The year 2012 was a time of tremendous growth and change for Flow.
In just 12 months, the Johannesburg branch moved premises to occupy a swanky new space in Dunkeld, complete with interior décor that speaks Flow; the number of employees working at Flow grew to 50+; we introduced a top-notch benefits scheme; we launched Flow School, a formal programme for internal skills development and external training; our team in Cape Town continued to grow; and a number of interns spent time at Flow offices learning the ropes in the new media and communications spaces. All very exciting stuff indeed!
And continuing this trend of exciting developments, Flow is delighted to announce that our chairman, Bheki Shongwe, joined us full-time in January following a successful three-year stint as managing director of Kaizer Chiefs.
Bheki has a wealth of business experience, spanning more than three decades in finance, marketing and management. He joined the Flow board as chairman in 2007, and is a shareholder of the company. His role at Flow will include mentoring the leadership team, focusing on strategic growth issues, stakeholder relationship management and corporate governance.
“As a shareholder representative on the Flow board, I believe that this dynamic communications solutions company is at a growth stage where more hands on deck are required for the next phase of its development, and it was not a difficult decision to make,” says Bheki.
“As chairman I have, since the early stages of the business’s establishment, provided input to the Flow team as and when it was required. For a long time the leadership team enquired about the possibility of me making more time available for Flow Communications. I knew that this day would come, and I am very excited and looking forward to working with an exceptional team of smart and energetic Flowstars,” he adds with a smile.
Bheki continues to serve on the boards of several other listed and non-listed companies in a non-executive capacity, including that of Evraz Highveld Steel and Vanadium Limited, where he is chairman.
Says Tiffany Turkington-Palmer, Flow’s managing director, “We are thrilled to have Bheki on board full-time at Flow. He has been a strong part of our team for many years and we know that his contribution will be invaluable to Flow’s future growth and success.”
Adds Tara Turkington, Flow’s CEO, “Bheki has been an amazing business mentor to me and Tiffany for a long time. It is wonderful to have him here full-time at last. This is a great coup for Flow, and we know that the immense value he will bring will benefit clients and Flowstars alike. It’s about time!”
As a lifelong soccer supporter, Kaizer Chiefs remains very close to Bheki’s heart. “They are doing well in the league so far, so I hope that they continue to do well and win the league title that has proved so elusive in the recent past,” he says with a chuckle.