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 Sydney to meet James Simmons, chief operating officer at Match Media.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
Eight years in some guise
In one sentence, how would you describe what the company does?
Help our clients grow by creating work that works
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
Prioritisation of the agencies resources to ensure that we deliver on helping our clients grow whilst creating a rewarding experience for everyone that works at Match
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
The acquisition by Publicis meaning that we have gone from independent to multinational. We took over a year to pick the right partner with the right strategy for us to really ensure we keep what is great about Match but turbo-charge it. Match is now part of a brand new global media agency network, Blue 449. An open source agency which is data centric and technologically progressive. There hasn’t been a new media agency network on the scene for a decade. It is incredibly exciting to help form an agency for the future backed up by Publicis who provide a whole new level of training, tools and technology that we will tap for the benefits of our people and clients.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
It has to be the change and speed of it – nothing ever stays the same
Previous industry related companies you have worked at:
In this country MediaCom and in the UK ZenithOptimedia
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
Great question – guess the answer would be “same, same but different”. I love what I do plus I love change, hence a mixture of both would be great.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I will tell you two – I have been shot at and stung by a scorpion (not at the same time).
Top networking tip:
Be genuine and honest then you won’t go wrong. The industry is too small to pretend to be something you are not
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
Toko – it can be healthy (or not), is fresh and near work
My favourite advert is:
I do love the John Lewis Christmas ads
My must-have gadget is:
My coffee machine at home, means I can have a shot of coffee before I leave for work
My favourite media is:
I love all media. It really does depend on what mood I am in – guess “relevance” is key
My favourite TV show is:
The Premiership (when Arsenal are doing well) or Breaking Bad
The last book I read:
Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance
My mantra / philosophy is:
Go with your gut feel it is normally right. It saves a lot of time wondering and ensures you get stuff done
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Not sure of exact profession but I would be working for myself
In five years' time I'll be:
Happy!
Define your job in one word:
Challenging
What's your poison:
A nice glass of red or a single malt
Did you catch the last couple of profiles?
Industry Profile: Archibald/Williams' ECD, Matt Gilmour
Industry Profile: TubeMogul director Jared Levitt
Industry Profile: Strategy head for McDonald’s at OMD, Gideon Hornung
Want to take part in our Industry Profile? or have some one to nominate? Email pippachambers@yaffa.com.au
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.