Young Gun profiles takes a look at the young talent across the Australian advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector. Aiming to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry.
Dan McIlwain: manager of performance marketing at Supercheap Auto
Time in current role/time at the company
I've been part of the Supercheap Auto team for over four years now, bringing my total time with the Super Retail Group to nearly a decade, if you count my high school and uni days working at Rebel Sport. Before joining Supercheap Auto I worked at Reload Media, a digital media agency.
How long have you been in the industry?
Six years, and I've enjoyed every moment of it.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Originally, I envisioned myself either teaching high school or playing sport professionally. By 18, I realised neither were the path for me. He might not remember but I had a really a good conversation with my Rebel store manager, Kristian Mahoney, which steered me towards marketing. My natural gravitation towards data, customer experience and sales made marketing an obvious fit for me.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
Peter and Jazz, my team members, are the backbone of my performance marketing team's success at Supercheap Auto, making every challenge manageable. My journey here has been shaped significantly by leaders like Julia Wilcox and Janet Newton, whose distinct leadership styles have imparted invaluable skills. And of course, learning from our marketing & eccom GM, Andre Korte, has been a game-changer for my career.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
The best aspect of marketing is its dynamic nature - it's an ever-evolving puzzle that challenges you to think creatively and strategically.
And the biggest challenge?
The unpredictable nature of marketing, where no two campaigns, days, or months are alike - is both a challenge and a thrill.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I admire every role within our senior leadership team and aspire to join their ranks someday. In the meantime, my focus is on contributing to my team's success and driving continuous improvement in our performance.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
My family is a huge source of inspiration for me, especially my parents, cousin Robbie, and my partner Jane. Robbie, in particular, has been a mentor for all things life and career for me. Sport is massive for me also, Joe Hart is my idol. That might require some googling to know who he is!
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
Most people at work don't know this, but I'm pretty handy on the weekends (well at least I think I am). I've been teaching myself how to do all sorts of building stuff – like framing out rooms, rendering, and even laying bricks. It's my way of unwinding, believe it or not.
In five years' time, I'll be…
Reflecting on my growth at Supercheap Auto—where I've already earned two promotions in four and a half years - I'm ambitious about my career trajectory, aiming for a head of department role. On the personal front, my partner and I are waiting on the arrival of our baby girl in July, so guess I will be a dad in five years also!
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