Co-founding Tech Innovation @ MG OMD

A new business unit for the agency

Overview

In 2014, along with my co-founder, I approached Manning Gottlieb OMD with a fresh proposition: a Technology Innovation team. This new business unit took clients from being wary of emerging technologies, to ‘learning by doing’ and embarking on their own innovation journeys via their marketing. Through inspiration, education, and the creative application of technology, the team solved pressing business and marketing problems, stimulating a spirit of innovation along the way.

Impact

• Delivered Technology Innovation projects for significant clients including Virgin Holidays, Virgin Media, Renault, Specsavers, and Estée Lauder
• Achieved six-digit revenue in the second year of operating
• Positively encouraged clients to see the agency differently, broadening the expertise and remit of the business
• Cultivated an enthusiasm for technology and culture of innovation within the agency

Role

• Building and nurturing all aspects of the team, including: function; purpose; development of services; commercial model; ways of working; areas of focus; branding; marketing; team; external partners.
• Leading all projects end-to-end for my patch of clients (including the Virgin Group) and within my chosen area of focus: New Realities
• Representing the function and agency externally, through industry talks and events