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 Melbourne to meet with Havas Melbourne group MD Matt Houltham.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
18 months.
In one sentence, how would you describe what the company does?
Create and deliver communications that bring people and brands together.
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
Marshalling and focusing the team to develop their own talents and deliver work that works.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
Launching Melbourne as a fully integrated ‘Village’, building a supremely talented and enthusiastic team, bringing on over a dozen new clients and erecting a pink neon sign in reception that says “dream shit up”.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
It encourages curiosity and necessitates continuous learning.
Previous industry related companies you have worked at:
I’ve been lucky to have worked across three continents in creative, media and digital businesses including Naked Communications, Mojo, Zenith Optimedia and Mindshare.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
Running a globally recognised, data driven integrated agency that is a magnet for great talent and clients with a ‘challenger’ mentality.
What is the elephant in the room? The thing that no one is talking about – but they should be.
The threat to brands from voice controlled assistants, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, that remove purchase friction but in doing so reduce active brand selection.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
Most people think I’m English, but I’m actually a Kiwi.
Top networking tip:
Always be yourself.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
Supernormal – fun and buzzy.
My favourite advert is:
Any with a memorable jingle.
My must-have gadget is:
Amazon Alexa.
My favourite media is:
Vinyl.
My favourite TV show is:
The Handmaid's Tale - sumptuous visuals, killer storyline, and a great soundtrack.
The last book I read:
Chasing the scream, Johann Hari.
My mantra / philosophy is:
Karma is real.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
I wanted a career that constantly challenged both sides of my brain.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Re-training as an audio engineer.
In five years' time I'll be:
Considerably greyer than I am now.
Define your job in one word:
Collaboration.
What's your poison:
Gin.
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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