Global Access, the broadcasting and digital signage service provider, was long
associated with the name of its previous managing director, the late Ronnie van
Wijk. Despite the loss of this respected industry figure, the company is surging
ahead under the guidance of Van Wijk’s successor, Brad Willson.
“I don’t think anyone could ever really fill Ronnie’s shoes. He was an incredible
man with such passion and vision. But it’s a challenge that I am more than
happy to take on and I will do my best to ensure that his legacy and all that he
strived for will live on through all that we do here at Global Access. My vision is
to make Global Access the number one media solutions provider in the
country.’
Willson’s background is in the IT industry, and when he first joined Global Access
he was tasked with setting up the company’s web streaming and video-to-
mobile services.
“Once that was established,’ he says, “I moved over to run the digital signage
division. Prior to joining Global Access, I hadn’t had much involvement in the
broadcast industry, but I have known Ronnie for more than 15 years and he
was a great mentor to me. I learned a lot, not only from him, but from many
other industry experts.
I thoroughly enjoy the industry and the fast pace at which it is evolving. I do feel
that the divide between the IT and broadcast industries is getting smaller
thanks to new technologies like IPTV (internet protocol television) and OTT
(over-the-top) services.’
Global Access was built around two core business units, one offering digital
signage services and the other dedicated to broadcasting. It now also offers
IPTV, OTT, queue management solutions and a creative agency, all of which can
complement one another as well as catering to separate clients as the case may
be.
Willson says: “The business is set up in such a way that each business unit can
be driven independently and there will be no focus to drive one harder than the
other. With Global Access taking on new technologies that complement our core
broadcasting and digital signage business, I’m confident we will have growth in
all areas.’
Over the past year Global Access became a MultiChoice-accredited IPTV system
integrator and secured the rights for an international queue management
solution – both of which, Willson says, have already enabled the company to
sign a number of significant deals.
In the long term, Global Access is looking to offer its services to the rest of
Africa. “Due to the demand for our services on the continent,’ Willson says, “we
are now carrying our broadcast work into Africa and have a number of IPTV
installations taking place across the borders over the next few months. We have
also recently invested in upgrading all our studio facilities, which are now all fully
HD equipped.
“I try to keep the business fun and innovative.’ Willson concludes, “and with
that, there will be some big things coming from Global Access in the future.’
