About us

HKLM is a global strategic branding, marketing, and communications agency that's all about creating impactful change through brands.

We believe that brands can change the world for good, and we're passionate about making that happen. We're a team of creative thinkers, strategists, and doers who are always pushing the boundaries to create something truly impactful. Our approach is not just about creating beautiful designs; it's about understanding our clients' businesses, their goals, and their customers to develop strategies that drive results.

No challenge is too great, no idea is too bold. We're the agency that can Think, Create, and Deliver to make a real impact.

Our senior team

Gary Harwood

Founder & Director

Dr. Sean McCoy

Founder & Director

Zahra Mirza

Managing Director

Catherine Kruger

Executive Creative Director

Wynand Botha

Creative Director

Elzette Ferreira

Group Financial Manager

Our history

2003
2003
2003
2004
2004
2007
2010
2013
2013
2016
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2023

2003

HKLM founded.

In 2003 four entrepreneurs with a deep passion for the African continent and with very diverse sets of skills teamed up to form a branding and design agency.

2003

Vuvuzela tradition

The tradition of announcing new client wins by blowing the vuvuzela was started and continues today.

2003

First invoiced client

Scooter’s Pizza was the first invoiced client with billings of R10 000.

2004

Specialist brand agency of the year

HKLM wins Ad Focus Award for specialist agency of the year.

2004

The green bank

HKLM becomes the brand agency for Nedbank, a relationship that lasted 16 years.

2007

Birds come flying

HKLM Wins a first Loerie for the Singita brochure.

2010

The world awaits

By now HKLM has expanded into the rest of Africa and the world, securing major projects in Russia, Dubai, India, China, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Seychelles, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Libya.

2013

Double digits

HKLM celebrates 10 years of creating impactful change through brands!

2013

Places and spaces

Big environmental retail design project and roll out for Nedbank.

2016

Connecting people with purpose

Employee engagement expands on an international scale with a values alignment programme for Datatec, Logicalis and Westcon-Comstor.

2016

Putting health on the map

Working with Roche on a global scale for a variety of diagnostic product brands serves as the first introduction into the health and medical industry.

2017

A new look for Nedbank

Loeries finalist for the Nedbank brand evolution to be Africa’s most admired financial services brand.

2018

Digital disruption

New services offered in digital marketing.

2019

A new dawn

HKLM in collaboration with DASH wins CSS Awards for the Tswalu website in UX, UI and innovation design.

2020

The future re-imagined

UJ walks away with 6 Mace awards for the campaign titled: The future belongs to those who re-imagine it.

2021

Simplified, digital, African

HKLM wins a Loerie for the RMB Rebrand and is ranked in the top 5 design agencies, with designers in the top 30 in Africa and the Middle East.

2023

The roaring twenties begin

HKLM celebrates 20 years.
2003
2003
2003
2004
2004
2007
2010
2013
2013
2016
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2023

Our approach

Think

Shape Success

When we say "Think," we mean diving deep into the heart and soul of your business. We believe that by taking the time to think deeply about your business, we can create innovative solutions that truly resonates with your customers and drives meaningful results. It's in these moments of deep exploration that we find inspiration to drive creative solutions. This thoughtful exploration uncovers hidden gems, sparks innovative ideas, and paves the way for a solid foundation to build upon.

Create

Boldy innovate

Creation is where the magic happens. We see ourselves as champions of our clients' brands and custodians of their vision. We stretch the boundaries of what's possible, infusing our clients' brands with innovation, longevity, and resonance. This includes the development of strategies, brand identities, marketing campaigns, and more. With passion and expertise, we craft unforgettable experiences, building upon the foundations of your brand’s identity. We thrive on the synergy of collaboration, working hand-in-hand with our clients to refine and amplify their ideas. Through our creations, we empower our clients to stand out, to make a lasting impression, and to forge powerful connections with their audiences.

Deliver

Amplify impact

Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of your needs and a commitment to delivering effective solutions that help organisations to stand out and achieve their goals in an ever-changing business landscape. It’s more than just fulfilling obligations; it's a commitment to excellence. We take pride in going above and beyond the initial creative expression. We fine-tune and refine our innovative ideas, ensuring they align perfectly with our clients' goals and aspirations. We continue to service the brand, nurturing it with care and dedication. We believe in forging enduring relationships built on trust, integrity, and a shared commitment to growth.

Our global impact

Overview
Australia
Australia
Austria
Austria
Bahrain
Bahrain
Benin_Republic
Benin Republic
Botswana
Botswana
Cameroon
Cameroon
Canada
Canada
China
China
Egypt
Egypt
Eswathini
Eswathini
Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Germany
Germany
Ghana
Ghana
India
India
Kenya
Kenya
Kuwait
Kuwait
Libya
Libya
Malawi
Malawi
Mauritius
Mauritius
Mozambique
Mozambique
Namibia
Namibia
Nigeria
Nigeria
Panama
Panama
Qatar
Qatar
Russia
Russia
Rwanda
Rwanda
Saudi_Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Senegal
Seychelles
Seychelles
South_Africa
South Africa
Switzerland
Switzerland
Tanzania
Tanzania
UAE
UAE
Uganda
Uganda
UK
UK
USA
USA
Zambia
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe

Our clients

Cross sector overview
Education
Fast moving consumer goods & retail
Financial services
Leisure & hospitality
Manufacturing & industrial
Medical products & healthcare services
Mining & resources
Personal branding
Professional services
Property development & real estate
Quick service restaurants & franchising
Social responsibility
Telecoms & information technology
Transport & logistics
Select filter option
Cross sector overview
Education
Fast moving consumer goods & retail
Financial services
Leisure & hospitality
Manufacturing & industrial
Medical products & healthcare services
Mining & resources
Personal branding
Professional services
Property development & real estate
Quick service restaurants & franchising
Social responsibility
Telecoms & information technology
Transport & logistics

Want to find out more?