A digital strategist by training, Kai Botha has been appointed as Digital Marketing and Data Manager at Capital International Group.

Taking responsibility for growing their digital presence and capabilities, Kai will be interpreting data and analytics, developing brand intelligence and conceptualizing and implementing digital marketing strategies for 2018 and beyond. Since graduating with a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Stellenbosch in 2011, Kai has acquired a broad spectrum of experience within three core disciplines – tech, analytics and strategy.

Kai has held the roles of Operations Director at a tech start-up, Digital Data Analyst for a Media Data Analytics company, and Senior Digital Strategist at a global media agency.

He also hosted a regular spot on the South African weekly radio media show ‘Maggs on Media’, hosted by South African media veteran, Jeremy Maggs (The South African equivalent of Chris Tarrant). There, Kai produced and presented the weekly digital news. He also made professional appearances on the televised version, where he would discuss with expertise the secrets of media strategies behind current and popular topics, trends, and TV shows, including Game of Thrones.

Kai therefore brings to the role a rounded and well-established understanding and knowledge of the digital world, as well as a proven record of adapting, learning on the go, and sharing his knowledge; reflecting the dynamic and constantly evolving world of 'digital’. He is most looking forward to implementing his gained skill set within the financial services industry.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Kai relocated to the Isle of Man in December 2017. Since joining the Group’s Isle of Man HQ on January 2nd, he has been busy creating and implementing a new digital strategy, as well as managing the Group’s South Africa brand launch campaign.

In his spare time, Kai has been exploring the island’s great outdoors, taking in the views whilst hiking and mountain biking. Kai describes his most notable personal achievement as summiting the highest mountain pass in the world, Thorong La, in the Nepalese Himalayas (which stands at 18,000 feet above sea level). However, this month he has been particularly enjoying hiking on and around our own highest summit, Snaefell, in the recent bouts of snow - many worlds away from the South African sun at this time of year!

Kai joins the Group on the back of a successful website launch and rebrand project led by Head of Marketing and Customer Experience, Kim McCracken and her team in collaboration with Ashgrove Marketing. His expertise will be vital as he takes on a management role in moving into the next stages of the rebranding project whilst enhancing the Group digital capabilities and digital team. He will ensure innovation, the adoption of new digital technologies, and the establishment and maintenance of data excellence.

Kai embraces all the challenges this may entail, and the opportunities they will present for him to continue to learn and grow his career. He is currently enrolled in a number of part time digital courses, and plans to continue to improve his website and digital expertise by studying a part-time Digital Honours degree through Columbia University.

On his appointment, Kai said, “I look forward to the opportunity to take the set of skills in my possession and test them on a completely new market; because digital marketing is a relatively new feature at Capital International Group, I’ll be starting on a fresh canvas, which for a digital marketer is very exciting.”

Kim McCracken said, “With a passion for all things digital, he not only brings to the team a wealth of experience, but also an in-depth understanding of the increasingly important role data management plays within a holistic marketing strategy. Fuelled by caffeine and a wicked sense of humour, our latest South African addition is set to help take the Group’s brand footprint to new heights!”