welcome to the home of mike abel

Mike Abel is one of South Africa's leading figures in the advertising and marketing industry, with over 30 years of experience. He co-founded M&C Saatchi Abel in 2010, rapidly becoming one of the country's fastest-growing agencies. Abel previously held significant leadership roles at Ogilvy South Africa, where he co-led the group and managed high-profile accounts like Volkswagen. He also served as the CEO of M&C Saatchi Group in Australia before returning to South Africa to establish the local branch of the global agency.

Throughout his career, Abel has been recognised for his contributions to the advertising industry, receiving awards such as Advertising Achiever of the Year and Agency of the Year. He is also an advocate for ethical business practices. He regularly speaks out on social issues affecting South Africa, encouraging business leaders to take a more active role in shaping the country's future.

In addition to his work in advertising, Abel is involved in social initiatives like The Street Store, a pop-up store providing free clothing to the homeless. His podcast, Willing & Abel, and his book Lessons from a Decade in Crisis reflect his deep engagement with leadership, creativity, and societal challenges​.

content

Willing & Abel PODcast

How can we connect with others despite our differences? How do we balance strength and vulnerability, hope and realism? These questions and more are answered in the podcast, Willing & Abel – a space for hopeful conversations that challenge perspectives.

consulting

Mike Abel offers strategic consulting services focused on leadership, marketing, and creative problem-solving. Leveraging over three decades of experience across global and local markets, he helps organisations navigate complex challenges by providing actionable insights into brand development, business transformation, and integrated communications.

social impact

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