With just a week to go until the 2018 UnLtd Big Clash, we sit down with the captains of the teams to get to know the players a bit more.
In its first outing on the pitch as part of The Big Clash, the Creative Agency team is captained by M&C Saatchi's Russell Hopson. The recently arrived Brit always preferred the ads to the TV shows, and isn't sure if his team can win the day - but he's keen to find out.
Come along to watch the tournament on 8 February at Sydney Uni Oval. The Media Agency team has taken the glory for the past two years but more importantly The Big Clash has raised $130,000 to date. There's more info here.
Full name: Russell Hopson
Job title, company name: Group MD, M&C Saatchi Australia
Location you are based: Sydney
Duration in current role: Six months
What’s your finest sporting moment on the pitch/field/court: My first girlfriend was the only woman to have ever streaked at Lords
Who is most likely to be out for a duck in this year’s UnLtd Big Clash cricket match?: Hard to say as I hardly know anyone, so I’ll go with myself
Why is your team going to win Big Clash? Because we are the creative agencies- and we’ll find a way
What does UnLtd mean to you/Why are you taking part in Big Clash? I have teenage daughters - it’s hard not to empathise with young people who haven’t had it so good when you look at your own, largely privileged, brood.
Best thing about the industry you work in: Openness to change and innovation. Sometimes.
Why should people come down to watch your team battle it out against the others? Failure is always amusing to watch
This year the adtech team and creative team are new on the pitch - do they have a chance against the Media agencies and Media owners? Probably not.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you? (see my answer to the fifth question)
Top networking tip: Be normal
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is: My desk
My favourite advert is: H&M Wham Rap
My must-have gadget is: iPhone charger
My favourite TV show is: Selling Houses Australia
The last book I read: The Fatal Shore
My mantra / philosophy is: Resilience trumps all other strengths
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing because: As a teenager I preferred the ads to the programmes
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be: Cooking
Define your job in one word: Complicated
What's your poison: Yamazaki
Come down to watch the tournament in Sydney on 8 February and see if the Media Agency team can take victory for a third year running, or whether the Media Owners, Creative Agencies or AdTech team can steal the glory on the pitch. There's also a charity auction on the day. The second tournament takes palce in Fawkner Park, Melbourne on 15 February.
Want to get to know the Media Owners captain, ARN CEO Rob Atkinson? Check out his Player Profile here.
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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