Our weekly Industry Insights Profile takes a 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 speak with Rogan Gilhespie, chief data officer Havas Group ANZ and head of data APAC, Havas Media.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
With the group for more than four years, just over eight months in Sydney.
In one sentence, how would you describe what the company does?
As the Havas Village, we have world-class creative, media, data, PR, content and experiential agencies under one roof. More and more of our work involves a combination these disciplines – now we’re under one roof. We are launching a central data hub that sits independently to serve the needs of all the Havas Group agencies.
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
Working with Havas Group clients to make their marketing investment more effective - this involves defining, building and delivering the Havas data offering in ANZ and across our region.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
Well, starting an agency from scratch two years ago to being the fastest growing startup in the network has to the first. Winning Emerging Agency of the Year and also QBE as a client is major. We are proud to have won both – and delighted to be starting to deliver on those promises for QBE.
From a personal perspective, we won a major piece of data business towards the end of last year, which will be announced in the coming weeks. It’s our first major win in this market, so we’re delighted.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
The people and the pace – it’s the most interesting time I can remember in our sector. Mike, our CEO, keeps telling me he’s the best thing, but he’s wrong, it’s obviously the chance to work with the 4th best-looking man in media, James Zipeure.
Previous industry related companies you have worked at:
Havas in the UK, TMW, Jaywing.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
Three years ago, if you’d have told me I’d be doing what I’m doing now, I’d have loved to know how that came about – so it’s difficult to say.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I studied zoology at university.
Top networking tip:
Make the time to do it, being a recent addition to the market, I’m only just getting going and it’s introducing me to fascinating people and companies. This might seem like a huge, disparate market, but it’s not.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
I don’t get a chance to do many, but we were at Toko the other day - very nice.
My favourite advert is:
I’m enjoying being chased around the publishers by display ads for bull semen at the moment – I’m trying to work out why ... but ads that make me laugh or bring a lump to my throat usually do it. Old Spice Legendary and/or Apple’s Christmas ad with Stevie Wonder and Andra Day.
My must-have gadget is:
My iPhone.
My favourite media is:
Audio.
My favourite TV show is:
I’m not really a TV person, but getting sucked into the US version of The Killing on Netflix at the moment.
The last book I read:
Command and Control by Eric Schlosser.
My mantra / philosophy is:
Remember what we do for a living, so please keep a smile on your face.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
I didn’t want to teach or go into research.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Sailing somewhere calm and sunny with my family.
In five years' time I'll be:
Hopefully bringing those additional five years of wisdom to Havas Group.
Define your job in one word:
Fascinating.
What's your poison:
Gin to start and then red.
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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