BET Africa and Paramount Africa Partner with Black Executive CMO Alliance (BECA) to Host Groundbreaking Symposium for Black Professionals in South Africa

Event to champion diversity, representation and opportunity by providing insights and access to world-class Black C-suite leaders

BET Africa, a champion for Black excellence, is proud to announce its role as the official media partner for the highly anticipated Black Executive CMO Alliance (BECA) Symposium, a landmark event set to take place in Johannesburg on 31 January 2025. BECA was formed in March 2021 as an alliance of Black C-suite executives from some of the world’s most respected brands – representing nearly $1 trillion in market cap – with the mission to Share, Learn, Elevate and Pay it Forward to the next generation of Black talent. This signature event partnership marks an important milestone, bringing together Black professionals to celebrate their achievements, build networks, and foster a culture of inclusion in the corporate environment.

The BECA Symposium is dedicated to empowering Black professionals by creating a dynamic space for career development and personal growth – providing valuable opportunities for learning, mentorship and leadership training. It also aims to address broader systemic challenges by helping to shift the corporate landscape towards greater diversity and representation, ultimately opening doors for Black professionals to rise into leadership roles and influence the future of business.

“The BECA Symposium provides Black professionals with the tools and insights needed to accelerate their careers, with an aim toward creating greater access to leadership opportunities and personal development,” said Jerri DeVard, BECA Founder and CEO. “As part of our commitment to ‘pay it forward,’ we are excited to bring the BECA Symposium to Johannesburg for the first time and welcome this opportunity to foster a unique platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among peers, industry leaders and rising talent – promoting a sense of community and solidarity.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, BET Africa recognizes the power of representation and the importance of creating diverse, inclusive spaces where innovation can thrive. By partnering with the BECA, BET Africa amplifies the voices of Black professionals and contributes to the growing momentum for change within the business world.

“BET Africa is proud to be a part of this initiative that not only uplifts individuals but also aims to drive meaningful change in the broader corporate landscape by encouraging inclusivity and diversity in leadership. This partnership with BECA represents a commitment to systemic change and aligns with BET Africa’s broader efforts to support diverse voices, stories, and perspectives across its programming. BET Africa understands that the future of creative storytelling lies in its ability to connect authentically with and understand a diverse range of audiences—and this conference is a pivotal moment in that journey.” said Monde Twala, SVP and GM for Paramount Africa and Lead, BET International.

The BECA Symposium aims to not only highlight the talent of Black professionals but also inspire the next generation of leaders. The impact of this initiative will be felt not just in the short term, but for years to come, as it helps lay the foundation for lasting, systemic change in corporate leadership.

The BECA Symposium will take place on 31 January at WPP Campus Johannesburg, 20 Woodlands Drive, Woodmead. Tickets are available on Quicket for R1250. Speakers include Frank Starling, Chief DEI Officer of Lions, Clare Akamanzi, NBA Africa CEO and more. The event is presented by Jerri DeVard, BECA Founder and CEO and hosted by  WPP South Africa Country Office Manager, Tebogo Skwambane. For more information about attending the BECA Symposium or to find out how your brand can get involved, please contact: info@blackexec.com. For more information on BECA, visit www.blackexec.com.