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.
Previously we met Unlockd global ops manager Jane Martino. Today, we head to Sydney to meet Quantcast MD ANZ, Andrew Double.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
Three and a half years
In one sentence, how would you describe what the company does?
An AI technology company on a mission to help brands grow.
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
Coaching, and growing an amazing team across Australia, New Zealand and Asia-Pacific delivering incredible AI-driven insights to help brands tap into new online audiences, all with the best levels of service, innovation, and performance.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
The common theme for Quantcast Australia across the past year has been growth. Both in terms of our team, which grew by almost 40% in 2017, our business, and the brands we work with. Talent is our number one priority, and we’ve seen job applications go through the roof with interest increasingly coming from more well-established employers in the Australian market including Yahoo7 and News Corp. This demonstrates our growing desirability as an employer in the market. We’ve also seen significant year-on-year revenue growth in a challenging market where many digital businesses have declined.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
The people I get to work with. Our industry changes every day: if you aren’t constantly innovating and being challenged then you will be left behind. Although we use AI to power what we do, you need super smart people to learn from. New ideas can come from anywhere, whether it’s new salespeople coming into our organisation or from our data scientists and machine learning experts.
Previous industry related (ad land/ad tech) companies you have worked at:
Facebook, News Corp, and the Financial Times
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
Being at a business that puts AI at the heart of what they do. I’m fortunate to have that at Quantcast and the opportunities are endless.
What is the elephant in the room? The thing that no one is talking about – but they should be.
Growth. Most brands aren’t growing at the rate they expect from the digital investment they’re putting in. We’re here to show them a new way to tap into incremental growth, powered by AI.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I’ve run two marathons.
Top networking tip:
Be courteous to anyone you meet. Manners go a long way.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
The Bridge Room.
My favourite advert is:
I still love the ‘Meet Graham’ campaign from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
An amazing and moving way of delivering a memorable message that saves people’s lives. It demonstrates the positive impact great advertising can have.
My must-have gadget is:
My iPhone doesn’t leave my side very often.
My favourite media is:
I’m really into podcasts at the moment, although I’m trying to get up to speed on bitcoin while the rest of the world has probably moved onto something else!
My favourite TV show is:
Love Louis Theroux’s documentary series.
The last book I read:
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. It’s the second time of reading, the book makes you realise that sweating the small stuff doesn’t matter.
My mantra / philosophy is:
To do is to dare.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
Like many people in this industry I fell into it. I realised pretty quickly I didn’t want to be an accountant.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
England’s cricket captain, and I actually think I could do a better job right now.
In five years' time I'll be:
Happy and content. Surely that’s more important than anything.
Define your job in one word:
Energising.
What's your poison:
An ice cold beer. To be enjoyed surrounded by friends and family.
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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