Cape town: CEM Africa, Africa's leading customer experience conference, has announced three internationally respected speakers who will take to the stage at CEM Africa 2026, taking place from 18 - 20 August 2026 in Cape Town. According to African Press Organization, CEM Africa continues to attract influential voices who challenge conventional thinking and share practical insights that organisations can apply to create stronger customer relationships and better business outcomes. Joining this year's programme are Martin Urrutia, Global Head of Retail Experience at The LEGO Group; Bruce Whitfield, one of South Africa's most respected business journalists and best-selling authors; and Zahirah Variawa, Emmy-nominated television presenter, award-winning travel producer and destination marketing strategist. Together, they represent three distinct but complementary perspectives on leadership, customer experience and business transformation. Making his South African debut at CEM Africa, Martin Urrutia brings exten sive global expertise in retail experience design and customer engagement. As the Global Head of Retail Experience at The LEGO Group, Martin leads the development of retail concepts and customer experiences that strengthen one of the world's most recognised brands. His work demonstrates how thoughtful experience design, innovation and brand strategy can be translated into commercially successful customer experiences across global markets. Bruce Whitfield has built a reputation as one of South Africa's most trusted business commentators, interviewing some of the world's leading executives, entrepreneurs and innovators throughout his career. Drawing on decades of experience covering business, leadership and economic change, Bruce will explore how leaders can make better decisions, embrace uncertainty and identify opportunity in rapidly changing environments. Joining the programme is Zahirah Variawa, whose career spans more than 16 years across Africa, the Middle East and international markets. An Emmy-nominat ed television presenter, award-winning travel producer, content creator and destination marketing strategist, Zahirah has partnered with tourism boards, governments, airlines and luxury hospitality brands to shape how destinations are experienced and remembered. The announcement reinforces CEM Africa's position as the continent's premier gathering for senior customer experience professionals, bringing together business leaders to explore the ideas, strategies and innovations shaping the future of customer engagement. From world-class retail innovation and leadership to the power of storytelling, delegates will gain practical insights from speakers whose experience extends well beyond traditional customer experience disciplines. Together, they demonstrate that exceptional customer experiences are shaped by design, strengthened by leadership and brought to life through authentic human connection. CEM Africa 2026 takes place in Cape Town from 18-20 August 2026, bringing together senior decision-makers from fin ancial services, retail, telecommunications, healthcare, technology, government and other leading industries for three days of learning, networking and business collaboration.
