Cobus Heyl

Cobus Heyl has a diverse work experience spanning from 1993 to the present. Cobus co-founded Di5rupt in 2021 and currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the media intelligence and connections business. Prior to that, they were an investor at Burn Media Group (PTY) Ltd, a niche media business focused on tech, startups, and the investor ecosystem.

In 2022, Cobus worked as a Contributing Author at NB-Uitgewers/Publishers, contributing to a book titled "Vêr in die Wêreld" (Far in the World), which featured stories from South African expat writers.

From 2014 to 2021, Cobus held the role of Chief Marketing and Content Officer at FIPP - Connecting Global Media, a B2B organization for global media companies. Cobus was a part of the executive team and worked closely with major media organizations worldwide.

Before joining FIPP, Cobus was the Business Development Director at Audience Media, a Barcelona-based SaaS media-tech provider. Cobus focused on go-to-market business development strategy for the UK and Africa. Cobus later left Audience Media to join FIPP on a sponsored visa and became a British citizen in late 2019.

In 2010, Cobus took a career sabbatical and completed an MSc in e-Business at Newcastle University Business School in the UK. During this time, they also advised a Newcastle-based startup, offering a data and rewards platform, through successful funding rounds.

From 2004 to 2010, Cobus worked for Naspers Limited, a leading Internet, pay-TV, and publishing company globally. Cobus held various roles, including Director of MIH Internet EA and EAMD, General Manager/VP at MIH Internet Africa, and Managing Director EAMD (Media24) & General Manager/President at EAM (JV). In these roles, they were responsible for operations management, commercial development, and potential M&A activity in East and West Africa.

Cobus's earliest work experience dates back to 1993 when they worked as a Journalist and Editor at Media24 (Pty) Ltd, a South African media company. Cobus played a significant role in developing digital culture and teams, as well as creating successful digital brands.

Overall, Cobus Heyl has extensive experience in media, tech, startups, and global connections, with a strong focus on business development, marketing, and content strategy.

Cobus Heyl has a diverse education history. In 1990, they obtained a Bachelor's degree in Communication and Politics from the University of Johannesburg. Cobus then pursued their interest in journalism and completed an Honours Degree in Journalism from Stellenbosch University in 1993. In 2002, Cobus obtained a Certificate in Media Management from the same institution. In 2010 and 2011, they attended Newcastle University, where they earned a Master of Science (MSc) degree in eBusiness. In 2015, Cobus attended Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, where they completed an Executive Programme for Innovation and Change and received a Certificate. Additionally, Cobus has engaged in ongoing learning through various short courses and study tours, with a focus on digital media, e-commerce, virtual events, and related subjects.