In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's CarExpert's account manager Jackson Wylie.
Time in current role/time at the company:
8 months.
How long have you been in the industry?
9 years.
How did you get here?
I began my media career in 2016 at MCN (Foxtel Media), where I gained a strong foundation in the industry. After a brief agency stint, I joined The Guardian in 2019 as an Account Manager – my first dedicated sales role.
During my time there, I worked on standout campaigns, including a thought leadership series for Polestar showcasing their ambitious goal to produce a climate-neutral car by 2030. I also hosted clients on The Guardian’s annual Dark Mofo trip and delivered one of Guardian Labs’ largest content partnerships with Brand USA.
Was this always the plan?
Cars have been a lifelong obsession. On the walk to pre-school (less than 200m) I’d need to stop and check out every car’s exhaust system along the way (the bigger the better) and my life goal until a worryingly late age was to save up for a Mclaren F1 and then proceed to live in it. Marketing and advertising have also always fascinated me, particularly their influence on human emotions & behaviour.
At the end of 2024, I turned 30 and decided to combine these passions – media and motoring – in one role. Now, I work closely with OEMs to navigate the competitive automotive market and develop strategies that drive real results.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
My spirit animal is one of our founders - Anthony Crawford, who could put a smile on anyone's face and is a through-and-through motorhead. Day-to-day, my State Sales Director, Emily, has been a key guide in helping me navigate the automotive space. Her support and industry knowledge have been invaluable as I’ve settled into the role and built momentum in a competitive market.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
The connections you make - whether that be with people, businesses, creative ideas - they’re endless.
And the biggest challenge?
Cutting through a highly competitive and constantly shifting media landscape. With so many channels vying for attention, it takes sharp strategy and creative execution to deliver meaningful results for clients.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I’m drawn to roles that combine strategic leadership, client partnerships, and creative direction – whether that’s within a senior sales leadership role or a broader commercial strategy position in the automotive media space. Ultimately, I want to be driving growth and shaping how brands connect with audiences in impactful ways.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
My closest friendship group. We all lead very different lives and work in diverse industries, but we share an unwavering drive for future success. Their fresh perspectives, positive mindset, and ability to reframe challenges have been invaluable – often providing the clarity or motivation needed to push through and keep moving forward.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I used to play the Trombone.
In five years' time I'll be?
Combining my media and commercial expertise with my lifelong passion for motorsport – ideally in a strategic partnerships or brand activation role whether that be at CarExpert or in the greater automotive/racing sector. I see myself working on high-impact campaigns that connect global brands with passionate fans, leveraging storytelling, innovation, and the unique thrill of racing to deliver measurable growth.
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
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.