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 Starcom Melbourne managing director Stuart Jaffray.
Duration in current role:
Five months.
How would you describe what the company does?
We provide commercial outcomes for our clients by creating experiences that customers love and actions brands need.
What do you do day-to-day?
Connect things. Our talent, our clients and our media partners. Our clients and consumers.
Define your job in one word:
Stimulating.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
A friend recommended me for a job and I have never looked back – I love the profession, it’s a fascinating combination of art and science, of head and heart.
What’s the biggest industry-wide challenge you’d like to see tackled?
Marketers have fought hard for a seat with the C-Suite. But at times, our industry seems determined to take that away. I’m all for constructive criticism and competition but I also see a destructive and corrosive negativity within our industry that does all marketers a disservice. I’d like to see an end to it.
Previous industry related companies you have worked at:
I started my career in direct marketing agencies - IFM in London and SRG in Sydney and Melbourne. I then went client-side with BMW. I was there for 10.5 years heading up their marketing team for 3.5 years prior to joining Starcom.
Who is/has been a great mentor to you and why?
My wife Meredith. She consistently supports, challenges and pushes me. She keeps me grounded and I’m a better human being because of her.
Words of advice for someone wanting a job like yours?
Be curious. Read, listen, watch, learn and then have a point of view.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Pitching a new business idea on Shark Tank
My mantra/philosophy is:
“Look after your body, it’s the only place you have to live”. The older I get the more I subscribe to that thinking.
My favourite advert is:
Growing up, the first advertising that struck me was from Hamlet – ‘Happiness is a cigar called Hamlet’.
The work was consistent and entertaining. I never smoked and never have, but I liked the work.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
They’ve never seen my tattoos.
In five years' time I'll be:
Fifty.
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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