WILDERNESS GROUP HEAD OF MARKETING

KATE MACWILLIAM

Kate joined Wilderness in 2016, contributing extensive digital marketing expertise and a passion for branding to the business. With a strong holistic understanding of marketing across multiple channels, Kate will lead the Wilderness Marketing strategy, driving brand awareness, consumer engagement and revenue growth through direct and B2B sales, collaborating with key stakeholders to develop growth strategies and business practices.

Growing up on a rose farm in Polokwane, South Africa, Kate’s childhood days were surrounded by animals – from Nguni cattle to geese, warthogs, horses, and more. One notable memory involves  hand-rearing an injured grey duiker named Bambi – a heartwarming experience – and one of many that have instilled in her a commitment to caring for our wild places.

Kate completed high school at Stanford Lake College in Magoebaskloof where she excelled in equestrian sports, proudly achieving her provincial colors. She then pursued her higher education at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where she graduated in 2008 with an Honours Degree in Media, Theory and Practice. During this time, she was also employed by UCT to tutor first-year students in film and media studies.

Kate’s professional journey began in 2008 when she joined Tip Africa Publishing, contributing to the award-winning environmental publication Wild magazine as a digital editor, journalist, and photographer. During her time at Wild, Kate had the opportunity to travel extensively through Southern Africa, exploring parks and reserves in the Wild Card portfolio.

Kate joined Londolozi Game Reserve in 2014 where she spent two years as the company’s Digital Marketing Manager, heading up their company communications. She treasured her time here, meeting guests from across the globe whilst surrounded by the bush and memorable daily encounters with wildlife.

Kate was welcomed into the Wilderness family in 2016 as a Senior Copywriter, a position she held for four years before progressing to Digital Marketing Manager and ultimately Head of Brand and Content in 2021. Her passion for Wilderness’ purpose drove her involvement in several impactful initiatives, including the 2022 rebrand.

Kate looks forward to her next Wilderness chapter as Group Head of Marketing. Reflecting on her Wilderness journey, she says, “I have always believed strongly in Wilderness’ vision and values. There are truly no greater areas where one can take in the immense space of untouched land, with each guest leaving far greater for having been a part of the life-enriching experiences Wilderness offers. I feel immensely proud to be working with a strong and dedicated team, to take Wilderness into its next exciting decade, while helping to contribute to making a positive and lasting impact on Earth’s wild places”.