In the first of a new series of M&M Global interviews, Chris Bennett, EMEA managing director at Pixability, tries his luck with our list of 13 questions.

1 – Summarise yourself in three words.

Ambitious, pragmatic, and energetic.

2 – What made you want to pursue a career in media and marketing?

Once my schoolboy ambition of becoming a lawyer drifted away, I was introduced to the world of advertising at university through my Economics degree. I began to buy a copy of Campaign magazine every week (sorry M&M Global!) and read each one cover-to-cover. I was completely taken in by the power of brilliant creativity combined with smart media execution to change and influence behaviour. My head still turns today when I see great advertising.

3 – Describe your ideal client.

My ideal client is someone who wants a partner relationship and not merely a vendor relationship. A great relationship is reciprocal and needs proper time and investment from all parties.

4 – Name your favourite ever campaign.

That’s easy – the Honda ‘Cog’ from 2003. A fantastic idea and a model of great creative – intelligently devised and brilliantly executed.

5 – Which award win are you most proud of, and why?

Pixability’s inclusion in the BBJ’s Best Places to Work of 2015 is definitely up there because it acknowledges our commitment to our staff and creating a genuinely fun place to work. I’m looking forward to placing the 2016 award alongside it!

6 – Who is the best industry speaker you have seen?

Sir Martin Sorrell has a talent for blending his WPP messaging seamlessly into every speech or fireside chat he delivers. He is always on target, engaging, and authentic, and full of wisdom and insight.

7 – Which is your favourite social media platform, and why?

By day it’s LinkedIn – perfect for my industry voyeurism. By night it’s Twitter – I catch up on current affairs, news, and views. At the weekend I turn to Strava – a whizzy app for crazy dudes into bikes and triathlons.

“I was once interviewed on the shores of Lake Zurich – you’ll be hard pressed to find a more picturesque location for a meeting”

8 – Where is your ideal meeting venue?

I was once interviewed on the shores of Lake Zurich – you’ll be hard pressed to find a more picturesque location for a meeting. A little closer to home, and somewhat more practical for my usual schedule, is anywhere with views of the early morning skyline – Mindshare or Google’s offices in London to name a couple.

9 – What is your favourite restaurant?

I am very fortunate in that I get to travel in my role to some great cities. Equally I am passionate about food and so suggesting a single favourite venue is practically impossible.

The Neptune Oyster Bar in Boston is always superb and Café Murano is a fabulous new addition to the London scene. But for the sheer experience, showmanship, and jaw-dropping culinary skill, Heston Blumenthal and his team nail it with The Fat Duck in Bray.

10 – What is hot in international media and marketing, and what is not?

The Huffington Post is definitely hot – you can always rely on a great mix of news and original content. It even has the royal seal of approval with Kate Middleton planned as guest editor next month to raise awareness of children’s mental health.

What’s not? Isolated thinking surrounding single media platforms – only a diversified, cross-platform approach will continue to reach audiences successfully in 2016. It may sound old hat, but it still surprises me how many marketers are thinking in siloes.

11 – Which industry buzzword would you ban?

Anyone who uses the word ‘strategise’ should be ostracised immediately. The trend of turning nouns to verbs is surely bad enough, but this is just awful.

12 – Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

Visiting Pixability’s offices in China and being able to converse with colleagues in their mother tongue. That would be truly amazing.

13 – Finally, who would play you in a movie of your life?

Jonah Hill. Charming and entertaining – what’s not to like?