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Leote Taylor

Leote “Lee” Taylor is a strategic business leader, creative entrepreneur and champion of South Africa’s creative economy. Appointed Chief Executive Officer of the South African Creative Industries Incubator (SACII) on 1 October 2023, she leads the organisation’s work to build sustainable creative enterprises, accelerate SMME growth and expand meaningful economic participation across the cultural and creative industries. A Durban-born creative entrepreneur and Cum Laude graduate of Tshwane University of Technology, Taylor brings together commercial acumen, lived creative-sector experience and a deep understanding of enterprise development. Her work is centred on converting creative talent into viable, scalable and market-ready businesses.

Her leadership spans incubation strategy, entrepreneurship development, market access, organisational growth and ecosystem building. She has designed and led programmes that equip emerging creative entrepreneurs with the business capability, networks, industry exposure and strategic positioning required to move from talent and ideas into sustainable enterprise. Under her leadership, SACII continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst within the creative economy - connecting entrepreneurs to opportunity, building pathways into industry and developing models that place sustainability, innovation and economic inclusion at the centre of creative-sector growth. Taylor is recognised for an execution-driven leadership style that connects strategy with opportunity and innovation with commercial relevance. She is a strong advocate for ensuring that creatives, particularly those from underrepresented communities, can access the skills, resources, networks and markets required to participate meaningfully in the economy. A 2026 American Express Leadership Academy Alumni Award winner, she is also a sought-after speaker and panellist on creative entrepreneurship, SMME development, incubation, leadership and the creative economy.

Position: CEO of the SA Creative Industries Incubator
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