Idea Engineers is led by a team of experts with considerable experience in global and local markets and both world-class and emerging brands.

Janice Spark Director and Managing Partner:
Pocket CV: I have directed the marketing efforts of many leading global organisations across the 20 years I have worked in marketing, sales and advertising.

My career began at Standard Bank in 1984 where I created specialised banking packages for high-end consumers, before moving on to pioneer the concept of "sell thru videos" for Gallo Home Video.

As Marketing Director of Adcock Ingram in the late 1980s, I oversaw the introduction of 15 successful new brands in a three-year period. During this time, I helped the company to achieve market leadership for its hair care, skincare and household product ranges.

Before co-founding Idea Engineers, I was a director of Estee Lauder South Africa, where I entrenched Aramis as a market leader and introduced Tommy Hilfiger and DKNY to South Africa. I am regularly published in local and international marketing and branding media publications, and am often invited to speak at brand conferences.

Nickname: Sparky.

Two word self description: Passionate working mom. (I know that's three words, but I always try to give more than asked for.)

Quote / phrase to live by: Live your best life.

Shauneen Procter Director and Managing Partner: Pocket CV: I have worked in the advertising industry for the past two decades. I was the founder of Sorcery, an award-winning advertising agency, which merged with Idea Engineers in 2006 to create an end-to-end marketing house that offers a portfolio of branding, advertising and reputation management services.

Nickname /s: Now! (I’m impatient).

Two word self description: Right now!

Quote / phrase to live by: Little in life eclipses sincerity and gratitude….

Kevin Kleynhans Creative Director: Pocket CV: 30 years in the industry. Started as junior copywriter at Barker McCormac in Zimbabwe in 1980. Subsequently worked for all the big boys including Ogilvy, Grey Philips, Hunts and DevCo. Started Red Nail with Jon Olsen, won tons of awards (and notoriety) joined the Old Shanghai Firecracker Factory in 2004, went to work for Ogilvy in the real Shanghai for a year, returned at the end of 2009 and started immediately with Idea Engineers, where I’ll probably work ‘til the day I die (if they let me).

Nickname: Kevvie

Two-word self description: Brilliantly fast

Quote phrase to live by: If not now; when? If not me; who?

Sandy Heath Client Service Director: Pocket CV: Founder member of Red Nail Advertising, the multi award winning through the line advertising agency. Client service primarily on below the line promotions for blue chip clients such as Coca Cola, SAB, SAA, Revlon, McDonalds, 5fm (to name but a few). After 13 years I followed Red Nails Creative Director Kevin Kleynhans to The Old Shanghai Firecracker Factory to start a joint syndicate. Had the pleasure of continuing to work with UCM - publishers of FHM (launched whilst at Red Nail) and heat magazine, Designer Group, Supercall, SAB and Mitsubishi. Always open to new challenges, after 5 years, was offered the opportunity to join Idea Engineers, where I shall continue to work with UCM and enter the world of Gold Reef City.

Nickname/s: S, Sand, Sands, Sarn, Sarne

Two word self description: Don’t do two words – why say what you can in two words when you can say it in 102 (with huge amounts of passion, enthusiasm, vitality …)

Quote / phrase to live by: Give it all you’ve got!

Tricia Willis Client Service Director: Pocket CV: My career started in the fashion world, but I moved into the world of marketing and advertising when I joined the advertising team at the South African Medical Association in 1997.

I joined NetActive Internet in 1999, where I worked on the NetParent, NetWine and NetFlorist online communities and shopping portals. After two years with NetActive, I joined Sorcery in 2001 as a junior account executive. I completed my BCom Hons in Business Management in 2004.

My experience includes work for big brand accounts such as Gold Reef City Casino and Theme Park, Verizon Business SA (formerly UUNET SA and recently bought by MTN Business), and Clarins. I also managed the SA Idols projects on behalf of the venue sponsor, Gold Reef City. I am currently working on the Research In Motion account - the makers of BlackBerry smartphones.

Nickname /s: Trix / Tix / Patrese.

Two word self description: MY way!

Quote / phrase to live by: "It will all be alright in the end.... If it isn't alright, it isn't the end!"
- unknown

Marle Prinsloo Client Service Director: Pocket CV: I have been working at Idea Engineers since 2003, and have been here right from the start. As Client Service Director I manage PR activities for Idea Engineer’s reputation management companies. Since joining Idea Engineers, I’ve worked with key clients across a broad spectrum of industries such as Entertainment (Gold Reef City Casino and Theme Park); Recruitment (AMSCO); Telecoms (Nashua Mobile); Digital Marketing (Acceleration, Acceleration Media and Stonewall); Technology (RIM, the developers of the BlackBerry® solution, Can!Do and Consology); and Healthcare (The Headache Clinic). I have a Bachelor of Marketing Honours degree (cum laude) from the University of Pretoria

Nickname /s: Mals / Marls / Merl / Marly.

