Gugu Mthembu is as passionate about developing respectable brands as she is about facilitating diversity in the creativity industry. A firm believer in a balanced approach to brand building and commercial growth driving both short term impact and long term brand and business sustainability.

With a background in information technology, she integrates data, tech and creativity in her strategic planning and execution. 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 business.

Under her stewardship, Telkom has significantly shifted its market share and has regained consumer trust and confidence earning the brand, amongst other recent awards, the prestigious title of Best Mobile Provider, in the 2024/25 Ask Africa Orange Index in South Africa.