The new agency will be known as Integer\Hot Spot. Recognizing the opportunities that exist in Africa with regard to an increasingly connected consumer, Integer set out to identify an agency with capabilities and philosophy that match that of Integer and holding company Omnicom.
“Integer was looking for a local partner that could deliver best-in-class global commerce capabilities in South Africa,” said Marc Ducnuigeen, Chief Operating Officer for The Integer Group. “Hot Spot brings deep local market experience packaged in a talent-fueled culture to match Integer’s, ensuring a common partnership experience for our network and global clients. Integer\Hot Spot is the South African entry door to our collective global capabilities and the commerce and shopper marketing expertise across our network. We are delighted that Hot Spot is joining the Integer family to help us lead the evolution of our business, focused on driving transactional success for our clients’ brands.”
The leadership team at Hot Spot, including Managing Director Di Wilson, creative-lead Gavin Meek, and strategy-lead Sonia Correia, has worked together for 18 years and possesses exceptional shopper strategy experience with a main focus on conversion. This is underlined by strong creative and account/project management capabilities with a thorough understanding of FMCG and pharmaceuticals, specifically integrated shopper campaigns in this sector. FMCG and big pharma across South Africa and the continent present excellent opportunities for market growth, another key reason Integer identified Hot Spot, who was also looking to scale, as an expert in these categories.
Hot Spot was founded by respected industry leader Di Wilson, who has nearly 25 years of agency experience – from specializing in medical and shopper marketing to managing a full-service, media-neutral outfit. She has a wealth of focused marketing experience and retail intelligence combined with a fierce spirit that has translated into extraordinary results for a broad range of clients across Southern Africa. Not confined to a “box,” Wilson has the freedom to create unique concepts for which she has received several local and international awards, including CEO magazine’s Most Influential Women in Government and Business—Media and Communications Award. Hot Spot was formed from Wilson’s recognition of where marketing is headed, given the dawning of 4ICT.
“We are tremendously excited to partner with Integer,” said Wilson. “This new partnership allows for cross-border knowledge and sharing opportunities as well as access to training and skills transfer from Integer’s global leaders, all of which will benefit our clients here in Southern Africa.”
For more information, visit www.integer.com.
About The Integer Group®
We live at the Intersection of Branding and Selling®. A key member of Omnicom Group Inc., The Integer Group (www.integer.com) is a global, creative-fueled commerce agency that delivers innovative ways for brands and retailers to connect and engage with shoppers, turning moments of receptivity into moments of conversion. We use cultural insights to inspire creative ideas that build brands and accelerate purchase both in and out of store, moving people from living to looking to buying. The Integer Group has more than 1,100 associates in 26 offices across the globe, including locations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America.
About Omnicom Group Inc.
Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.
