Reputation, leadershipand public life.

With 25 years of executive and advisory experience, Tshepo is recognised as one of South Africa’s leading authorities on integrated marketing, strategic communication, corporate affairs and reputation management.

Advisory leadership

As Managing Director of Reputation 1st Group and Strategic Partner at Ebony+Ivory Integrated Advertising Agency, Tshepo advises boards, chief executives, governments and leading organisations on protecting reputation, strengthening stakeholder trust, navigating crises, positioning leaders and shaping compelling institutional narratives. His work spans the public and private sectors across South Africa and the African continent, where he has led strategic communication programmes that influence investment, public policy, organisational transformation and sustainable growth.

Executive experience

His executive career includes senior leadership positions at Discovery, Old Mutual Insure, Momentum, MTN Group, Huawei Africa, Liberty Corporate and M&C Saatchi Abel, where he was responsible for marketing, corporate communication, reputation management, stakeholder relations and executive positioning. Throughout his career, he has successfully led high-impact communication strategies, crisis responses and integrated marketing campaigns that have enhanced organisational reputation and delivered measurable business outcomes.

Governance & professional leadership

Beyond executive leadership, Tshepo has built a distinguished governance portfolio. He is a Non-Executive Director of the Institute for People Management (IPM), where he also serves as Chairperson of the Marketing Committee, providing strategic oversight on brand, stakeholder engagement and organisational positioning. His previous tenure as President of PRISA reflected his longstanding commitment to strengthening professional standards, ethical leadership and the advancement of the communication profession in South Africa.

Public commentary

Tshepo’s influence extends well beyond the boardroom. He is a respected commentator on business, leadership, governance and public affairs, regularly providing analysis on SABC News, eNCA, Newzroom Afrika, Talk Radio 702, SAfm, Power FM, Channel Africa and the international broadcaster TRT World. His ability to translate complex national and corporate issues into meaningful public conversations has made him a trusted voice for audiences across business, government and the media.

Editorial perspective

A seasoned journalist and editor, Tshepo has served as Business Editor of The Afropolitan magazine, Editor-in-Chief of The Official NEPAD Yearbook, columnist for Sunday World and contributor to Business Report. His editorial experience provides a unique understanding of how business, policy, media and public opinion intersect, enabling him to advise organisations not only on what they should communicate, but why it matters.

Sector & client experience

Over the course of his career, Tshepo has advised organisations across financial services, telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, automotive, tourism, mining, energy and government. His client portfolio includes Brand South Africa, Sasria, the Industrial Development Corporation, investSA Gauteng, BASF Africa, VW Financial Services South Africa, BAIC South Africa, Life Healthcare, Momentum Group, the University of South Africa, the University of Mpumalanga, Johannesburg Tourism Company, the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), among many others.

National & international impact

He has contributed to several nationally significant strategic initiatives, including Brand South Africa’s international reputation campaigns across Africa, China, Australia and the United Kingdom, South Africa’s messaging at the World Economic Forum, strategic reputation management during the COVID-19 pandemic and positioning the South Africa Investment Conference before global investors. His work continues to shape how organisations engage stakeholders, build trust and strengthen reputation in increasingly complex operating environments.

Professional credentials

Tshepo holds the Accredited in Public Relations (APR), Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (MCIPR) and Chartered Public Relations Practitioner (CPRP) professional designations. He has completed executive development programmes through the University of Stellenbosch Business School, Wits Business School, the University of South Africa Graduate School of Business Leadership and the Open University Business School in the United Kingdom.

Strategic perspective

Whether advising a board, coaching an executive, developing a nation brand strategy or providing public commentary on issues shaping society, Tshepo brings together strategic insight, commercial acumen, governance experience and a deep understanding of reputation as one of the most valuable assets any organisation can build and protect.