As part of the change, Oxigen Communications will become Jester Integrated Marketing, marking the next chapter for the marketing business established in 2011.

The existing team, client relationships and core marketing services remain in place, with the business expanding its capabilities in areas including sales enablement, lead generation, AI and automation, says the group.

The Jester Group says it will provide the overarching structure for three specialist businesses:

  • Jester Sports and Entertainment: Sponsorship, commercial rights, sports properties and entertainment.
  • Jester Integrated Marketing: Marketing, digital, creative, sales enablement, lead generation and AI solutions.
  • Jester Talent: Talent management, representation and commercial partnerships.

Each business retains its specialist focus and client relationships while having access to the capabilities and expertise available across the wider Group.

"This is an important step for the business and a natural progression of what we've been building," says LJ Swart, Founder of The Jester Group.

"The businesses we work with are constantly evolving, and we believe their partners should be doing the same. This next chapter allows each of our specialist businesses to sharpen its own offering, while creating the ability to draw on expertise from across the Group where it adds value," adds Swart. "Ultimately, it gives our clients greater choice, broader capability and access to the right solutions for their specific business needs."

As Jester Integrated Marketing, the business says it will continue its aim to provide established marketing, digital and creative services, while placing greater emphasis on connecting marketing activity to broader business objectives.

Part of this development includes the use of AI and automation in areas such as lead generation, sales processes, customer engagement and data analysis. Rather than treating AI as a standalone marketing service, the focus will be on identifying practical applications where technology can support existing marketing and business processes, says the group.

"Marketing continues to change, and our role needs to evolve with it," says Swart. "Creative, strategy and communication remain important, but there are also opportunities to use technology more effectively to support how businesses find, engage and convert customers. We want to develop those capabilities in a practical way and apply them where they genuinely add value."

The Group structure also aims to allow Jester Sports and Entertainment, Jester Integrated Marketing and Jester Talent to continue developing within their respective areas of expertise, while making collaboration between the businesses easier when it is relevant to a client, partner, or project, says the group.

"We're not asking clients to buy everything we do," adds Swart. "Each business has its own purpose and needs to stand on its own. The advantage of the Group is simply that, when a client needs expertise beyond one area, we can bring the most effective solutions together."

The Jester Group concludes that it will continue to develop each of its businesses independently while exploring opportunities to connect, develop new capabilities and build partnerships where these make commercial sense.

For more information, visit www.jestergroup.co.za. You can also follow The Jester Group on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor