THOMAS OKES
24 Andries Pretorius Street, Somerset West
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INTRODUCTION
Damn fine writer. Equally excellent editor. And a magical manager of talent.
I'm the editor in charge of managing content marketing for SA’s largest
healthcare brand, with a master's degree in English literature, and have many
years of experience in producing and editing high-quality stories on everything
from mental and physical health to sports, travel, and adventure.
CURRENT POSITION
New Media
Brand Editor: Mediclinic & ER24
2017-PRESENT
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Responsible for implementing the editorial strategy, in print and digital.
Leading a team of full time staff and building a base of freelance talent.
Compiling content lists (print and digital) and presenting these both
internally and to client.
Leading planning and review meetings.
Briefing contributors, including freelancers.
Writing, rewriting or collating features for print and digital/social.
Approving all completed work.
Constantly reading and researching to keep up with the latest thinking
and trends in healthcare and in media.
Ensuring superb work is delivered on time and within budget.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Men’s Health SA
Managing Editor
2014 TO 2017
Associated Magazines
Chief Copy Editor & Books Editor
2011 TO 2014
DRUM
Sub Editor
2009 TO 2011
EDUCATION
University of Cape Town
Master of Arts: Language & Literature
2009
University of Cape Town
BA (Hons) English Literature
2006
University of Cape Town
BA Cultural & Literary Studies
2002 TO 2005
MID-CAREER DEVELOPMENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Penguin Random House
Non-Fiction Story Course
2016
In this course I worked with acclaimed local author Mike Nicol in creating a
manuscript and readying it for publication. The chapter revolves around the
true story of a young man from Tanzania who walked to South Africa at the
age of 16, jumped the border and spent two years on the street, mute, until he
was picked up by an NGO. There, he is introduced to the sport of boxing. A
few years later he is a qualified trainer, helping corporates and
underprivileged kids lose weight, get fit, and swing a punch or two of their
own.
