Our Industry 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 speak to Mars VP of marketing Australia, Asia, Middle East and Africa Nicole McMillan.
Time at the company:
11 years at Mars.
How would you describe what the company does?
Create better moments to make the world smile with delicious treats What do you do day-to-day? Enable business and personal growth for our marketers.
Define your job in one word:
Fluid.
I got into marketing because:
I’m curious about what makes people tick.
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role?
Jet lag.
What’s the biggest industry-wide challenge you’d like to see tackled?
Gender and cultural diversity in leadership roles.
Previous industry related companies you have worked at:
I started my career in Mars and then took at nine year detour via Arnott’s biscuits and Fosters Australia before Mars called me back.
Notable campaigns you have worked on:
My favourite is probably Cougar “Barry Dawson” because it’s just fun, but I’m most proud of my work across Asia balancing global brands with local nuances. Doublemint India being my favourite from that perspective.
Who has been a great mentor to you and why?
Peter West (ex Mars now managing director at CCA) for his honest feedback and pushing me beyond my comfort zone
Words of advice for someone wanting a job like yours?
Focus equally on your leadership brand and personal development as on your technical marketing skills.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Running a boutique hotel in Sri Lanka.
My mantra is:
Progress not perfection.
My favourite advert is:
MLA Australia Day Lamb: as an Aussie expat I look forward to them every year.
Music and TV streaming habits. What do you subscribe to?
ITunes, so I can keep my Aussie account and Netflix.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I can do cartwheels.
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