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.
This week we head to Sydney to speak with iProspect ANZ CEO at Dentsu Aegis Network, Dan Kalinski.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
Just over four years with iProspect.
In one sentence, how would you describe what the company does?
iProspect’s mission is simple - we drive business results. In practical terms this means maximising the return on our clients digital investment through strategic consulting and excecutional excellence.
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
Making sure iProspect remains the agency of choice for our clients and our people.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
Exceptional growth (treble the market rate) in a very mature market place, recognition as the Agency of the Year by Campaign Asia, and our recent acquisitions would be the key achievements. They are all testimony to our belief of investing in our people and product first and creating a unique and sustainable proposition in the market.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
Pace of change and people.
Previous industry related (ad land/ad tech) companies you have worked at:
A few agencies back in London including Profero and Reprise Media, with a couple of client roles in between. Inevitably I always ended up missing the fast pace and variety of the agency life.
In news today, iProspect has become the largest performance marketing agency after acquiring a majority share in digital marketing agency Search Factory. Read more here.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
Hopefully somewhere surounded by smart, great people and working on exciting and challenging projects.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
It would probabaly be my passion for classical music.
Top networking tip:
Be yourself.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
Must be Fratelli Fresh in the Rocks.
My favourite advert is:
Woody Allen for Seibu department store. Wonderful 70-ies stuff.
My must-have gadget is:
I won’t be original. iPhone.
My favourite media is:
Instagram.
My favourite TV show is:
House of Cards.
The last book I read:
“The Ayatollah Begs to Differ” by Hooman Majd. A fascinating read about contemporaray Iran.
My mantra / philosophy is:
Your life is as good as your mindset.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
It’s the only career which stimulated all parts of my brain at the same time. I got bold by the time I was 31.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
An architect. It combines science and creativity in a similar way to how advertising does.
In five years' time I'll be:
Hopefully a more evolved, enlightened and happier version of my current self.
Define your job in one word:
Manic.
What's your poison:
Vodka martini. Must be Belvedere.
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.