Our Industry Profile takes a look at some of the professionals working across the advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles and companies across the buzzing industry.
This week we speak to Mark Fairhurst, Chief Customer Officer, QMS Media
Time in current role:
Three years
How would you describe what the company does?
We help brands connect with big audiences and ensure they become memorable through leading, high-quality digital out of home (DOOH).
What do I do day to day?
My focus is ensuring that all our customers are at the front and centre of everything we do. This involves working closely on the development of our product offering that our teams take to market while also looking further ahead for our business to help find new opportunities and address the needs of our key client and agency partnerships.
A lot of my time is spent listening and talking to clients to ensure that as we push the boundaries of what DOOH can achieve, as well as helping them find the right ways to connect with their audiences and achieve their objectives.
Define your job in one word
Navigation.
I got into media because
I had a strong relationship with the Executive Team at Fairfax and an invitation to join prior to the Olympics in Sydney 2000. There I was surrounded by outstanding talent and people who had the capability and confidence to lead. The trust, accountability, respect, recognition and reward experienced there have become my key ingredients for success everywhere since.
What’s the biggest industry wide challenge you’d like to see tackled?
Future talent.
Not enough Australian kids are choosing media. As a high school student and even as a university graduate I didn’t know I could have a career in media. Like most people I know, I fell into media through happenstance. In 25 years, I’ve done rewarding work, been paid well, had money-can’t-buy experiences, travelled all over the world and met some amazing people. Who wouldn’t want to start a career like that?
Previous companies:
In 25 years, I have had the privilege of working with some magnificent people and wonderful organisations. They include Adcorp, Fairfax, APN Outdoor (twice), SBS, Eyecorp and now QMS.
Notable campaigns/initiatives
The standouts for me are being involved in selling and delivering major sponsorships for a host of incredible global sporting events such as the Olympics, Rugby World Cup, The Ashes and the football World Cup. And, of course, most recently being at the forefront of the digitisation of OOH, including launching QMS’ re-energised City of Sydney offer to market.
Who has been a great mentor to you?
Apart from my Dad who is 88 and still my hero, I have been blessed with great support, guidance, time and tolerance from a wide range of industry leaders, past, present and future. Some of the people I mentored in the early part of their career are now helping me navigate the “what’s next” as well as the who, the why and the when to engage. Sometimes the greatest support and guidance has come leaders (and competitors) who I didn’t even know cared.
Words of advice
- The wonderful opportunities we get in media are a privilege not an entitlement.
- Trust and transparency is the key to longevity and investment.
- The right thing to do and the right thing for you are not always the same. Take the time to consider the difference.
- You can never go wrong doing the right thing.
If I wasn’t doing this for a living…
I’d be a country singer.
My philosophy is
What’s next? This year’s great is next year’s hygiene factor.
My favourite advert is
I’m always a sucker for a Corona Beer ad.
Subscriptions
All of them…They are all customers
In five years time…….
I’ll have two years of school fees left to pay.
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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