Yolisa Phahle is a media executive with over 30 years’ experience in the traditional and digital industry in the UK, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Between 2013 and 2023 Yolisa held several CEO positions with the Multichoice Group (Africa’s leading video entertainment company), driving the group’s local programming strategy, and raising the profile of African storytelling. As CEO for General Entertainment at Multichoice, she oversaw Emmy nominated and award-winning commissioning as well as co productions with BBC Studios, Freemantle International, Cinemax and others increasing audiences locally and globally. Between 2020 and 2023, Yolisa was CEO for Showmax, the group’s subscriber video on demand business, a company in which NBCU acquired a 30% equity stake in.
Her broadcast career started in news at the BBC World service. She later worked in production for BBC 1 and 2, Radio 1, and 6 Music.
Yolisa is also a trustee for the Multichoice Group’s Enterprise Development Trust a non-executive board member for Aberdeen Performing Arts and a member of Ofcom’s Content Board.
A classical musician by training, Yolisa has recorded, and performed with Soul II Soul, Duran Duran, and other high-profile artists, she is a lifelong supporter of the performing arts and its power to drive positive societal change.
Having spent 19 years working in Sub Sahran Africa and Dubai, Yolisa now lives in London with her husband and grown up sons.