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. Last week we spoke with Carat Melbourne managing director, Joseph Pardillo.
This week we chat to WPP AUNZ data investment management CEO, Ben Dixon.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
I've been at WPP AUNZ one year and WPP 10 years.
In one sentence, how would you describe what the company does?
We provide the full suite of marketing insights and consulting services to clients. We are a stable of specialist brands who collaborate to bring expertise together to help businesses grow.
In one sentence, what does your role involve?
My role is primarily around connecting the businesses and helping them to collaborate as well as connecting clients and industry leaders with our expertise. Behind the scenes my role is around streamlining operations, marketing and business support services to give each of our businesses access to scale, efficiency and best practice.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
Connecting businesses that were previously competitors and seeing them understand the benefits of collaboration and sharing the benefits of true business support services and scalable operations with smaller companies who could previously not afford this.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
Breadth and depth of clients and client relationships and the smart people who are building great careers and inspiring others around them.
Previous industry related (ad land/ad tech) companies you have worked at:
Nielsen, Millward Brown.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years time?
There’s a lot of work to realise the full potential of the DIM and what it can do for our clients and our people.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I’m very transparent.
Top networking tip:
Never close a door.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
The halfway Sandwich House on any golf course.
My favourite advert is:
Panda cheese ads.
My must-have gadget is:
Whiteboard.
My favourite media is:
TV.
My favourite TV show is:
Would I Lie To You.
The last book I read:
Ariana Huffington, Thrive
My mantra / philosophy is:
Treat everyone how you want to be treated.
I got into advertising because:
I funded myself through university working as a market research interviewer and fell in love with the industry.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Running a fishing charter.
In five years' time I'll be:
Fifty.
Define your job in one word:
Connecting.
What's your poison:
Alcohol.
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