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 Sydney to meet AOL head of publisher sales, Grant Bingham.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
I joined Adap.tv in 2013 and we were then acquired by AOL later that year, so just under three and a half years.
In one sentence, how would you describe what the company does?
We simplify the internet for consumers and creators by bringing together the world’s best builders of culture and code through premium media and technology solutions.
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
I head up AOL’s publisher services team and manage a wonderfully talented group who are responsible for all publisher products across AOL’s programmatic, creative and content syndication platforms.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
It’s been a crazy year again with lots going on and a lot more planned in the coming months. At the end of 2015 AOL acquired the world’s largest mobile network and programmatic platform Millennial Media. Earlier this year we also purchased the Paris based yield optimisation company AlephD. Both of these acquisitions are very exciting as it shows we are continuing to bring significant technology investment to our platform and it also increases our footprint across Southeast Asia. The launch earlier this year of ONE by AOL:Publishers has also kept us pretty busy.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
I like that you are not limited in your ability to create success for yourself and those around you. I’m continually amazed by the very smart people I have the pleasure of working with who continually push boundaries for solving complex problems and continue to make our business a real success. This is all at the same time as looking effortlessly cool and well presented.
Previous industry related (ad land/ad tech) companies you have worked at:
I previously worked in education publishing before I enjoyed a few years in London with the ad network Ad Pepper. I then moved to Australia in 2010 and had the pleasure of working at Yahoo!7 before I joined Adap.tv.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
That’s very difficult to say as things are changing quickly but I’d like to see where AOL Australia is by then and hopefully still be part of the organisation in some capacity. There’s a lot in the pipeline so there are very exciting times ahead for the Sydney office and I suffer terrible FOMO.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
Unfortunately for my colleagues there is very little they don’t know about me.
Top networking tip:
Talk less and listen more and don’t always be the last man (or woman) standing.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
I like my steaks so in the winter it’s The Cut and in the summer it’s Kingsleys on Woolloomooloo Wharf. Both have fairly decent wine lists dependant on your tastes.
My favourite advert is:
It’s a very old one I’m afraid but there was a whole series of these in the UK during the 80’s and 90’s. They don’t make themlike this anymore.
My must-have gadget is:
iPhone 6.
My favourite media is:
I’m going to take an answer from a recent previous profile and say the printed book. It’s still one of my favourite ways to pass the time.
My favourite TV show is:
Currently it’s Game of Thrones but of all time it has to be The A Team.
The last book I read:
The Death of Kings by Conn Iggulden.
My mantra / philosophy is:
You can only ever do you best.
I got into advertising because:
It was a natural progression from a previous role I was involved in.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
A chef.
In five years' time I'll be:
In 2021 the world will be a different place and technology and media will also no doubt be a very different than today. I plan to still be at the forefront of whatever is happening and working at an exciting place to be driving change and adoption.
Define your job in one word:
Fluid.
What's your poison:
I like red wine, anything from Torbrek and you’ll have my attention.
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