VMA Group, a global recruitment and headhunting specialist for corporate and marketing communications, has extended its reach in Africa by creating a hub in Cape Town.

The move follows last year’s launch in Johannesburg and marks VMA Group’s ninth international practice. 

The opening follows the expansion of VMA Group’s operations in Europe in recent months, with new office launches in both Paris and Frankfurt last year. The Cape Town office will provide additional reach for local and multinational organisations operating across African markets.

Research by VMA Group has found that 60% of communications teams in the region look set to expand in the next two years with 40% of companies planning to expand their communications function into other fast-growing African markets to address local market needs.

Similar to the Johannesburg hub, which is in the hands of principal consultant, Daniel Munslow, the Cape Town office will focus on corporate and internal communications, investor relations, marketing and brand communication roles within South Africa and across the continent.

In addition, VMA Group’s professional development brand, VMA Enhance, will deliver a comprehensive range of communication and leadership development training courses for teams and individuals in the locality.

Lisa Wannell, principal consultant with VMA Group in London, has been appointed to lead the venture and has recently relocated from the UK. South African by birth, Lisa has worked in media and private equity as well as executive search in the UK and brings over 10 years of experience recruiting within corporate communications and investor relations internationally.

Wannell says, “I am enormously excited by this opportunity to help build on the successes of VMA Group’s Johannesburg office over the past year. As the communications landscape in South Africa continues to evolve, so does the need to source, retain, and develop the top talent we have in our marketplace. VMA Group, with a strong track record of working both with multi-national companies as well as with local organisations in-country, is perfectly positioned to support its clients and candidates as the communications function continues to grow across Africa in all the specialist disciplines VMA represents.”

Julia Meighan, chief executive at VMA Group, says “The growth of the communications function within emerging markets has been exponential in recent years, and I am proud that we can respond to client demand by introducing a second practice in Africa. This is the latest milestone in years of unprecedented growth for VMA Group, which includes market-leading operations across Europe, Asia, and a strategic partnership in North America. Our Cape Town practice will strengthen our offering to clients who are searching for global talent and expertise and ambitious candidates who are seeking out international roles.”