A seasoned marketing leader with over two decades of experience, Gugu is as passionate about building brands that combine purpose, innovation, and impact as she is about facilitating diversity in the creative industry. With a background in information technology, she integrates data, technology, and creativity into her strategic planning, driving both short-term performance and long-term brand and business sustainability.

Under her stewardship, Telkom has regained trust and continues to grow market share above category norm, earning top rankings, such as Best Mobile Provider in the 2024/25 Ask Africa Orange Index, and recognition as one of the 30 Most Admired Brands in South Africa.

Gugu understands the key role she plays in industry and societal transformation and spearheads initiatives that drive inclusion and impactful change inside and outside the organisation, which saw her being recently awarded Brand Leader of the Year at The Mark Awards in 2025.

With a sharp blend of tech savvy, creative vision, and purposeful impact, Gugu Mthembu exemplifies how marketing can lead growth, cultural relevance and transformation.