Our Industry Insights 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.
Today we head to Sydney to speak to Google head of news partnerships APAC, Kate Beddoe.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
Two years.
In one sentence, how would you describe what the company does?
“Organises the world's information and makes it universally accessible and useful”.
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
A lot of listening to news partners in Asia Pacific, representing their needs to Google and working with local teams to deliver.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
Mapping Uluru in Street View was amazing, honestly the next best thing to being there. In the area of news partnerships we are working with local publishing partners, sharing insights and helping partners to share great ideas with each other. That includes new standards for faster mobile delivery of mobile content (AMP), partnering to verify news to build trust, and sponsoring innovation with our fellowship program.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
The intersection of technology and creativity, whether it's for telling stories or building brands.
Previous industry related (ad land/ad tech) companies you have worked at:
Australian Radio Network, APN News and Media, ninemsn (as it was known).
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
Working with smart, passionate people to solve interesting challenges.
What is the elephant in the room? The thing that no one is talking about – but they should be:
Innovation is happening all around us - in Australia we need to be looking more closely at Asia for inspiration and partnership.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I answered these questions in my PJs.
Top networking tip:
Talk less, smile more.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
Tokonoma.
My favourite advert is:
I do like the current Spotify playlist campaign, such a smart insight into the way we think about music.
My must-have gadget is:
My Fitbit. Walking doesn't count if I'm not wearing it.
My favourite media is:
On all my screens.
My favourite TV show is:
The West Wing. Still.
The last book I read:
Grit by Angela Duckworth and Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty.
My mantra / philosophy is:
Varied depending on current circumstances.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
I got into media to tell stories.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Looking for a challenge.
In five years' time I'll be:
The mother of teenagers.
Define your job in one word:
Collaboration.
What's your poison:
Much like my philosophy, dependant on circumstances.
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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