Renee Fox.
In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Channel Factory senior account manager Renee Fox.
Time in current role/time at the company:
7 months
How long have you been in the industry?
Just under a decade. It feels like I blinked and here I am, eight years later!
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I began my career at a full-service indie agency in New Zealand, working across both above-the-line and digital media planning for sectors like insurance, consumer goods, energy and tourism. This was a fantastic launchpad for my career, giving me the opportunity to collaborate with creative teams and apply media in innovative ways.
From there, I moved into strategic media planning, eventually taking on a client-side role which involved leading campaigns such as Pink Shirt Day and Mental Health Awareness Week for the Mental Health Foundation of NZ.
This experience fueled my passion for purposeful media work, which ultimately led me to travel across the ditch to Channel Factory in Melbourne. I was excited to take this role, which gives me the chance to work on brand safety, contextual alignment, and media transparency - all of which are critical elements in today’s media landscape.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
I work closely with our trading team, who are incredibly talented and insightful. I really value being in a close-knit office where I can easily turn to our trading manager for Victoria with complex (and sometimes silly) questions. This dynamic not only helps me deliver the best results for our clients but also fuels my continuous learning - something I truly value!
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
Every campaign offers a new creative challenge, whether it’s discovering fresh ways to engage audiences or collaborating on purpose-driven storytelling. The media industry is constantly changing, which means there’s always something new to learn. From the latest in technology to new and emerging platforms, the opportunities are endless.
It’s the perfect space for anyone who enjoys a challenge, thrives on variety and wants to build real skills while making an impact.
Plus, I love working with people from diverse industries and backgrounds. Everyone has something unique to teach, which makes every day a learning experience.
And the biggest challenge?
Managing tight deadlines while juggling multiple campaigns and ensuring each one delivers.
With so many moving parts, from coordinating with agency teams to working closely with the trading team, time management requires strong organisation and focus. We all rely on each other as a team to keep things on track, which means if one task or deadline is not effectively managed, it can lead to a domino effect that impacts the whole group.
Over time, I’ve learned to thrive in the fast lane, prioritising effectively and building resilience - a term we’ve all rolled our eyes at a thousand times. Truthfully, developing thicker skin is often a tough, confronting process, but also incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing like seeing a campaign come together and knowing that, despite the pressure, we’ve delivered quality work that makes an impact.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I find inspiration in the amazing network of friends and colleagues I’ve built over my eight years in the industry - people who constantly push boundaries and challenge me to think differently.
I also love to immerse myself in media, social platforms, podcasts, and audiobooks, all of which help broaden my perspective and spark fresh ideas.
My favourite advert is (and why):
I’m a huge fan of the NZ Lotto ads; they’re masters of storytelling, transporting viewers with incredible cinematography and clever concepts.
One standout is the Lotto Powerball 'Imagine' - Lost commercial. This was more than just an ad - it was an interactive ticket. Hidden Lotto numbers were scattered throughout the commercial, challenging viewers to find seven of them for a chance to win a $10,000 grand prize and runner-up prizes.
Lotto NZ took it even further by creating an interactive website, dropping clues on social media, and tying it all into the live Lotto draw on 1News.co.nz, making the experience immersive and engaging.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I’m an open book!
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I’d love a role where I can shape campaign directions and mentor teams. I’d like to use my experience to inspire innovative thinking and help brands connect with people in meaningful ways. I think this is a natural progression that combines my professional interests and leadership aspirations.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I see myself in a leadership role, ideally somewhere I can leverage my skills to create a real impact. While I’m not putting too much pressure on it and am open to wherever life takes me, I’d like to use my experience to shape campaigns that connect authentically with audiences and drive positive change.
The most motivating part of this vision is the prospect of leading with purpose, guiding teams to think creatively and strategically while championing campaigns that resonate deeply with people.
To get there, I plan to continue building my expertise, growing my industry knowledge, and working closely with mentors. Ultimately, I want to stay adaptable and open, ready to embrace new challenges that allow me to grow and create value.
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