Carat South Africa Earns Media Agency of the Decade Recognition

Carat South Africa Earns Media Agency of the Decade Recognition. Carat South Africa has been named Most Balanced Media Agency of the Decade by Scopen, receiving the first-ever award of its kind.

The recognition highlights ten years of sustained growth, strategic excellence and people-led innovation within a media industry that has undergone rapid and wide-ranging transformation. Over the past decade, digital expansion, data-driven decision-making, platform convergence and changing consumer behaviour have reshaped how media is planned, bought and experienced. Throughout this period, the agency has maintained a consistent focus on people, strategy and the design of media experiences built for impact.

At the centre of its approach is a People First philosophy that prioritises talent development, career growth and leadership continuity. The organisation invests in building skills, supporting long-term careers and developing leaders who remain within the business while shaping its future direction. This commitment supports its Culture Lead approach, which focuses on understanding audiences and designing media experiences that connect brands with people in relevant and meaningful ways.

Global tools and technology are adapted for local conditions, ensuring innovation is practical, scalable and applicable for clients operating across African markets. Lerina Bierman, managing director of Carat SA, said the recognition reflects both industry change and organisational consistency. She noted that while platforms, data and technology have evolved significantly, the company’s belief in people, culture and strategic thinking has remained constant.

According to Bierman, many members of the leadership team began their careers with the agency more than a decade ago and have grown into senior roles over time. This continuity has helped deliver consistent results for clients while supporting a culture where employees build long-term careers and contribute to organisational growth.

The Scopen recognition marks both a celebration of the past decade and an acknowledgment of ongoing commitment to connecting brands with people through effective media engagement.

It also reflects how the agency has navigated a period defined by accelerated digitalisation, increasing data integration and rapidly evolving audience expectations. During this time, media organisations have had to balance technological advancement with human-centred thinking to remain relevant in competitive markets.

For Carat South Africa, the award signals recognition of a long-term approach centred on people, strategic clarity and practical innovation within a rapidly changing media environment.

The recognition underscores a decade defined by adaptation, leadership development and consistent delivery, positioning the agency for continued engagement with clients, audiences and the wider media ecosystem in years ahead as industry transformation continues.