Michael Zylstra
Managing Partner, DENTSU CREATIVE Africa
A graduate of the University of Witwatersrand, and the WITS Business school, Michael has been involved with digital services and platforms, and data-driven programmes for the last 15 years. Michael has always been fascinated by people, brands, and new technologies. He’s fortunate to spend his days working at the intersection of all three.
Michael began his career as a strategist for an early digital businesses Delapse that merged content, web development and production before the first dot com explosion. He then moved into the agency world, working on some of South Africa’s most loved brands including Coca Cola, Diageo, Mercedes, Old Mutual, P&G, Engen, Toyota at FCB, Isobar, Oscar Tango, Publicis Groupe.
Michael looked after the strategic output across all brands for Nurun, Publicis global design and technology consultancy. In his role as Chief Strategy Officer he was responsible for the intellectual output of the agency and the strategies deployed for clients including a number of global assignments.
Michael is a rare hybrid strategist having worked across multiple disciplines from CRM, to Performance media to Brand and brings a holistic understanding of the current marketing ecosystem. Michael is passionate about combining human insight, analytical thinking, and dogged optimism to bring clarity to complex problems.
Michaels work has been recognised both locally & internationally and includes awards at Apex, Assegais, Loeries, Bookmarks, One Show and Cannes.
