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.
Today we head to Melbourne to speak to Pretty Neat director, Warren Davies.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
Just over two years.
In one sentence, how would you describe what the company does?
We help brands get closer to their customers.
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
We’re still small so I do a bit of everything. Doing the dishes is a good way to get thinking time. My background is strategy, I stay involved there.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
I’m proud of the amount of quality work we’ve produced for a small shop this year. I think our clients feel like they’re dealing with a much bigger agency at times. For a key client we had a break out marketing idea that’s (actually) transformed their business over the past six months and it’s getting noticed in award shows which is nice.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
Pretty much everyone loves the work.
Previous industry related (ad land/ad tech) companies you have worked at:
GPY&R, BMF and Cornwell.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
In a bigger kitchen doing more dishes.
What is the elephant in the room? The thing that no one is talking about – but they should be.
I read the other day that as little as thirty cents in the dollar is spent on actual advertising when spend is managed programatically. That’s a worry.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I can make quilts.
Top networking tip:
Help as many people as you can.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
I like meeting people at Pelligrini’s if they’re in Melbourne.
My favourite advert is:
Immortal Fans by Ogilvy Brazil
My must-have gadget is:
A Sonos.
My favourite media is:
Twitter.
My favourite TV show is:
The Wire.
The last book I read:
The Hidden Pleasures of Life, Theodore Zeldin. (It’s amazing!)
My mantra / philosophy is:
Make America Great Again.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
It’s a hoot and the people are utterly charming.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Running a coffee shop in Hawaii.
In five years' time I'll be:
Doing the dishes.
Define your job in one word:
Focus
What's your poison:
Richmond F.C.
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