Unathi will be overseeing the integration of two established businesses and creating a new cultural identity.
Unati Moalusi has taken on the role of chief people officer (CPO) at VML South Africa, moving from her previous position as CPO of Wunderman Thompson. VML is a global creative company formed from the recent merger of Wunderman Thompson and VML Y&R.
As she takes on the responsibility of overseeing the integration of two established businesses and creating a new cultural identity, Unathi says she is determined to create a culture that is empowering, exciting and gives everyone a sense of belonging.
“I am excited to be a part of this journey and look forward to working with each and every one of our people to create an agency that we can all be proud of. Together, we can achieve great things and create some of the best work of our lives!”
She goes on to describe her leadership style as centred on humanity and authenticity, “The best version of ourselves emerges when we show up authentically. In doing so, we not only empower ourselves but also grant others the permission to do the same.”
Not underestimating the challenges of HR in the agency environment. She sees it as an opportunity to embrace freedom and creativity. “I’m colourful by nature – I think and work in colour, and I believe that agency gives you that freedom. My feminine energy is free; my creative energy is free; I can be who I am.”
According to VML COO Diane Wilson, Unati’s vision aligns with the overall strategy for the agency: “In an industry notorious for burnout and short tenures, it is our ambition to create a workplace that is caring, excellent and in which learning and growth are priorities. We could not be more thrilled to have a people partner who brings the levels of passion and care that Unati does.”
Before joining Wunderman Thompson, Unati worked for seven years in the insurance industry at Hollard Insurance’s HR division. Prior to that, she was a counselling psychologist at the CSVR (Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation) and a facilitator at the Department of Health.
Unathi, who has a master’s in counselling psychology and specialisations in industrial and organisational psychology, is also a qualified consciousness coach.
Jarred Cinman, CEO of VML says, “Unati has spent the past five years building culture and programmes within Wunderman Thompson, many of which have redefined the organisation. We have no doubt that Unati is the right person for the job and will continue the amazing work she has begun at WT into the new VML.”
