Our Story
2 offices. 25 people. Continent-wide network. Global capability.
To understand just how far ByDesign has come, it’s important to look at the journey. Back in September 2016, ByDesign launched to help big companies tell their stories in the media. That’s the simplest and most accurate story of the big goal. And it worked. The agency launched, grew, hired. We gained clients, built its content generation capabilities. We won awards and formed great partnerships.
To understand just how far ByDesign has come, it’s important to look at the journey. Back in September 2016, ByDesign launched to help big companies tell their stories in the media. That’s the simplest and most accurate story of the big goal. And it worked. The agency launched, grew, hired. We gained clients, built its content generation capabilities. We won awards and formed great partnerships.
Then, over time, as the world grew ever-more digital – spurred on in no small measure by Covid – ByDesign built its digital capabilities to the point where it launched its bespoke digital agency, ByDesign Digital. Google Ads, social media (Meta – Instagram & Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, X), paid media, lead generation, LinkedIn training, SEO and web development were added to the offering. Did it work? Yes.
At the same time, strategy capabilities were built to incorporate all aspects of communications in the marketing mix, aligning to business needs, and looking at all audiences and all channels.
More recently, we’ve partnered to offer full-service Investor Relations capabilities, and partnered on the research front. We’ve expanded our geographic footprint with ‘boots on the ground’ in the Western Cape.
The simple PR agency that launched years ago has evolved into something much bigger. It’s no longer a stand-aloe media relations agency. It has become an integral part of clients’ communications strategies and functions. And, as the ecosystem matures, it will likely need to align even more closely. What a time to be in Communication.
Then, over time, as the world grew ever-more digital – spurred on in no small measure by Covid – ByDesign built its digital capabilities to the point where it launched its bespoke digital agency, ByDesign Digital. Google Ads, social media (Meta – Instagram & Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, X), paid media, lead generation, LinkedIn training, SEO and web development were added to the offering. Did it work? Yes.
At the same time, strategy capabilities were built to incorporate all aspects of communications in the marketing mix, aligning to business needs, and looking at all audiences and all channels.
More recently, we’ve partnered to offer full-service Investor Relations capabilities, and partnered on the research front. We’ve expanded our geographic footprint with ‘boots on the ground’ in the Western Cape.
The simple PR agency that launched years ago has evolved into something much bigger. It’s no longer a stand-alone media relations agency. It has become an integral part of clients’ communications strategies and functions. And as the ecosystem matures, it will likely need to align ever more closely.
What a time to be in Communication.
Vanessa Baard
Vanessa Baard is a Director of ByDesign Communications. With 25 years of industry experience, she began her career at a leading global communications firm in Johannesburg before founding ByDesign in 2016. Vanessa brings deep expertise in strategy development, crisis management, media training, and content creation across a range of business-to-business clients.
She has led high-impact and award-winning communications for major corporates including Anglo American, the International Finance Corporation, Barclays Africa Group, FNB, Visa, and the Omidyar Network. Vanessa works closely with clients to craft messages and uncover stories that bring their purpose and priorities to life.
She has experience supporting listed companies with sustained, integrated communication programmes that align with business strategy and support stakeholder engagement. Working alongside investor relations teams, she helps shape clear, consistent narratives that reinforce market positioning and land across media, leadership platforms, and internal channels.
Vanessa is no stranger to international events such as the World Economic Forum on Africa, having attended key Forums in Cape Town, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. She has led Forum programmes for clients including Barclays Africa, Visa, and the Omidyar Network, and understands how to translate corporate messaging into compelling media moments that align with WEF objectives.
Kevin Welman
Kevin Welman is a Director of ByDesign Communications. He brings over 25 years of experience in corporate communication strategy, media and social media strategy and crisis communication.
Before co-founding ByDesign, Kevin led a multinational PR agency for nine years. Under his leadership, the agency was named PRISA’s Best Large-Sized Agency of the Year twice (2014 and 2015), Best Pan-African Agency at the African Excellence Awards (2016), and Most Innovative Agency at the EMEA SABRE Awards (2016).
Since its launch in 2016, ByDesign has earned significant recognition, including Best New Agency in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (SABRE Awards), a Cannes Lion for a breakthrough Mercedes-Benz campaign in 2018, and more than 50 local PRISM Awards.
Kevin’s client portfolio spans a range of industries and leading brands, including SAP, adidas, General Electric, DaimlerChrysler, FirstRand (including FNB), LG Electronics, Microsoft, and TransUnion.
He is a regular speaker at industry events, with highlights including presentations at the World Economic Forum, a charity event at South Africa House in London, and the opening keynote at the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Conference in Johannesburg in 2015.