Exceptional Marketing Awards 2015
ONE of the mandates of the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ) is to ensure that the marketing profession is recognised at the highest level possible which transcends organisational levels, but extends to the nation as a whole. As such MAZ has ensured that the profession is elevated by recognising those who have gone above and beyond to practice marketing excellence and brand innovation, by introducing the Exceptional Marketing Awards. These awards were celebrated on the 4th of December at Zimbali Gardens.
Although celebrated on the same night as the Superbrand Awards, these awards have maintained their prestige and have become a much anticipated event for marketers. Introduced in 2011, the awards do not only acknowledge success but they recognize many other qualities such as ability, struggle, effort and above all excellence in the marketing process within the business fraternity. Exceptional Marketing Awards (EMA) regards all those individuals and/corporates that have elevated their marketing prowess to greater heights. Results of the EMAs are derived from consumer field research whereby nomination forms are distributed and filled, while others have the option of voting online for their favourites. The following awards were the focus – Marketer of the Year, Marketing Oriented CEO of the Year, Exceptional Product or Service Launch, Best Radio Advert, Best TV or Viral Advert, Best Print and Outdoor Advert, Best Promotional Campaign and Best Consumer Engagement of the Year. The results are then verified by an adjudication committee, thereafter they are announced.
The most coveted award of the night was the Marketer of Year award. This award which was sponsored by DSTV, seeks to recognise efforts by Marketing Directors and Managers. They are the ones who are the vision runners and in most cases, craft and implement the marketing strategies for their respective organisations. The award for 2015 went to Alana Chinhara, Head of Marketing for ZOL. For those who have interacted with Alana, they can confess that she is passionate about her work and proves that she has the brand’s success at heart. Although not a common occurrence, this year the Marketing Oriented CEO of the Year was awarded to the CEO of same company where the Marketer of the Year works. As MAZ one of the objectives that we have set is to ensure that the voice of marketers is heard – all the way to the boardroom. So when CEOs speak the marketing language it proves that they are giving marketing a seat in the C-Suite. The Marketing Oriented CEO of the year was won by Denny Marandure, the CEO of ZOL. This award, which was sponsored by First Mutual Life, recognizes a CEO or Managing Director who has proved exceptional leadership qualities and proves to have planned, developed and executed a successful marketing campaign for an organisation.