With 30 years of experience in FMCG, financial services, automotive and retail advertising, Mike Abel is recognised as one of Africa’s leading marketing, advertising and communications specialists. He has co-led the largest communications group in Africa, Ogilvy South Africa; he ran the prestigious M+C Saatchi Group in Australia; and in February 2010, he founded M+C Saatchi Abel, which to date is credited with being the fastest-growing advertising agency in the history of South Africa.

From start-up, the agency exceeded R100 million in gross profit per annum within three years of opening. In 2012, it was recognised as the Breakthrough Agency in South Africa by Finweek, and Mike was honoured as the Advertising Achiever of the Year. In 2015, just five years after opening its doors, M+C Saatchi Abel was named Agency of the Year by Financial Mail. Today The Up&Up Group comprises seven companies across Africa: M+C Saatchi Abel (Cape Town and Johannesburg), Connect, Black & White Consulting, Levergy, Razor and 2Stories. It has an outstanding blue-chip client base, and over 500 talented staff across its seven offices.

Under the toughest economic climate, Mike and his partners have built a top-five communications company in South Africa, one that is regarded as the “jewel in the crown” of the M+C Saatchi group. M+C Saatchi Abel is involved in various social impact initiatives, including the Street Store – the world’s first free “pop-up-clothing store” for the homeless. Mike’s personal interest in driving entrepreneurship has led him to consult to and support many NGOs and political parties in South Africa, to help build the economy and take on the scourge of corruption. He is a regularly published columnist and sought-after public speaker, and holds a strong interest in furthering global interest in contemporary African art.