Philip Zietsman

Equipped with a BA Hons and an MA from Stellenbosch University, Philip started his career as a university lecturer in Afrikaans and Dutch literature. Then, answering the call of independence and creativity, he made a name for himself as a bilingual advertising copywriter. In 1988 he founded Folio Translation Consultants, combining his love of language with his talent for writing witty and effective copy. His long-term vision, ability to cultivate long-lasting relationships, dogged tenacity and habit of embarking on projects that are not for the faint-hearted are among the attributes that have seen him grow the Folio Group into one of the largest language services consultancies in Africa. He loves music, reading and travel and is devoted to the cause of animal welfare. One day, not any day soon, he will complete the long-awaited novel he has been working on for 5 years.

Languages: Afrikaans and English with a working knowledge of Dutch, French and Italian.

Favourite word/phrase: Êh!

Secret superpower: Talent-spotter supremo who can pick out a typo at 50 paces.

The thing that I love most about my job is: Languages. I love working with people who love working with languages. No two days are the same.