In this series, AdNews takes a look at some of the professionals working across the advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector in Australia. This time it's Ryvalmedia group business director James Hutchison.
Time in current role/time at the company:
Two and a half years at Ryvalmedia.
How would you describe what the company does?
Ryvalmedia provides media and marketing services to businesses of all sizes, to drive revenue and efficiency in pursuit of overall growth.
What do you do day-to-day?
Working directly with client teams to further their digital knowledge and thought process, meeting with clients to provide ideas and inspiring creativity in their approach to digital media buying, and designing new processes and approaches that allow our clients to win.
Define your job in one word:
Fulfilling.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
I’ve always had an interest in marketing and advertising, prior to working in the industry. I found it was closely aligned to sales and customer service - my initial start in the corporate world, and so eventually found myself working in the thick of it. Being obsessed with tech and all things digital has helped.
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role?
The ever-evolving world of digital requires constant monitoring, whether platform changes, privacy regulations or the way in which media can be purchased. This alone could consume your entire week. Alongside that, the inspiration required to approach challenges in a creative way, so that you’re setting your clients up for success in a world where ad fatigue and relentless advertising is the norm.
What’s the biggest industry-wide challenge you’d like to see tackled?
Privacy should always be considered within our roles and as part of the media and marketing industry. There should, however, be balance with the fact businesses want to serve relevant ads to consumers.
Previous industry related companies you have worked at:
My background spans from early days at Sensis leading the digital revolution charge to smaller bespoke agencies and even assisting clients as a freelancer.
Notable ads/campaigns you have worked on:
Stratton Finance brand campaign 'Get the keys in your hand!'.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Zie8QtK7XFw
The collaboration with the Stratton Finance marketing team was an incredible experience, Chris Dimopoulos their head of marketing was supportive and drove this initiative alongside his team. Overall, it was one of the best campaigns I’ve worked on, due entirely, to the experience and the people involved.
Who is/has been a great mentor to you and why?
I consider many of the people I interact with in my day to day from across the industry to have mentored me in a small way. Constantly learning new approaches, strategies, and ways to tackle different problems. I don’t have a specific mentor but would never be against the idea.
Words of advice for someone wanting a job like yours?
The tools will always be important. I obsessed over the absolute fundamentals of digital campaigns for years, doing so gives you insight, knowledge, and confidence when it’s time to take those discussions into client meetings whether potential or current.
Learn to enjoy the basics, do not be afraid to make mistakes but always provide justification and back your ideas and enjoy the entire process.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
I initially wanted to work in finance, so potentially there.
My mantra / philosophy is:
No matter what the challenge is, there is always a solution. The solution can be broken down into individual steps that you can begin to take immediately.
My favourite advert is:
M&M’s – Get in the bowl. You get in the bowl!
Music and TV streaming habits. What do you subscribe to?
Spotify and Prime are my go-to’s.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
My dream is to have five German Shepherd dogs.
In five years time, I'll be:
There’s a lot of potential for Australian businesses to further embrace digital, I’m hoping to continue that pursuit and see how it shapes the future of marketing.
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.