About Andy Hadfield...

An expert in the design of Web 2.0 strategies and online communities, Andy Hadfield is internationally recognised as a pioneer on the South African web.

Andy’s groundbreaking work has led to numerous accolades, including being identified as a future South African leader by Common Purpose International and Brightest Young Minds. He also represented South Africa as a Web Ambassador in SABC’s TV series, S’Camto Groundbreakers.

His IT career began early when he successfully co-launched the largest national student portal at the time (www.gAL.co.za) while still studying at the University of Cape Town (UCT) for a degree in Communications. The site soon began to revolutionise the way corporate South Africa interacted with youth brands and helped companies understand and unlock the potential of the internet as a viable and measurable media channel. In fact, some might say it was the first social network to hit South Africa.

He then spent 4 years as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for The Virtual Works, where his unique approach to strategic technological development is evident in the company’s systems, such as the pioneering niche social networking site (www.designmind.co.za) and the Web 2.0 employee engagement solution developed for Deloitte Southern Africa.

He recently joined First National Bank Premier Division (www.fnb.co.za) to drive Web 2.0 adoption in the organisation. Trying to make banking sexy and socially web relevant, if you will...

Andy describes himself as a ‘new media evangelist’ and ‘almost a geek’, but only almost…

He can be found on almost every digital community, but catch his best musings on www.andyhadfield.com or www.twitter.com/followandyh.

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