Orchard on 25, a leading PR-led integrated creative agency, is proud to announce the appointment of Tshiamo Maremela as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the agency. His appointment comes after the devastating loss of Orchard on 25’s Founder and Head Honcho, Jay Badza, who passed away in March 2025. The agency has since been grieving this profound loss, but remains steadfast in its commitment to continuing Jay’s legacy of creativity, innovation, and excellence.
Maremela assumes the role with deep experience within the organization and a strong history of driving growth and strategic initiatives. Having worked closely with Jay since 2023 developing plans that will share the future of Orchard on 25, Tshiamo is uniquely positioned to lead the agency into its next phase of growth.
His career has been defined by his ability to deliver integrated, results-driven marketing strategies. He has worked with globally recognized brands such as Diageo, Nestlé, Glencore, and Tiger Brands. His expertise in business development, marketing integration, and cross-functional collaboration has earned him recognition as a leader in the field. In his new role, Maremela will focus on continuing Orchard on 25’s legacy of excellence while driving new innovation to meet the evolving needs of the agency’s clients.
“I’m humbled and honoured to step into the role of CEO at Orchard on 25 during this pivotal time. While we mourn the loss of Jay, I remain committed to carrying his vision forward. Change is never easy, but it brings new opportunities to grow and innovate. With the same talented team our clients know and trust, we’re more energised than ever to deliver the creative excellence Orchard on 25 is known for—and to shape a future built on growth, resilience, and bold idea,”, said Maremela.
Following a period of reflection and internal realignment after the passing of its beloved founder, Orchard on 25 is refocusing its purpose with a plan to double its business over the next 18 months. Already known for work that fuses heart and headlines, the agency is entering a bold new era — one defined by scale, systemisation, and a deepened commitment to storytelling that moves culture and drives business performance.
“We’re not starting from scratch. We’re building from a strong foundation — rooted in bold thinking and brave ideas that get people talking,” says the newly appointed CEO. “The next chapter of Orchard is about intentional growth. It’s about staying ahead of what’s culturally relevant, commercially impactful, and creatively powerful.” Maremela states
“What’s next for Orchard on 25 is a model of sustainable creativity. A place where performance and play can coexist. Where systems enable magic. Where stories are measured by the impact they create, not just the noise they make.” Maremela adds.
Tshiamo’s appointment as CEO marks a new chapter in the agency’s journey, one that honours Jay’s vision while also expanding the agency’s scope and capabilities. Under Maremela’s leadership, Orchard on 25 will continue to be a forward-thinking agency that integrates creativity with strategy, building lasting relationships with clients and helping them navigate the dynamic world of integrated communications.
The agency also remains committed to Jay’s core values of compassion, curiosity, creativity, culture and collaboration, and will continue to uphold these principles as it moves into this exciting new era.
