Swank Projects founder, Henk Swanepoel, has extensive experience in promotions and Eventing. He graduated with a BA (International Politics) degree from the University of Pretoria. While at the University of Pretoria, he was Marketing and Promotions Manager of Radio Tuks (the campus radio station of the University of Pretoria) and later Head of Radio Tuks, as well as on the student council and the standing intervarsity committee. He pursued a career in marketing, promotions and advertising, after leaving University.
CenterNet Radio first employed him as marketing manager, promotions and events coordinator. He then joined the Namibian Broadcast Corporation as their South African marketing representative, events and promotions organiser. Following this he was employed by Times Media Limited, and later transferred to Natal in the position of National Sales Manager – KwaZulu Natal.
After TML he was appointed by the South African Broadcasting Corporation in the position as sales manager for the national radio station 5fm. While at 5fm he was offered the opportunity to be a Director of Essential Events Management, which he accepted. Essential Events Management amalgamated with Gestomar Communications and Henk held the position as Managing Director of the new entity Ruthven Events. He subsequently relocated to Ballito in 2001 and started Swank Projects & Swank Concept Factory.
Awards and achievements:
- Finalist for the Tommy Young Advertising Award in 1996 & 1997.
- Conceptualised and presented an industrial theatre presentation for 5 fm to advertising agencies and selected clients that won a Advertising and Marketing Industry’s Gold Loerie Award.
- Elected Vice Chairman of Advertising & Media Association of South Africa (AMASA) for KwaZulu-Natal.
- Received the Meintjes Parker Award for outstanding client service from a media owner.
Events & Promotions Experience
- Dolphin Coast Umdwebo (www.umdwebo.co.za), which is a 6 day lifestyle festival in held Ballito in conjunction with the Kwadukuza Municipality consisting of:
- Grand opening at Zimbali with the Mayor of Kwadukuza
- Ladies ‘mad hatters affair ’ Lunch at The Kingdom
- Art Exhibition at Ballito Manor
- Cognac and cigar tasting evening at Zimbali
- Opera Concert at The Boathouse
- Black Tie & Ball room gown but no shoes sit down dinner on the Salt Rock beach
- Under water safari dinner for Toyota South Africa
- Team building dinner for British Telecom
- Ladies Day for Toyota South Africa
- Horse relay on beach from Zimbali to Sibaya Casino & Entertainment world
- Spring Ball for the Nick Rey Foundation Trust
- 3 day 50th birthday celebration in Uniondale:
- Theater evening with Lizz Meiring & Coenie de Villiers
- Apple cart tour of the town
- Formal dinner
- Farm brunch
- 5fm national road show with industrial theatre presentation
- Johannes Kerkorrel Live Concert in Pretoria
- All African Games
- Houtstok Afrikaans Music Festival
- Cape Town Millennium Project
- Automobile Association nationwide roll out promotions
- Automobile Association promotion and refreshment point at the Comrades
- Launch of Glo-Toob at the World Summit
- Danone Clover National Promotions
- ‘Fantasia’ Fancy dress launch function
- National roll out launch for NBC’s new radio service
- “Absolutely Fabulous” Party
- National road show and promotions for CenterNet
- Breeze mist tunnel at the Comrades
- Renault South Africa National Field marketing campaign
- Nicro whistle week – Events, advertising & sponsorship
- Masakhane - National launch
- BAT – S.A. National Powerboat Championship
- AMASA – Christmas party
- Times Media Limited black-tie no shoes beach party
- Sunday Times Volleyball tournament
- 5fm Sound Blaster Live RPM National Dance tour
- Exhibitions and stands at shows:
- Danone Clover
- Automobile Association
- Namibian Broadcasting Corporation
- Breeze Shower gel
- Glo-toob
- Radio Tuks
- CenterNet/Sunshine Radio
