“I don't want it to feel like, ‘Oh, here comes the ad’. For me, there's nothing worse. And it doesn't work on social platforms, it just doesn't.”
- Aude Gandon | global CMO of nestlÉ
2015
After his time at Google and YouTube, Jon Ratcliffe returned to South Africa in 2015 with a game-changing idea that launched the business: What if a technology could be developed to engineer virality, helping brands master social video while captivating audiences with something universally loved—food?
2016
From there, Foodies of SA was born! The platform became the vehicle for EVG’s disruptive technology and quickly grew to be the biggest recipe-publishing platform in Southern Africa.
2019
Foodies of SA unlocked EVG’s potential. Realizing this technology could work in any category, we doubled down on testing and learning, refining our data-led approach to help brands succeed across markets, industries, and publishing platforms.
2022
Then came the explosion of short-form video. TikTok took off, followed by Reels and YouTube Shorts. EVG stayed ahead of the curve by tapping into the growing creator economy, adapting our offerings to lead with creator-led work.
By harnessing authentic, everyday creators, we helped brands make ads that feel real and relevant.
WHAT WE DO
In a world where people skip adverts, Engage Video Group has mastered the art and science of making sure people watch them. By optimising social media videos with our unique solution, we can achieve 10+ seconds of watch time, landing marketing messages successfully in the minds of millions.
We ensure audiences resonate with your videos before scaling them, guaranteeing success.
OUR PROCESS
Our purpose-built tech and A-Z testing ensure every video is optimized for success.
From strategy and production to testing and media management—we handle it all.
By tapping into the creator economy, we turn everyday people into authentic brand storytellers. We test hundreds of video variations, launching only the best to reach millions, drive action, and exceed your marketing goals.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Jon
Ratcliffe
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
After several impactful years at Google and YouTube Jon returned to Cape Town to build a purpose-driven, future-fit company rooted in passion, innovation, and optimization.
In 2016, he did just that—founding Engage Video Group, which has since grown to a 70+strong team.
Jon has delivered keynotes at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and serves as a World Economic Forum Council Member.
Declan Hollywood
Chief Growth Officer
Declan is a seasoned marketing expert who has held transformational roles in marketing, growth, and leadership at Google (Europe and Africa), Takealot.com, and 10X Investments before joining Engage Video Group in 2021.
Having a passion for driving purpose-led, high-growth, and disruptive organizations, Declan’s leadership continues to shape the trajectory of EVG’s success.
ANDREW
BLOOM
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Andrew’s strategic vision and creative expertise fuel Engage Video Group’s growth, drawing on his experience as Global Head of Content Production and Creative Design at Lobster Ink.
With a deep passion for blending content and technology, Andrew has earned global recognition, winning top awards from The Webby Awards, D&AD, One Show, Cannes Lions, Creative Circle, The Loeries, Eagles, and The IAA.
2015
After his time at Google and YouTube, Jon Ratcliffe returned to South Africa in 2015 with a game-changing idea that launched the business:
What if a technology could be developed to engineer virality, helping brands master social video while captivating audiences with something universally loved—food?
2016
From there, Foodies of SA was born! The platform became the vehicle for EVG’s disruptive technology and quickly grew to be the biggest recipe-publishing platform in Southern Africa.
2019
Foodies of SA unlocked EVG’s potential. Realizing this technology could work in any category, we doubled down on testing and learning, refining our data-led approach to help brands succeed across markets, industries, and publishing platforms.
2019
After his time at Google and YouTube, Jon Ratcliffe returned to South Africa in 2015 with a game-changing idea that launched the business:What if a technology could be developed to engineer virality, helping brands master social video while captivating audiences with something universally loved—food?
2022
Then came the explosion of short-form video. TikTok took off, followed by Reels and YouTube Shorts. EVG stayed ahead of the curve by tapping into the growing creator economy, adapting our offerings to lead with creator-led work.
By harnessing authentic, everyday creators, we helped brands make ads that feel real and relevant.
2025
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