KFC Africa earns Top Employer certification as talent transitions to Europe
Grant Macpherson, KFC Africa's Chief Marketing and Digital Officer since 2022, was appointed General Manager for Central and Eastern Europe. Hloni Mohope is set to return to KFC Africa as Chief Marketing Officer after serving in the same capacity in the Central and Eastern Europe division.
Image: Supplied.
KFC Africa has reached a significant milestone by achieving Top Employer certification, solidifying its reputation for fostering exemplary workplace practices across its workforce of 40,000 employees.
This prestigious certification aligns with the current reality of shrinking talent pools, prompting employers to prioritise their personnel as invaluable assets.
The Top Employers Institute's accolades highlight organisations committed to crafting strong cultures that embody belonging, fairness, and growth, essentials for resilience in today’s competitive talent landscape.
Nolo Thobejane, Chief People, Culture and Purpose Officer at KFC Africa
Image: Supplied.
Nolo Thobejane, Chief People, Culture and Purpose Officer at KFC Africa, comments on the certification as evidence that investing in human capital yields tangible benefits, not only in terms of retention and performance but also in cultivating globally competitive talent.
“That proof is playing out in real time with two significant leadership appointments that underscore the robustness of KFC Africa’s talent pipeline and the continent’s emerging role in shaping global leadership,” Thobejane stated.
African talent goes global
In a remarkable career advancement, Grant Macpherson, KFC Africa's Chief Marketing and Digital Officer since 2022, has been appointed General Manager for Central and Eastern Europe, effective 1 February 2024. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, Macpherson has been a pivotal force behind KFC's marketing triumphs since joining the brand in South Africa in 2018.
During his tenure, he has orchestrated an impressive streak of market share growth, culminating in KFC being named South Africa’s most talked-about brand in the Quarterly Buzz rankings, receiving the Best Digital Brand at the IAB Bookmark Awards, and also clinching Brand of the Year at the MMS SSA Smarties Awards.
“Grant has set a high benchmark for how KFC connects with consumers across our 22 African markets,” reflected Thobejane.
“His creative flair, commercial success, and dedication to talent development are evident in the world-class marketing leaders he’s nurtured here. We take immense pride in his induction into Europe.”
Bringing talent home
In a demonstration of faith in Africa’s growth potential, Hloni Mohope is set to return to KFC Africa as Chief Marketing Officer after serving in the same capacity in the Central and Eastern Europe division.
Having joined KFC Africa as Senior Brand Manager in 2013 and ascended to Marketing Director by 2022, Mohope has been instrumental in shaping the brand’s strategies and vision.
“Hloni’s return sends a clear message about the appeal of Africa for leading talent,” asserts Thobejane. “Her extensive experience, coupled with her role as a founding member of our Women on the Move leadership development programme, which has prepared over 100 women for future leadership roles, reinforces our commitment to fostering talent that thrives on the African continent while competing globally.”
Cross-market leadership mobility
This shift in leadership dynamics signals a broader rethink among global organisations regarding African talent.
Thobejane emphasised that KFC is not merely a recipient of expertise from developed markets but is actively contributing to global knowledge pools.
To receive Top Employer certification, candidates are measured against nearly 2,500 employers across 131 countries, evaluated on key human resource topics.
Thobejane points out that KFC Africa's certification is rooted in a collective commitment to "feeding potential" and ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table.
“Our Women on the Move programme has increased the representation of female leaders in our business by 14%, and our Streetwise Academy's accredited training opens leadership pathways for many,” she stated.
“KFC exemplifies what a purpose-led, future-focused employer looks like in Africa. Ultimately, the achievement lies in empowering our over 40,000 team members to realise their potential each day, while cultivating leaders ready to make their mark on the world.”
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