Gail Curtis

Group CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi South Africa and the Africa Network

in Durban

Gail Curtis began her career in marketing and strategic account leadership during the 80s and was first appointed as a board director at the age of only 26 (a testament to her exceptional business acumen and negotiation skills).

In 1993, Gail founded The Old Shanghai Firecracker Factory to promote a unique agency with a dynamic service model. This agency was acquired by Saatchi & Saatchi in 2005 and continues to operate as an independant agency.

Gail was appointed as CEO to Saatchi & Saatchi in October 2005, and in 2006 was appointed to the EMEA CEO board.

Curtis has played a major role in the reinvention of Saatchi & Saatchi in SA and Africa growing the company into the 6th largest marketing and communications group in SA. Under her leadership, a brand new, energetic attitude and creative focus has become the driving force of the company and over the last 5 years she has led the company back to the award tables and profitability.