Lee Sears, vice president and head of commercial innovation at Viacom Velocity International, finds there is nothing quite like a rooftop bar to enhance a meeting.
1 – Summarise yourself in three words.
“Learning, energetic, passionate.”
2 – What made you want to pursue a career in media and marketing?
“I genuinely love talking about films, television and content in general and finding out what people think. So, working in media seemed like a good idea.”
3 – Describe your ideal client.
“Clients that are open to new ideas and want to collaborate.”
4 – Name your favourite ever campaign.
“The 2010 Carlsberg ‘Sunday League’ ad, which featured icons of the England team – it was much better than the actual World Cup games themselves.”
5 – Which award win are you most proud of, and why?
“Winning M&M Global’s 2016 International Media Brand of the Year award in the first year since we launched the Velocity international business was a huge achievement. It was a testament to the team as it recognised their hard work, effort and amazing results.”
6 – Who is the best industry speaker you have seen?
“Frank Abagnale (the film ‘Catch Me If You Can’ is based on him). He was emotive, insightful self-depreciating and genuinely an amazing speaker.”
7 – Which is your favourite social media platform, and why?
“Split between Snapchat and Instagram – although they are similar in many ways.”
8 – Where is your ideal meeting venue?
“Our offices in West Hollywood, California, are a pretty good place to meet. If not in the office, then rooftop bars always seem to enhance a meeting!”
9 – What is your favourite restaurant?
“34 Mayfair – a really good location and great service.”
10 – What is hot in international media and marketing, and what is not?
“Hot is transparency, re-evaluation of spending habits, media platforms and owners – what’s not is the opposite of the afore-mentioned.”
11 – Which industry buzzword would you ban?
“Preferred-partner.”
12 – Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
“Older, knees hurting more, hopefully still with lots of energy.”
13 – Finally, who would play you in a movie of your life?
“This is an excellent question and one I ask other people. Either Tom Hardy or Robert Downey Jr. Both have a winning combo of wit and gritty realism.”
