Our Industry 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.
For our last profile we spoke with 303MullenLowe MD Derry Simpson.
This time we head to Sydney to speak to M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment MD Jamie Gilbert-Smith.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
Four years in May.
In one sentence, how would you describe what the company does?
We help brands build emotional connections with consumers through their passion points.
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
I’m a politician, a peacemaker and a strategist.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
Within the past year we’ve reached over 208 million people and engaged 560,000 directly. We’ve leveraged just about every major sport in the country and championed the conversation around gender diversity in sport. And after seven years of business, we’ve experienced continuous growth in both profit and revenue.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
Free tickets.
Beyond that, it’s humbling and inspiring to work so closely with professional athletes and entertainers.
Previous industry related companies you have worked at:
Ensemble, Octagon, Ogilvy, Leo Burnett.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
With such colossal change affecting our industry, it’s impossible to predict. The only thing that’s certain that whatever I’m doing, it won’t be defined as an advertising or marketing agency.
What is the elephant in the room? The thing that no one is talking about – but they should be.
The actionables around the future of advertising. At the moment it’s like we’re moving the deck chairs on the Titanic.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
My first words were in Arabic.
Top networking tip:
Don’t be a wallflower.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
The Bridge Room… But the best business conversations are always at a pub.
My favourite advert is:
Meet The Superhumans. 30 seconds that shifted the paradigm around disability.
My must-have gadget is:
Xbox.
My favourite media is:
Podcast.
My favourite TV show is:
House of Cards.
The last book I read:
The Miracle of Castel Di Sangro, Joe McGinniss
My mantra / philosophy is:
It is what it is.
I got into advertising because:
I studied anthropology and loved the impact advertising had on people.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
A furniture designer.
In five years' time I'll be:
A furniture designer (it’s a shifting deadline).
Define your job in one word:
Enviable.
What's your poison:
Dirty martini, extra olives.
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