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.
We previously spoke with to Media & Production Partners MD Jimmy Hyett - the ex-MediaCom director who flew solo to launch a full-service agency.
This time we speak to Sizmek APAC general manager Kees de Jong.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
Two months.
How would you describe what the company does?
Sizmek works with brand marketers, agencies, publishers, and trading desks to build, target and deliver personalised creative messages that inspire audiences to action across the globe. We also help them seamlessly connect with the right audiences across all channels, both programmatic and direct.
What does your role involve?
My job is to make sure the many talented people we have on the ground in the region are as successful as they can be.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
The acquisition last year by Vector Capital and renewed leadership under Mark Grether to set a new and focused course for the company so it can continue to deliver the best value to its clients. Ultimately, helping customers solve real business challenges in this fast changing, and sometimes complex, digital environment.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
The incredible pace of change.
Previous industry related companies you have worked at:
Facilitate Digital and then Xaxis Australia, where I was charged with creating and building up way back in 2011. Since then I have worked on a ton of consulting projects across the industry, including programmatic TV.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
I wish I knew.
What is the elephant in the room? The thing that no one is talking about – but they should be.
The future is not about ad serving. All media will become addressable so the true value lies in understanding the combination effect of media, audiences, data and creative.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I love poetry.
Top networking tip:
Be yourself, be interested, be genuine, don’t try to be someone or something you’re not.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
Sake in the Rocks.
My favourite advert is:
The new Heineken Ad that shows strangers discussing opposing views
My must-have gadget is:
Kindle.
My favourite media is:
Kindle.
My favourite TV show is:
I don’t watch TV.
The last book I read:
The Sun is God by Adrian McKinty.
My mantra / philosophy is:
Be genuine, stand by your word and treat people with respect.
I got into advertising because:
It’s fascinating.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Farming full time.
In five years' time I'll be:
Farming full time.
Define your job in one word:
Facilitator.
What's your poison:
Gin and tonic or Sancerre.
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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