ZOL CEO Denny Marandure was named Marketing Oriented CEO of the Year at the prestigious 2015 MAZ Super brand Awards at a gala ceremony in the capital city last night, while Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the leading mobile telecommunications operator in Zimbabwe by subscriber base, scooped up two major prizes at the same event.
ZOL Zimbabwe, which is Zimbabwe's leading internet service provider, also saw ZOL Head of Marketing Alana Chinhara getting an award for Marketer of the Year.
Econet mobile service, Buddie won the Business to Consumer Award piping the previous winner Colgate, while the parent brand Econet Wireless Zimbabwe maintained its pole position by winning the Business to Business Award which they won at year for corporate contribution to the telecommunications industry.
Meanwhile Econet Wireless’ mobile money facility, Ecocash came 9th under the Business to Consumer category. EcoCash is a mobile payment solution that enables Econet customers to complete financial transactions such as sending money to loved ones, buying prepaid airtime for themselves or other Econet subscribers and paying for goods and services.
Econet Wireless out-competed one of its direct competitor, Tel•One. The government’s sole fixed telecommunication services provider, also providers of Voice, Internet and Data services came 8th under the Business to Business category.
The Superbrand is an international concept that has been adopted in Zimbabwe in 2009. This concept has been launched in over 80 countries including all key global markets. The Superbrand concept is meant to promote the discipline of branding in the country, as selected by consumers and industry experts.
The concept also aims to identify those brands that are performing above and beyond others within the market. It identifies and pays tribute to exceptional brands by recognizing, rewarding, and reinforcing leading brands, be they local or international brands.
On the consumer’s side, it aims at giving ordinary customers an insight into the significant brands that touch their lives. In Zimbabwe the Superbrand concept was introduced by the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe in 2009.
The event was attended by over 250 industry leaders from across the nation, the minister of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment, Hon. Patrick Zhuwawo was the guest of honour.
- Technomag Zimbabwe / Zilyfe