Darren Thompson

Founder and Managing Director

Darren Thompson is a highly skilled, accomplished, and versatile leader with a wealth of integrated marketing experience and a track record of building diverse teams across regional locations. His journey began at GTA in Zimbabwe, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the agency from a start-up in a garage to one of the largest independent advertising agencies in Southern Africa. With over 75 staff and billings exceeding US$3 million, Darren led the successful acquisition of Barclays Bank, a long-standing agency client.

In 2006, Darren embarked on a new chapter by founding AfricaAD, which later merged with CM&A Ogilvy. During this time, he secured pivotal business from renowned brands such as Nestle Kenya, Afrasia Mauritius, iWay Africa, Dell Africa, and Delta Beverages (SAB Miller/AB InBev). The creative work produced for AB InBev received international recognition and numerous accolades, particularly the Zambezi Lager Follow the Call thematic campaign.

Relocating to the United Kingdom in 2017, Darren has continued to excel in both agency and client leadership roles. In 2014, Darren established Openminds Digital to provide Ogilvy's Zimbabwean clients with a comprehensive digital offering. Alongside his agency roles, he held Board and consulting positions with notable organizations, including Cimas Healthcare, Colcom Foods, Zimbabwe Football Association, and ZimBrand Alliance.

Throughout his career, Darren has embraced the complexity of modern marketing and successfully guided companies through digital disruption. He firmly believes that brands capable of fostering lifelong connections with customers prioritize customer-centricity. With an impressive 25-year career leading award-winning agencies and serving Blue-Chip clients across integrated marketing, Darren and his team of consultants consistently chart innovative paths to growth, tackling complex challenges for their clients.

Beyond his professional commitments, Darren is an active member of esteemed industry associations, including the Marketers Association, the Association of Advertising Practitioners, and the Advertising Research Foundation. Additionally, he showcases his talents on the golf course as a top-flight golfer, representing the National amateur men's side for over a decade.