Charles Hale, The MediaShop`s MD, Durban

After matriculating in Kimberley, Charles’ first career move was as an advertising representative at the Diamond Fields Advertiser. This instilled in him such a love of media, that he instinctively knew advertising was the career for him. He relocated to Johannesburg and joined Thompsons Publications before revitalising sales at the Financial Gazette. The success he enjoyed in sales led the publisher to appoint him in overall charge of the marketing of the publication.

A subsequent Republican Press media analysis role prepared him to dive into media research at Argus Marketing and Star Research. After completing his IMM Diploma, Charles joined De Villiers & Co as a media planner and worked on the Egg, and also the Dairy, Board and other brands, before joining Heath O’Donoghue in Durban on brands including Carnation Foods, Sprite Caravans and Sorghum Beer. His vast knowledge and experience saw Charles launch Durban-based Media Business with Ray Johnson that played a part in growing the ‘media independent’ concept.

He went on to work for Eurospace, for a short period, and joined The MediaShop stable in 1994. Aware of the need to ‘put-back’, Charles has been an active participant in industry associations such as AMASA, the ABF and the Durban Advertising and Publicity Club. He lectured on media at Vega and is an avid Sharks supporter!