Magnet Global Network enters Africa with addition of ODA advertising
MAGNET Global Network, the Marketing & Advertising Global Network of leading independent advertising agencies, has expanded its geographic reach and capabilities with the addition of ODA Advertising to the Network.
MAGNET's over 50 members collectively serve more than 800 clients worldwide and bill more than $2.7 billion dollars annually from offices in all major U.S. markets and around the world, including Barcelona, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, Moscow, Paris, Seoul and Buenos Aires.
The addition of ODA, a versatile, 26-year-old creative advertising agency based in Durban, KZN, brings entrée to the highly sought-after South African market, and the opportunity for MAGNET partners to access other areas of Africa through collaboration with ODA.
Size and professionalism mattered to ODA Managing Partner and Founder John O'Donoghue, when selecting a network for his agency to join. "MAGNET was not too big and cumbersome, and we felt we could get to know the agencies and develop relationships with them. We appreciate the professional manner in which MAGNET presented itself, and the members are a great sounding board for exchanging ideas and getting honest answers. We're very excited by the possibilities that lie ahead."
O'Donoghue is also encouraged by the opportunities MAGNET brings to his clients and what ODA brings to the Network. "In South Africa, it opens the door for us to pitch clients that may need a global presence, while our clients benefit by our knowledge gained from the Network." As for collaborating with other MAGNET members, O'Donoghue believes there are opportunities from a client perspective, as well as from the specialized skill set perspective ODA brings. "Additionally, the South African exchange rate makes it very cost- effective to shoot TV commercials or edit in South Africa. The same goes for 3D modeling, animation and packaging design," he added.
The firm, founded in 1991 by O'Donoghue as O'Donoghue Associates Advertising, is now known as ODA Advertising. Other shareholders include Creative Directors Sven Christensen and Bevan Von Weichardt, and Financial Director Bernie Smyth.
Together they lead a team of 28 people who provide a wide variety of services to clients – from graphic design, packaging, e-newsletters, responsive web and e-commerce site design, development and social media management, to print, TV, billboards, digital and brand advertising.
ODA operates across South Africa, as well as in Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya. Areas of expertise include automotive, healthcare/pharma, retail, food/beverage/restaurants, home/ building products, agribusiness and manufacturing. Clients include Sumitomo Rubber SA (Dunlop Tires), Agriland, Kingsmead Shoes, Ascendis Pharmaceuticals, Chicco Baby Products, Unilever Food Solutions and SPAR group.
