One of South Africa’s preeminent creative leaders, Fran studied speech and drama at university but was saved from a life spent as “Second Extra From the Left” by moving into advertising. The move served her well – Fran has won multiple awards, including some of the industry’s most coveted accolades. During her time as ECD of Ogilvy Johannesburg, the agency won its first Film Gold Lion at Cannes Lions in 11 years and became the number one ranked South African agency at Cannes Lions.

Before joining VML, Fran was at Grey which, during her tenure, won its first Gold Lion at Cannes and moved into third spot in the South African Creative Rankings. She also spent two years at Quirk South Africa, during which the agency won its first Loerie award and its first Cannes shortlist.

While winning awards is always a great recognition for an agency's hard work and passion, Fran derives the most joy from seeing people grow, and learn, and achieve things they might not have thought possible. In 2022, she was named Industry Leader of the Year at the Adfocus Awards. She has an MBA from the Berlin School of Creative Leadership and is a passionate advocate of lifelong learning.