterly performance against business and marketing objectives.
- I engage with clients’ C-Suite and Executive stakeholders to drive initiatives based on product innovation, industry trends, and vertical insights, reinforcing Teads’ leadership in the market.
- In addition, I represent Teads in industry regulatory bodies, positioning both the company and myself as thought leaders.
- I am a registered Attention and Cookieless Certified professional with deep expertise in programmatic Mar Tech, digital advertising, and measurement technologies.
- Teads is a global digital omnichannel technology platform, integrated directly with premium publishing and connected television partners, reaching 2.2 billion users monthly on the open web through DSP and SSP programmatic technology.
Media Commercialisation Consultant (Contract)
Vodacom
06.2023 - 03.2024
- Successfully led the commercialisation of True Caller Ads, driving strategic sales and business development initiatives.
- Developed and implemented targeted advertising strategies, leveraging data-driven insights to optimise campaign performance and achieve client objectives.
- Managed client relationships with key stakeholders, providing strategic advice and fostering strong partnerships.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated communication solutions, ensuring seamless execution of campaigns.
- Optimised advertising inventory and data targeting to maximise ROI for clients, enhancing overall campaign effectiveness.
- Acted as a strategic advisor, guiding clients through the digital advertising landscape and identifying opportunities for growth.
- Delivered consistent results in a high-pressure environment, demonstrating the ability to manage multiple projects and meet client expectations.
Founder & Owner
Autophagy & Fasting SA (Career Break)
11.2019 - 06.2023
- Launched and managed a wellness consultancy during the pandemic, applying strategic planning and business acumen to navigate challenges.
- Executed digital marketing strategies that boosted brand awareness and client engagement, driving growth.
- Delivered personalised coaching services with high client satisfaction and retention.
- Adapted offerings based on client feedback and trends, demonstrating innovation and commitment to quality.
- Enhanced leadership skills by successfully pivoting to entrepreneurship during a global crisis.
SVP Head: App/Web/Content & Personalisation
Absa Group & Africa
09.2017 - 10.2019
- Expertly managed Adobe Enterprise Manager for content and digital asset management.
- Led a successful content personalization strategy for Absa RRB/CIB and Africa divisions.
- Achieved a 28% increase in web traffic and a 37% growth in new content across public assets.
- Impacted over 150 product sites in 10 African countries.
- Led a high-performing team of 8 direct reports and over 50 indirect reports using Agile methodology.
- Delivered 280+ new product features to customer-facing websites.
- Successfully re-launched Absa Group post-Barclays separation across 15 markets, enhancing both brand and consumer sites.
Managing Director
Kagiso Media
02.2010 - 12.2015
- Reported directly to the CEO of Kagiso Media Group, leading digital services and commercial units across five African markets.
- Originated, developed, and executed business cases, driving strategic initiatives and ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
- Managed budget origination, execution, and P&L to maximise profitability and drive financial performance.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with multinational stakeholders, including Unilever, P&G, Beiersdorf, Nestle, Tiger Brands, Samsung, Nokia, Microsoft, and major banks.
- Led cross-functional teams, including CFO, Sales Manager, and Head of Client Partnerships & Development, ensuring cohesive and effective operations.
- Championed staff development and performance, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
- Positive press and trade activities enhanced the company's brand presence and market positioning.
- Achieved all key performance indicators of profit, revenue, and cash flow, resulting in consistent growth.
- Delivered integrated digital communication solutions, driving client satisfaction and business results.
Commercial Manager
Times Live
04.2009 - 02.2010
Business Development Manager
Acceleration Media
04.2009 - 02.2010
Managing Partner
Media 360
08.2005 - 03.2008
Senior Media Strategist
African Media Warehouse
03.2004 - 08.2005
Senior Media Strategist & GM West Africa
Mediacom
06.1999 - 12.2003
Media Strategist (Vodacom)
FBC South Africa
03.1999 - 05.1999
Junior Media Strategist (MTN)
TBWA Hunt Lascaris
03.1998 - 04.1999
Media Analyst
Mediawatch
03.1996 - 02.1998
Software Sales
IBIS Media Data Services
03.1995 - 02.1996
Education
Matric Exemption -
King Edward VII High School
Johannesburg, South Africa01.1994
Skills
Leadership & Team Development: Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture
Certification
Teads Training - Attention Measurement Expert - Mar 2024
Accomplishments
- Accenture Business Innovation Award (2016): Recognised for pioneering radio data management with Colony Live.
- Microsoft Partnership Excellence Award (2013): Honoured for exceptional partnership management and contributions to the South African market with Kagiso Media.
- Market Expansion (2005): Successfully introduced MSN to the Kenyan and Nigerian markets.
- Programmatic Advertising Pioneer (2004): Launched South Africa’s first publisher SSP and private marketplace, setting the foundation for programmatic advertising in the region.
- Commercialisation Expertise: Successfully drove growth for Microsoft’s Skype, Outlook, and MSN, as well as Kagiso Media’s East Coast & Jacaranda FM radio stations’ web products.
- Industry Contribution: Past member of the IAB South Africa’s publisher sub-committee.
Affiliations
- IAB Publisher Committee (past member)
- MMA mobile marketing association (past member)
- IRB Level 2 Certified Rugby Coach with 4 years’ experience
Software
Cookieless Professional
References
Other references are available on request.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- "If you're considering online media and you want to get to the heart of the opportunities that this medium offers, then Marcus is a huge benefit to have on your team." - Pete Case, CEO & Creative Chairman of Ogilvy South Africa
- "Excellent leader, tough, tenacious, commercially astute and not frightened to get into a scrap with the competition. I had the pleasure of watching Marcus mature into a well-rounded professional manager, with very deep subject matter expertise and market understanding. Marcus is at his best when you point him at a problem and ask him to solve it. The results were often well beyond my expectations." - Craig Corte, Global Head, Digital and Data at Standard Chartered
Hobbies
IRB Level 2 Rugby Coach.
2024 Golden Lions U15 Selector.
Timeline
Business Director
Teads
03.2024 - Current
Media Commercialisation Consultant (Contract)
Vodacom
06.2023 - 03.2024
Founder & Owner
Autophagy & Fasting SA (Career Break)
11.2019 - 06.2023
SVP Head: App/Web/Content & Personalisation
Absa Group & Africa
09.2017 - 10.2019
Managing Director
Kagiso Media
02.2010 - 12.2015
Commercial Manager
Times Live
04.2009 - 02.2010
Business Development Manager
Acceleration Media
04.2009 - 02.2010
Managing Partner
Media 360
08.2005 - 03.2008
Senior Media Strategist
African Media Warehouse
03.2004 - 08.2005
Senior Media Strategist & GM West Africa
Mediacom
06.1999 - 12.2003
Media Strategist (Vodacom)
FBC South Africa
03.1999 - 05.1999
Junior Media Strategist (MTN)
TBWA Hunt Lascaris
03.1998 - 04.1999
Media Analyst
Mediawatch
03.1996 - 02.1998
Software Sales
IBIS Media Data Services
03.1995 - 02.1996
Matric Exemption -
King Edward VII High School