Brief Bio

G. Kofi Annan is an entrepreneur, strategist, and author who develops cross-cultural communications products and strategies to grow and support emerging markets. A recognized expert on marketing and branding cultures, he works with clients to develop and market products that support social enterprise. He is the principal at Annansi LLC, a product development consultancy that produces Annansi Chronicles, a popular syndicated African style and business blog, and Annansi Clothing Co., an award-nominated Africa-inspired premium apparel line. Annansi LLC’s products have been recognized for re-branding Africa in popular culture and bridging the communications gap between Africa and the global community. Kofi is on the board of directors of the African Film Commission and his award-nominated work has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Reuters, BusinessWeek, Advertising Age, and Inc. Magazine among others.

Kofi's Specialties:
Brand Strategy, Culture Trends, Design Development, New Product Development, Planning, Trend Research, Direct Marketing, Online Marketing, Community Development

The Whole story

G. Kofi Annan is a Ghanaian-born entrepreneur, strategist, and author who creates user experiences and products that easily communicate complex ideas. With a specialty in cross-cultural communications Kofi frequently develops enterprise opportunities to grow and support emerging markets. A recognized expert on design, cultures, and branding, Kofi is the principal of Annansi LLC where he works with clients to develop and market products that support social enterprise and bridge the communications gap between Africa and the global community.

Kofi's company, Annansi LLC, produces two in-house products: Annansi Chronicles, a popular syndicated African style and business blog with over 7, 000 readers a month, and Annansi Clothing Co., an award-nominated Africa-inspired premium apparel line. Both products have lead the way in re-branding Africa in popular culture to encourage the growth of African business.

 A graduate of the Art Institute of Atlanta, Kofi has over 15 years of professional expertise. In 2007 Kofi joined a dynamic group of marketing and design thought leaders in authoring a book about how the marketing and design industries need to change strategies in response to the growth of consumers' use of technology. A unique book authored by 100 professionals from 10 nations, most of who have never met, the book - The Age of Conversation - presents a snapshot of the current state of media, marketing and design. For his part, Kofi wrote about how technology is transforming the Africa activism movement, opening new opportunities for innovative business and design.

Kofi’s creative thinking has contributed to numerous companies across many industries including Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, IBM, Ogilvy, Newsweek, Oscar de la Renta, Giorgio Armani, and Christiona Dior. He has worked with Warner Bros. as an independent consultant and critic for the 2006 film Blood Diamond (Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou), and he maintains a position on the board of the African Film Commission, where he continues to work with African ambassadors, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), major studios, members of US Senate and Congress, and other African organizations in efforts to grow and strengthen the African film industry. His work on African culture and branding has been featured in and referenced by various influential media outlets including Entrepreneur Magazine, BusinessWeek, Reuters, FastCompany Magazine, Inc. Magazine, PSFK.com, i-D Magazine, The Source Magazine, Complex.com, VH1, and BET.

Kofi has his finger on the pulse to emerging and popular cultures and his extensive work within multiple industries allows him to bring fresh, innovative solutions to complex projects. His analytical, presentation and interpersonal skills along with a solutions-based attitude drives his ability to work with progressive organizations.

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