Virginia Hollis, The MediaShop’s Joint MD, Sandton

The MediaShop Media icon Virginia Hollis, The MediaShop’s Joint Managing Director, Sandton, was born in England. Her family emigrated to Africa in the mid 60s, finally settling in South Africa in 1972. As Afrikaans was not part of her school’s curriculum, Virginia had to bypass university and opted instead to complete a secretarial diploma. A brief stint at a community newspaper was followed by her appointment at Complete Advertising as a junior media buyer in 1980. Although currently enjoying a rewarding media career, this was not always the case.

As with most people in media, Virginia’s path was littered with obstacles and her career was prefaced with hard work, horrors, and electric golf-ball typewriters. There were no computers to do all those AMPS runs, everything had to be interpreted manually from a printed version! In addition, TV had only just begun when she started ... one little station broadcasting 6 hours a day. A vastly different media landscape to the one she faces today. In 1985, 25-year-old Virginia moved to The Media Business as Media Director. She started FCB Global Media in 1992, and merged with The MediaShop in 1997. Based on her observations of the industry’s needs, Virginia’s commitment to educating new entrants began early in her career.

She was deeply involved in the educational efforts of The Advertising Media Association of South Africa (AMASA) for 12 years. During her intense involvement with AMASA, Virginia held the position of Chairman for three years where she initiated the still ongoing four day annual workshops, began discussions with and lectured at AMASA’s part time media module at the AAA School of Advertising and drove the process on the association’s textbook which is used by all students during the six month course.

Virginia also found time to lecture at Boston Media House. Virginia’s non-business pastimes include gardening, reading, walking, fishing and some cycling, and she holds an advanced scuba diver qualification. She loves going on vacation, especially with good friends, and enjoys interacting with people.