Naazema Rawoot, Ruschda Ismail ready to add value as the new CFOs at Dentsu

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Dentsu has appointed Naazema Rawoot and Ruschda Ismail as its new SA and Africa CFOs, respectively.

Dentsu has announced the appointment of two women as its new finance bosses, making it the first fully female-led network in Africa.

Naazema Rawoot (pictured), who has been appointed as the company’s new CFO for its South African division, said, “I am proud to be joining the SA market as CFO and working alongside an amazing, talented and dedicated team to elevate the South African business to new heights.”

She added:

“I live by the quote ‘strive not only to be a success, but also to be of value’, and I am eager to contribute my utmost dedication and expertise to this exciting opportunity.”

Naazema has been with the company for nine years. She joined in June 2014 as the group finance manager, and two years later was promoted to group financial controller, where she worked closely with former Africa CFO Bevis Hoets across the company’s 11 markets.

Dentsu Africa CFO Ruschda Ismail

She takes over from Ruschda Ismail, who was promoted to Dentsu Africa CFO.

About her appointment, Ruschda said:

“I am extremely excited for the next stage of my career journey.”

She explained that Dentsu is a place for growth, and this is deeply rooted in the culture of the business. “I am really looking forward to working with all my new colleagues across the region and contributing to achieving great value for all our stakeholders, from our shareholders right through to the communities that we serve.”

Ruschda joined Dentsu in July 2016 after spending two years at Dentsu Creative as its FD and 10 years at Media24 in various financial management roles.

Both women noted e that their appointments reinforce Dentsu’s strong emphasis on empowering women, succession planning and fostering the growth of its talented people.

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