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 Blue 449 client partner Garth Moring.
This time we speak to VCCP CEO Andrew Holt.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
Eight months
How would you describe what the company does?
The challenger agency for challenger clients.
What does your role involve?
Going on a bear hunt.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
We’ve done some interesting work that has helped transform our clients’ business, had some talented people join the team and moved into a shiny new office. Momentum is a wonderous thing.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
Our best work populates culture, it doesn’t just reflect it.
Previous industry related companies you have worked at:
Clemenger BBDO, Colenso BBDO, Saatchi & Saatchi, Lowe Hunt, BMP DDB
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
Collecting the AdNews Small Agency of The Year award on behalf of the lovely folk at VCCP Sydney.
What is the elephant in the room? The thing that no one is talking about – but they should be?
We have forgotten that our business is the art of persuasion.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I’m learning the piano and recently performed in my first ever recital. I was very relieved to get through rendition of ‘Also Sprach Zarathustra’ unscathed, especially as I was the only performer who didn’t have their mum and dad in the audience.
Top networking tip:
Be yourself, but don’t talk about yourself.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
NOMAD. I’m not a foodie and quite lazy, so I love this place because it’s unpretentious and just across the road from the agency.
My favourite advert is:
Cardbury Smash ‘Martians’. John Webster’s ads populated my childhood and I was lucky enough to start my career at BMP whilst he still worked there. It takes true genius to be this strategically sharp and silly at the same time.
My must-have gadget is:
My Omega Speedmaster ‘moonwatch’. If I ever need to perform a perfectly timed 14-second re-entry fuel burn, it’s good to know I could.
My favourite media is:
Posters. There’s something about the enforced brevity of word or picture that still makes these the purest creative media.
My favourite TV show is:
Life On Mars: “I’m Gene Hunt. Your DCI. And it’s 1973. Nearly dinner time. I’m ‘aving hoops” Has to be one of the best opening lines ever.
The last book I read:
Where’s Wally. It’s a bedtime favourite with my kids and we have yet to find a single Woof.
My mantra / philosophy is:
Borrowed form Ray Kroc, the McDonald’s franchiser; “Press on; there’s nothing in the world that can take the place of persistence”.
I got into advertising because:
I was a teacher initially, but quickly discovered that the devil had all the best tunes.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Teaching history.
In five years' time I'll be:
Approaching my ‘silver jubilee’ in advertising. Hall of fame anyone?
Define your job in one word:
Upstart
What's your poison:
VB
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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