According to the agency, these appointments position WE to drive continued growth across the African continent, as South Africa remains WE's core business hub for the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region.

"Globally, we are seeing clients benefit from our expanding international footprint. Both the South African business and our African operation, through our global alliance programme, form an integral part of WE's global growth programme," says Kass Sells, WE's Global COO and president of international. "We are confident that this newly dedicated leadership will further develop these respective areas of the business."

"Africa is a place of innovation and transformation. Our business in South Africa — now in its 10th year — continues to grow and evolve. Now is the right time for us to accelerate our investment in the broader region," says global CEO and founder Melissa Waggener Zorkin.

Gooding brings nearly 20 years' worth of experience as a communications consultant, having lead corporate communications campaigns across the EMEA region. Gooding has worked with clients including:
  • Microsoft
  • Coca-Cola
  • Discovery Channel
  • P&G
  • Dimension Data, and
  • Mercedes 
In her new role, Gooding will focus her marketing acumen on serving as a strategic communications counsellor for clients such as Microsoft Middle East and Africa, Vodacom and FlySafair. She will also be responsible for overseeing the development of talent, culture, new business and operations of WE's South Africa operation.

Wilson has nearly 20 years' worth of experience in the communications industry, having worked with some of the world's and South Africa's most-respected blue-chip brands. Before joining WE, Wilson was the PR lead for Microsoft in Africa. As managing director, Wilson will focus on developing and strengthening WE's existing Africa network.

"WE South Africa has an enviable and diverse portfolio of both local and international clients across a broad range of industries," says Gooding. "Critical to our ongoing success is ensuring [that] we leverage all the resources, support and learning available to us through our global network, as well as continuing to nurture the local talent that helps us tap into this unique market." 

"We work in a relationship-based industry and economy, and nowhere is this truer than on the African continent," concludes Wilson. "One size does not fit all, and with an estimated 2 000 languages spoken across 54 countries, we need a dedicated approach and understanding per market to best serve our clients — which we can best achieve through our network and global alliance programme."

For more information, visit www.we-worldwide.com. You can also follow WE on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.