Dr. Charity Ndisengei

Marketing, Brand & Operations Executive | Commercial Growth Leader | Speaker

LinkedIn:

www.linkedin.com/in/charity-ndisengei

Email:

charity@charityndisengei.com

Address:

Houston, Texas
United States of America, 77494

A Bit About Me

I'm an executive leader with 20+ years across marketing, brand and operations. I build brands that drive revenue and the teams and systems that make that growth last. I’ve worked with some of the world’s most recognizable names, including KFC, BMW, Coca-Cola, Guinness, Unilever, Chevron, Total and AB InBev, guiding them through complex market challenges and building brand platforms that deliver long-term impact.

My work spans B2C and B2B sectors, with deep expertise in FMCG, Oil & Gas, EPCs, automotive, energy, eCommerce and professional services. Across these industries, I’ve consistently delivered strategies that balance brand growth with operational clarity and measurable business outcomes.

Currently, I serve as COO and Head of Strategy at BrandExtract, where I work with ambitious companies to unlock growth, navigate transformation and build brands that matter. Whether it’s repositioning established players, supporting sustainability-led growth, or driving ESG integration, I bring a practical, purpose-driven approach to brand building.

Throughout my career, I’ve held senior leadership roles at leading global agencies, including Ogilvy, Saatchi & Saatchi, TBWA, BBDO and FCB. I’ve led large, high-performing teams, developed breakthrough strategies and delivered award-winning work across Africa, the U.S. and international markets.

What drives me is the opportunity to connect brand, business and people, building strategies that not only inspire markets but also create internal alignment and sustainable momentum.

I hold an MBA from the University of Stellenbosch Business School, certifications from Harvard Business School and the University of Cambridge and I earned my Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in January 2026, with research focused on ESG strategies that improve brand value.

Recognition

• Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award, South Africa (2018): Finalist, Corporate category

• Doctor of Business Administration, Walden University (2026)

• Lantern Awards, Houston Business Marketing Alliance (2024): led the BrandExtract team that won for the S&B website

• Lantern Awards, Houston Business Marketing Alliance (2023): led the BrandExtract team to multiple wins

• Sunday Times awards, South Africa (2019): 2 awards won: KFC was named the most loved brand of the year, and Ogilvy won agency of the year

• KFC Chairman's Award (2018): KFC South Africa team

If you’d like to connect or start a conversation, I’d love to hear from you.

Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award, South Africa (2018)

Finalist, Corporate category

Work Experience

Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the world’s most respected agencies, brands, and organizations, helping businesses grow, transform, and lead across global markets. Here’s a snapshot of my professional journey.

August 2021 - Present

COO & Head of Strategy – BrandExtract

As COO and Head of Strategy, I lead the agency's operations and its strategy practice. I partner with the CEO on the agency's direction and growth, and I stay close to clients as their senior strategic advisor.
Operational Leadership: Run the agency's day-to-day operations, including its operating rhythm, an EOS-style weekly scorecard and the KPIs that track agency and client performance.
Commercial Growth: Drive new business and organic growth from existing clients, aligning teams and resources around the opportunities that matter most.
Brand Strategy: Lead the strategy practice, delivering brand assessments, positioning, brand platforms and employer value propositions for clients in energy, engineering and construction, hospitality and logistics.
Team & Talent: Build and develop the agency's leadership bench, including hiring and growing the account management and strategy teams.
Thought Leadership: Represent the agency as a speaker on brand and growth, including the BrandExtract podcast and the TEI Presidents' Forum.

2006 - 2012
2013 - 2019

Ogilvy (Africa) – Various Senior Leadership Roles:

Over 12 years at Ogilvy, I held progressive leadership roles across client management, brand strategy, and agency governance, culminating in my position as Managing Partner: Head of KFC Africa.

Client Leadership: Led the KFC Africa account across the continent, delivering transformative brand growth, driving market-leading strategies, and cultivating trusted partnerships with senior client stakeholders.
Brand & Marketing Strategy: Developed multi-market, award-winning strategies for major global brands, including KFC, AB InBev, Coca-Cola, and Guinness, helping brands reposition, scale, and differentiate across highly competitive markets.
Organizational Leadership: Served on Ogilvy’s Board of Directors, shaping long-term strategic objectives and aligning the agency with global priorities. Sat on the Management Committee (MANCO), responsible for operational management and the day-to-day performance of the local Ogilvy business.
Business Growth: Led new business pursuits, developed integrated proposals, and grew key client portfolios through consultative selling and strategic alignment with market opportunities.

January 2020 – May 2021

Director of Account Management – eComAllies:

At eComAllies, I led key client accounts while playing a critical role in building the agency’s operational infrastructure and supporting the business through ownership transition.

Client Leadership: Directed strategy and account management for leading brands, delivering high-performing digital marketing campaigns across Facebook, Google, Instagram, YouTube, and Amazon.
Operational Development: Designed and implemented the agency’s resourcing framework, team structure, and operational systems to support scalable growth and improve profitability.
Business Growth: Cultivated new client relationships and grew revenue through strategic digital marketing leadership.
Ownership Transition: Supported the founder in preparing the business for sale, including strategic planning, operational alignment, and documentation.
Post-Sale Integration: Continued to consult and freelance with the new owner to set up the restructured organization, establish operational processes, and ensure a smooth transition before fully exiting the business.
Team Development: Mentored and developed a cross-functional team of account managers, creatives, and digital specialists to deliver strong, measurable results.

Jan 2012 – Dec 2013

Regional Strategy Director, Africa – Saatchi & Saatchi:

At Saatchi & Saatchi, I led the strategic planning function for key accounts across the African continent. I was responsible for developing integrated, consumer-centric strategies that helped multinational brands grow market share and build brand equity in highly competitive markets.

Provided strategic direction for Guinness and Malta Guinness across multiple African markets.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create culturally relevant brand positioning and marketing strategies.
Worked closely with creative, media, and client teams to deliver campaigns that resonated locally while aligning with global brand objectives.
Built a reputation for bridging global strategy with local consumer insight, ensuring relevance and commercial success.

2000 - 2008

IQPC (South Africa): Marketing Director
Led marketing strategy for a portfolio of global events and conferences.

TBWA (South Africa): Account Manager

Managed integrated marketing campaigns for brands including BMW, MTN, and Tiger Brands.

NET#WORK BBDO (South Africa): Account Executive
Supported telecom and media accounts including Cell C and Metro FM.

FCB (South Africa): Account Executive
Worked on FMCG, retail, and telecom brands including Unilever, HP, and Hulett Sugar.