South Africa’s Open Chair allocated 12 tickets to this year’s Cannes Lions to 12 women in the industry, and we are thrilled to share that Retroviral’s Creative Director, Koketso Masisi, won a coveted pass. The Classic Pass winners, of which Masisi is one, represent more than experience; they represent the power of presence, perspective, and leadership in the rooms that matter most.
“Three years ago, I stood before my team at Retroviral and declared a bold vision that I would one day attend the Cannes Festival. I had no concrete plan, just an unwavering belief that consistent hard work would open the right doors,” says Masisi. “Winning the pass on the very day of our Ko.Kreate launch felt like pure serendipity—an affirmation that I am on the right path.”
“Thank you to my incredible team at Retroviral for being my loudest cheerleaders and unwavering advocates of my story and dreams. And to the Women at Open Chair—thank you for paying it forward and paving the way for aspiring women in the industry” she concluded.
“We are proud of our approach to talent development and our pathways for junior to senior evolution. Koketso was highlighted as young, gifted and killing it on MarkLives just two years ago as lead designer and now becomes the first Retroviral representative at Cannes. Thank you to Suhana and the Open Chair team – we are allied in your mission to break through glass ceilings for our industry and to prove what’s possible for other businesses in South Africa” said Mike Sharman, CCO of Retroviral
“Koketso is a testament to the power of ambition and creativity—boldly stepping up, pushing boundaries, and seizing every opportunity. Her talent, drive, and vision set the standard for the next generation of industry leaders and we are so proud of her” said Retroviral MD, Pippa Misplon.