Two word self description: Dedicated Leo

Quote phrase to live by: To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing - Elbert Hubbard

Lee-Anne Grassie Account Director - Advertising: Pocket CV: I completed my diploma in Graphic Design at Wits Technikon. I subsequently branched into client service and I have gained 11 years of invaluable experience in the field of branding, design, marketing and advertising. Since joining Idea Engineers in early 2008, my portfolio includes Gold Reef City Casino, Clarins and Schering Plough.

Nickname /s: Lee, LA

Two word self description: Committed enthusiast

Quote / phrase to live by: If you dream it, you can become it! (Walt Disney)

Brian Dickerson Account Manager - Advertising: Pocket CV: As an account manager, I currently work with Idea Engineers advertising accounts such as Gold Reef City Theme Park, Verizon and Ericsson SA. I joined Idea Engineers in 2008 after spending seven years in the catering industry with La Cucina di Ciro, where I was a senior manager.

Before that I worked in the advertising industry with TBWA Hunt Lascaris, where I was an account manager from 1997 to 2001. My career started at Map Studio in 1995, where I held the position of advertising sales representative until 1997. I studied at Vaal Technikon and Africa School of Missions, before joining the military for a year in 1994.

Nickname /s: Brain

Two word self description: Become Greater

Quote phrase to live by: Living out ones imagination is far more rewarding than living out ones memory

Jacqueline Boulos PR Account Manager: Pocket CV: Before joining Idea Engineers, I worked at Montecasino as a public relations officer focused on gaming and leisure. My previous experience in PR includes time spent working for leisure and mining companies. I studied Communications Science at Tuks and completed my PR certificate at PRISA.

At Idea Engineers, I work with PR clients such as Nashua Mobile, Acceleration, Acceleration Media, Gold Reef City Theme Park and Research In Motion (BlackBerry). I have an absolute passion for communication and public relations.

Nickname /s: Jax

Two word self description: Passionate enthusiast

Quote phrase to live by: Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed - Cavett Robert
An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied - Arnold Glasow

Yolandi North Account Manager: Pocket CV: After completing my BCom Communication Management and BCom Honours Marketing Management degrees at the University of Pretoria, I joined Primedia Publishing’s publications SA Gardening & Tuin Paleis as marketing and public relations executive.

My enthusiasm and hands-on involvement in promotions, competitions, liaison, shows and expos for the both magazines allowed me to quickly come to grips with the many facets of marketing communications.

I joined Idea Engineers in March 2006 to my refine skills and experience across a range of marketing disciplines including brand strategy and reputation management.

Nickname /s: I'm not telling.

Two word self description: Passionate, individual.

Quote / phrase to live by: "Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world." - Bette Midler.

Catherine Gurwitz : Pocket CV: I was one of the first members of the Idea Engineers team and I am delighted to be back on board after a gap of a few years. I have extensive marketing experience and have worked for leading advertising and PR agencies in London, Johannesburg and Cape Town. In my current role at Idea Engineers, I take care of the Solar Beam, the Maharishi Institute and Acceleration Media accounts from Cape Town.

My experience encompasses working on some of South Africa's biggest brands, including: Edgars, UUNET (now MTN Business), Gold Reef City, Gautrain, Clarins, Acceleration, Brimstone, Lion of Africa Insurance, Accenture, African Bank and The South African Post Office.

Nickname: Cath

Two word self description: Calm yet determined!

Quote to live by: As a face is reflected in water, so do we reflect each other. - Tanya: Jewish source

Dalene Devereux Event Manager: Pocket CV: I joined Idea Engineers as event manager in June 2009. With 14 years of experience in the events industry, I have a good grasp on how to run a successful event from beginning to end. My experience includes time spent at leading organisations such as Montecasino's Corporate Events division, the Big Company and Unisys.

Nickname(s): Dee

Two word self description: Coffee Please!

Quote to live by: Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up. - Jesse Jackson

Karen Peacock Production Manager: Pocket CV: Before joining idea Engineers, I worked for a wide spread of companies including BP Petroleum Head Office (PR Division), Tower Group Recruitment, and Clarins. I am currently the Production Manager at Idea Engineers and have the unique opportunity to be involved with all the Idea Engineers client on some level or another.

Nickname /s: Kar's.

Two word self description: Traffic Cop.

Quote / phrase to live by: Life is what you make of it, so live it to the fullest as if it's the last day.

