Mark Masai, the veteran TV anchor who was recently laid off by Nation Media Group, has quit the screen to try his hand at agency public relations and communications, a career-changing move that’s likely to dampen his screen prowess.
Masai has joined PMS Group, the PR and marketing company, as director of public relations and communications, where he will lead the PR and corporate communication department and in growing the agency’s market share. If he gets successful in PR, this could as well be the beginning of the end of his career in TV.
PMS Group roster of clients for communication services includes, among others, Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the Co-operative Bank, Bidco Africa and ICIPE. He is expected to lead the delivery of services to retain the client and attract more premium clients in the highly competitive PR market.
Mark Masai was among journalists sacked by Nation Media early December as it restructured to stay afloat amid dwindling revenues. After exiting NMG, Masai announced plans to set up his own podcast/digital show.
“This is not the end of my career in the media,” he said moments after receiving his termination letter. “I will be back on other platforms. All I have to say is watch this space.”
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PMS Group is banking on Masai to reinvigorate its PR and communications agency operations. The management said Mark’s extensive knowledge and expertise will be a major boost to the brands in its portfolio besides creating new PR solutions.
“In building a limitless centre of communication excellence, talent is key,” said Ms Joanne Mwangi-Yelbert, CEO and founder of PMS Group. “Mark’s entrance into our firm manifests our commitment to disrupting Africa’s PR and Communication market one country at a time.”
With more than 15 years’ experience in local and international media, Ms Mwangi-Yelbert says Mr Masai is expected to shape strategies and synergies for PMS Group. “Communication is my first language and I have a knack for speaking to an audience with a desired outcome,” Masai, who had worked 14 years at NMG, said of his appointment. “The market is open and I am ready to close the deals and grow brands.”
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At NTV, apart from presenting primetime news, he hosted Press Pass, a TV weekly show that interrogated and critiqued the big stories that are covered by local media.
