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.
This week we head to Melbourne to meet the new MD of M&C Saatchi, David Dahan.
Duration in current role at the company:
In one sentence, how would you describe what the company does?
Drive change.
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
Dream. Focus. Prioritise. Push. Support. Smile. Laugh. (… and again!)
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
In 90 days: Six new clients + a JV deal, three significant hires – a world class Melbourne talent from NY and a brilliant young creative team, and one keynote speech
Best thing about the industry you work in:
The constant learning. It keeps us young and fresh.
Previous industry related companies you have worked at:
Five years at Ogilvy & Mather in London, five years at BBDO in Singapore and five years at Lowe in Paris. Simple.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
Still having fun with my creative and business partner, Paul Taylor. By then, we hope to have turned M&C Saatchi Melbourne into a world class creative business.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I am a rap fan (preferably old school).
Top networking tip:
Be surprising. People love to be given smart insights and fresh perspectives that are relevant for them.
Smile. You don’t have to be serious to be taken seriously.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
Bistro Gitan. Toorak Road. A short walk from our office through Faulkner Park and I am back home in France: Beautiful food, great service, a warm atmosphere.
My favourite advert is:
1950s DDB campaign for VW Beetle (snowplough, keeping up with the joneses …) – witty, smart, simple. Advertising at its best.
My must-have gadget is:
Apple TV. I am a movie fanatic, I couldn’t live without it.
My favourite media is:
iTunes. I buy, rent, watch. Always my first port of call for movies.
My favourite TV show is:
Game of Thrones. If I could I would hire Tyrion Lannister as our head of strategy and Khaleesi as our head of business development.
The last book I read:
Dan Brown’s Inferno.
My mantra / philosophy is:
Become who you are.
I got into media because:
I got into it by accident. Started as an intern. Half way through my internship I got offered a job as strategic planner. Ithought I would stay for one year max - and here I am 15 years later!
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
In the rap game. I can’t wait for the movie “Straight Outta Compton” to come out.
In five years' time I'll be:
Proud of what we've achieved.
Define your job in one word:
Accelerator.
What's your poison:
Ideas. I get high when they are great.
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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