Shane Saunders Account Manager - Advertising: Pocket CV: I am an experienced marketing executive with more than five years of experience in account management, project management, marketing, events management, public relations, graphic design and media. Before joining Idea Engineers as advertising account manager for BlackBerry (RIM) & AMSCO I worked for the Old Shanghai Firecracker Factory. Prior to that, I worked for Media24's Fin24 brand, which includes Finweek Magazine and the website, www.fin24.com (South Africa's largest financial website).

I’ve also helped to grow the brands Ronin GMS and Ronin PFS within the agricultural sector. Within the advertising industry, I have managed accounts such as Mitsubishi Motors, the Southern African Poultry Association, Business Trust, Gorgeous Hair Products and World Vision Sport.

Nickname(s): Shani

Two word self description: Free spirit

Quote to live by: Everything happens for a reason

Lerato Mnguni PR Account Executive: Pocket CV: I was born and raised in Johannesburg. I earned a National Diploma in Public Relations Management from Tshwane University of Technology before joining Succeed Magazine as marketing intern. Subsequently, I moved into the fashion industry and worked for Sun Goddess as Public Relations and Media Assistant. I started at Idea Engineers in May 2008 as Account Executive for Gold Reef City Theme Park.

Nickname/s: Ask me later!

Self Description: Fun loving

Quote/ Phrase: Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten - Gucci Slogan

Leany Erasmus PR Account Executive: Pocket CV: After completing my B.com (Hons) Communication Management degree at The University of Pretoria, I kicked of my career at Soul Circle where I worked on clients DMX Music Africa, South African Post Office, African Bank and innovationTOWN. I later joined Lesley Simpson Communications, which specialises in public relations in the travel and tourism industry.

At Idea Engineers, I am Account Executive for clients Gold Reef City Casino and Acceleration. Being a firm believer in always striving to expand ones skills and knowledge, I am currently enrolled in for my masters degree, where I will be measuring the impact that social media has on the public relations industry in South Africa.

Nickname/s: Lala

Two word self description: True Taurus

Quote / phrase to live by: In order to be an immaculate member of a flock of sheep, one must above all be a sheep oneself. (Albert Einstein)

Del-Mari van der Merwe PR Acount Executive: Pocket CV: While completing my BTech (Hons) in Public Relations Management I was a manager at a Floristry and Events business specializing on customer service regarding floristry, functions and weddings. I later joined Development Communication Solutions, a development communication agency, as a Communication Consultant and Events Manager, specializing in communication in the development industry. I worked with the following clients: The Swiss South African Corporation Initiative (SSACI), Child Welfare South Africa (CWSA), Restorative Justice Centre, Bridal Bliss Wedding Emporium, Caring Hands Foundation for the deaf, Vukani-Ubuntu, and DR Elarduspark,

I am thrilled to be an Idea Engineer as well as to be part of the Research In Motion (RIM) BlackBerry PR team. I believe that if you put your mind and heart to it, you can achieve the greatest success.

Nickname/s: Del, Della

Two word self description: “Blonde Moments”

Quote / phrase to live by: “Be the best that you can be & be true to yourself!” – My wonderful mother!

Constance Walaza Office Assistant Manager: Pocket CV: I started my career as a nurse (child minder) in 2003, working for an agency called Joyous Care. By 2005, I was a private nurse working as a child minder. I have now moved into the business world as the receptionist of Idea Engineers, with the aim of learning from the other people I work with.

Nickname: Con

Two word self description: Cool, calm

Quote/Phrase to live by: Live life fully while you are still alive.

Duduzile Mthembu Receptionist: Pocket CV: Before joining Idea engineers, I’ve worked for Motor Industry in Jo’burg for a year, then 2006 I joined the Architectural Industry, Company called Batley Partners for the past three years. I completed my Matric in 2000, and then studied; I have obtained my Certificate for Human Resource Management in CJC.

Nickname /s: Dudes

Two word self description: Patience and Respect.

Quote / phrase to live by: Success is not a matter of being the best and winning the race, Success is a matter of handling the worst & finishing the race.

Nolwazi Hlebela Junior Account Executive: Pocket CV: I started working for Ideaengineers in 2007 as the face and the voice of the Company. I was recently promoted to Junior Account Executive assisting on the Gold Reef City Account. I’m very happy for the opportunity given to me to grown within the company and spread my wings.

Nickname: Nolz

Two word self description: Go-Getter and Ambitious

Quote to live by: Life is all about choices not chances


My-Girl Tea-Lady:
Pocket CV: I started working at Old Shanghai as a tea lady in 1998 then joined Idea Engineers in 2006.

Nickname /s: Girly

Two word self description: Happy and dedicated

Quote / phrase to live by: Making tea that everyone enjoys all day long.