Algoa FM\u2019s financial director Kevin Reed is retiring after 35 years in the media industry \u2013 and a job interview during which he was dressed \u201cin lumo green shorts, a white T-shirt and white flip-flops\u201d.<\/p>\n
There is an explanation \u2013 having started a financial consulting business in 2000, he thought he had been invited for a studio interview.<\/p>\n
Fortunately for all, Algoa FM is the place where \u201cfun is a serious business\u201d and following the February 2000 interview he was hired as financial manager. Within three years he had been appointed financial director and deputy managing director.<\/p>\n
It sometimes comes as a surprise to people who know the outgoing and extroverted side of Reed to find out that, once behind his computer, he has a totally different approach to life.<\/p>\n
\u201cAccounting is the most exact science. Debits always equal credits and don\u2019t try to reinvent the abacus.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe accounting team must never lose sight of the fact that accurate, timeous and meaningful financial and analytical information empowers management, the board and the group, to make informed strategic decisions that benefit all stakeholders,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Reed\u2019s introduction to the media was with the then EP Newspapers, as financial accountant between 1985 and late 1998.<\/p>\n
After joining Algoa FM, he gained an in-depth knowledge of radio by attending international conventions such as the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in Dallas, Texas, and spending time at various radio stations in London, including the iconic Capital Radio and Virgin.<\/p>\n
He has also worked with NRSmedia in Sydney, Australia, to develop new advertising packages and approaches for Algoa FM\u2019s clients.<\/p>\n
Radio is now firmly in his blood, and Reed believes that it is now the most powerful communication medium for companies wanting to connect with their customers in a defined broadcast area.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn an evolving media landscape Algoa FM is best positioned to partner with clients to help them promote their brand from the Garden Route to the Wild Coast and through the Karoo,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Looking back, the professional achievements of which he is most proud are 21 years of clean audits at Algoa FM and building a strong team, which will now be headed by Desir\u00e9 Killian.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe small finance team is well equipped to take care of the financial and statutory obligations. I have to thank them for their commitment and professionalism, which allows me to retire knowing that the finances of Algoa FM are in very competent hands,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Then there is the fun aspect \u2013 through Algoa FM, Reed has met \u201cin person\u201d a number of superstars, including Shaggy, Belinda Carlisle, James Blunt, Will Young, Josh Groban, Celine Dion and Sting (with his family).<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the media we often take for granted how fortunate we are to share our working environment with champions who have diverse talents, creativity and passion. Media houses are a hotbed of human capital and intellectual property\u201d.<\/p>\n
The outgoing financial director is the epitome of the lifestyle of the typical Algoa FM listener \u2013 \u201cmy passions are food, travel and aircraft. Food and travel I believe are the greatest ways to appreciate and try new things and experience cultural diversity,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Thanks to Covid, travel plans are on the back-burner.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will be letting the corporate spring unwind and spend time with the way too many people I need to catch up with. I have worked for almost 50 years, starting as a packer at the first Pick n Pay at Lynwood in Pretoria, so it is now time to chill.<\/p>\n
\u201cI look forward to making awesome meals and travelling with my hubby. If that\u2019s not physically possible, I can be found checking out planes at the airport or using an app to follow flights around the world\u201d.<\/p>\n
His advice to a younger Kevin: \u201cDo not take time for granted. It goes by at the blink of an eye, especially when you are working hard and having fun at the same time.<\/p>\n
\u201cStart saving as soon as you can, but ensure you balance your life\u2019s journey with treats and spoils.<\/p>\n
\u201cSurround yourself with the best people, for the right reason. But, mostly, ensure that your life is made up of a sequence of entertaining and engaging stories\u201d.<\/p>\n Video:<\/strong> Algoa FM financial director steps down after 35 years in media<\/p>\n More Info on Algoa FM financial director steps down after 35 years in media here:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.algoafm.co.za\/<\/a> CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za<\/a>.<\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/algoa-fm-financial-director-steps-down-after-35-years-in-media.jpg\")
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