Our Industry Insights Profile takes a weekly look at some of the professionals working across the advertising, ad tech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles and companies across the buzzing industry.
This week, we spoke to APN Outdoor chief strategy and innovation officer Jeremy Howe.
Time in current role/time at the company:
Since June 2018.
How would you describe what the company does?
At APN Outdoor, we connect brands with audiences through our leading portfolio of out-of-home connection points across billboards, transit, rail and airport.
What do you do day-to-day?
I set the growth and innovation agenda for our company, working with our clients on how new OOH technology and data innovation can deliver value for them, as well as looking at new products and business models for our business.
Define your job in one word:
Dynamic.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
I saw great upside opportunity in the advertising sector, in particular OOH, where it feels like an industry just scratching the surface.
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role?
Prioritising mine and the company’s efforts to the areas that will have the most impact.
What’s the biggest industry-wide challenge you’d like to see tackled?
Not specific to the media and advertising industry, but I’d like Australian businesses in general to push harder for gender diversity.
The hot topic of quotas vs targets is not new, but I strongly believe quotas can work if applied in the right way, and being the father of two young kids, one son and one daughter, my hope is that when they both finish their education they have exactly the same level of opportunity to achieve their ambitions.
Previous industry related companies you have worked at:
I spent a long part of my career at Telstra, leading product development and innovation teams for both corporate and consumer segments.
Who is/has been a great mentor to you and why?
The boss I had in my first ever product role at Telstra has always been my “what would he do in this situation” reference.
First, he took a punt on me in a big role that I wasn’t really ready for; then he taught me to be endlessly curious, develop a considered point of view, and have the courage to get things done.
Words of advice for someone wanting a job like yours?
Be bold, provocative and challenge yourself to an ambitious point of view on what is possible.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Hopefully a food critic/journo.
My mantra / philosophy is:
Be optimistic about the opportunities and set ambitious goals.
My favourite advert is (and why):
My favourite at the moment is the Amazon ads on TV. I think they are eye-catching and fun, with a strong use of their amazing brand.
Music and TV streaming habits. What do you subscribe to?
All of them! Spotify, Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime Video plus other VOD such as ABC iView, SBS On Demand etc. I also subscribe to Foxtel for sports and a bit of CNN/CNBC.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
Most people will already know this about me but I’m a sports nut, unfortunately more watching than playing these days!
In five years' time I'll be:
Still thriving and enjoying the media and advertising world!
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
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