SmokeCI Announces New Leadership Appointment

[Johannesburg April 2024] Smoke Customer Intelligence, a leading provider of Customer Experience and Employee Engagement solutions, today announced a restructuring of its operations, resulting in the formation of distinct companies under the umbrella of The Smoke Group. This strategic move aims to streamline operations, enhance focus on core competencies, and drive growth in key market segments.

As part of this, Founding CEO, Andrew Cook, the visionary leader behind Smoke^CI’s inception and growth, will take up the role of Chairman of the Board and CEO of a new venture called HeadsUp. In this role, Cook will provide strategic guidance and oversee the group's overall direction, leveraging his extensive experience and industry knowledge to drive synergies and maximise value across all subsidiaries. As CEO of HeadsUp, Cook will be at the forefront of revolutionising how companies inspire and retain their talent.

Simultaneously, Grant Ansell has been appointed as the CEO of Smoke^CI. With a proven track record of leadership as COO within SmokeCI, Grant brings a wealth of experience to this role, poised to lead the business into its next phase of growth and success.

"I am excited to announce this strategic change and the appointment of Grant as CEO of Smoke^CI," said Cook, Chairman. "After an incredible 15 years at Smoke^CI, I have the utmost faith in Grant and the rest of the team and am looking forward to expanding the impact of the group through HeadsUp. This change to our model underscores our commitment to driving innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering value to our customers across the globe."

In addition to the leadership changes, Smoke^CI has undergone a brand refresh, reflecting its renewed focus and commitment to excellence within the South African market. The refreshed brand identity embodies the company's values and vision, reinforcing Smoke^CI's position as a main player in the region.

“This change is an exciting one that aligns with Smoke^CI's long-term vision and commitment to excellence, positioning the company for sustained growth and leadership in the sector.”, says Ansell, Smoke^CI CEO. “The Smoke^CI business remains dedicated to delivering best-in-class solutions and services for the local market while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration across all entities within The Smoke Group.”