Bevan Lynch

Izimvo has the pleasure of introducing marketer, voice Artist, MC and radio and television presenter; Bevan Lynch.

Born in the Eastern Cape, Bevan has always been in the limelight with him playing in jazz bands, singing in choirs and acting in theatrical productions from an early age. While completing a BCOM at Rhodes University, Bevan went on to form his own band and record an album which has received numerous accolades and continues to be aired on DSTV’s channel MK.

Bevan’s marketing career highlights include working on some of South Africa’s most loved brands including JOKO, Glen and Lipton Tea as well as Sunlight and Skip laundry powder. Today Bevan is the Brand Manager for Natures Choice Products recently launching a new brand, Natures Garden, into the South African market place.

Bevan has also recently joined East Coast Radio as a late night DJ.

Website: http://bevanlynch.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bevanlynch
Location: Durban

Bevan was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: It depends on the setting – I love meeting new people and networking. So in one setting, I may be introduced as Bevan the Musician; Bevan the Brand Manager; Bevan the occasional cyclist and triathlete; Bevan the MC, radio and television presenter.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I love spending time crafting and making something from nothing. It sounds weird, but I love finding a use for junk! The end product is unique and in most cases did not cost much at all! So I scour Hospice stores and second-hand stores to find bargains.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Cycling, Running and swimming all relax me – sounds weird but On the road or in the pool, I make sense of the world. The silence helps me unpack all the thoughts in my head.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you like it to be?

A: Open plan, rustic feel softened with antique finds from travels around South Africa with a touch of modern – not too much though. If I could settle in the Western Cape – that would be great!

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property - Looking for something different? How about this R5.5m, 5 bedroom Atlantic Beach Golf Estate home boasting 3 lounges and a TV room.

Marketing in South Africa

Q: You are currently brand manager at Natures Choice Products responsible for both the individual house brands and the companies corporate branding. How did you first get into marketing and what is it about your job that you find most rewarding?

A: It is actually an interesting story. I joined Unilever in 2006 straight from Rhodes University with a degree in General Psychology and Accounting. I started out in HR and after 13 months, I asked to move to marketing. Unilever accommodated my request and then learnt the ropes on great brands: Glen Tea, Joko Tea, Lipton Tea and Skip and Sunlight Washing powder.

Looking for a different experience, I then moved to Nature’s Choice Products and it has been an absolute privilege blazing new trails for the brands at Nature’s Choice products. The brands are new, so all the communication is new, and to be a part of the embryonic development of any brand in any market is truly a once in a life time experience. Check out www.naturesgarden.co.za to see what we have done so far…

Q: What advice would you offer those wanting a career in marketing?

A: Give it horns. Don’t accept industry norms when it comes to marketing ‘best practice’. Be controversial (or at least try to be original) – it helps when trying to cut through the clutter!

Q: Today’s typical marketing campaign includes buzz words such as guerilla marketing, social media, Twitter, Facebook etc. What are your thoughts on how the industry is changing and do you feel that South African companies are keeping up with international trends?

A: This is a great question. There are a host of buzz words and new media available to companies that can be used as touch points to engage consumers and potential consumers and some brands are utilizing this network very effectively.

However, I think that in a country like ours where the first world and third world live relatively harmoniously side-by-side, marketers must not forget the tried and tested methods that have made their brands so profitable. So what the social media networks are providing are opportunities to create even more integrated brand communication – which just makes the marketers job that much more interesting.

So yes, I do think SA is keeping up with international trends.

Q: Besides your career in marketing, you are also a voice artist, MC and radio and television presenter. Which of these do you enjoy the most and are there any other disciplines that would like to add to your CV?

A: I enjoy being an MC as well and doing work for television (corporate) – when I get the chance. I enjoy the people interaction and capturing their emotion and character when engaging people. In addition to this, thinking on my feet is quite a thrill.

In terms of adding disciplines to the CV – I can sing and play the guitar. I was a relatively successful ensemble at University and have recently got together a band of musicians. We have recorded one track already and are in the process of writing more songs, developing a solid repertoire and great sound. Music is very important to me and creating it is very truly awesome.

Q: What can we look forward to from Bevan Lynch in 2010 and beyond?

A: Music from the band, more MC work, Television work and working towards completing an IronMan event – starting with the Half Iron man in my home town, East London in January next year.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Yes. It has affected my perception of South Africa absolutely. It has only made me and those close to me more cautious every day.

Q: If you were tasked with spending a portion of the Lotto revenues on improving South Africa, where would you start?

A: Education. Absolutely.

Q: With less than 20 days to the first African Soccer World Cup, which local brands would you say are a must buy for international visitors looking to sample the best South Africa has to offer?

A: Music, Music and Music. And Black Cat peanut butter – I have it every other day on my sandwiches to work!

Q: If you were to award the prize for the best marketing campaign of the year, which South African companies would make your short list?

A: Nando’s | Allan Gray | Windhoek Lager | Savanah Cider

Life in Durban

Q: What do you most enjoy about living in Durban?

A: Everything. People, Berg, Beach, Weather, Sport, Art, Music and its size. It is not too big and not too small – just right!

Q: Favorite venue for a fun outing with a group of friends in or around Durban?

A: Berg – definitely. Although, going to a beach side resort any time of year is great – but I think the berg wins, especially in winter – with a glass of warm glühwein next to a fire.

Q: If you were asked to produce a television spot advertising South Africa to visitors of the World Cup, which locations in or around Durban would you select as backdrops?

A: Berg – have I said that already ;); Beach; Bush and yes, the stadium.

General

Q: If you could invite any three South African personalities to a poker game, who would you invite and what snacks would you serve?

A: Darren Scott, Mark Shuttleworth and Allan Gray (not a personality, but still would like to meet him). I would serve Japanese Rice Crackers, Crudités and Hummus.

Q: Which book would make required reading for all school-leavers and which book would you say has influenced you the most?

A: Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt – story of determination and rising above. Seriously made my worries seem very small – and it is a great read.

Q: Given a free hour at home, which would you rather do, put your feet up and relax or look for something productive to do?

A: Do something productive – I am always fixing something, coming up with a new business/creative ideas, writing a song, creating something, crafting – sitting and watching a movie from start to finish with my girlfriend is a rarity – I fidget too much!

Q: If you could go back in time and give your eighteen-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

A: Don’t take yourself so seriously. Seriously!

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: Allan Gray – I would ask about the story of Allan Gray and its development over time. He is an East London gentlemen, like myself ;)

We’d like to thank Bevan for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future.

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