BIMA Executive 2007 - 2008. Who gets your vote?

So, I find myself at the end of a busy year at the helm (mostly behind the scenes conducting research and building a foundation upon which to raise BIMA’s voice in 2007 and beyond), supported by 13 strong executives and of course, the glue that holds BIMA together; Janice Cable. What an enjoyable time it has been

I have no idea where the time has gone, we’re now just one day away from our AGM when votes are cast for new executives (fresh blood is welcomed!). We have 8 applicants gunning for 7 seats.

So, if you want your vote to make a difference then make your way to the AGM

Venue
Design Council, 34 Bow Street, London WC2

Time
Opening drinks - 17:30
AGM Start - 6:15
Networking reception - 6:45

It’s not all about financial stuff, there’s a networking bit with drinks and nibbles afterwards. The only catch is that you must be a member to attend.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Mark Iremonger, Dermot O’Mahony, Tim Osler and Pete Petrella for their contribution during my time at the helm in 2006. I would also like to thank Janice (company secretary) for her undying dedication to the BIMA brand and her support of me for the past 12 months as Chair. She has been fantastic!

So, now we find ourselves looking for some fresh enthusiastic blood to support all stake holders involved in the craftsmanship of interactive solutions. Below are the heavy-weights which I’m delighted to announce, so please do come to the AGM to cast your vote and get to meet other members of the executive as well as BIMA members.

STEVE CLAYTON
CTO, Microsoft UK, Partner Group

Press Biography: Steve Clayton is one of the geek new breeds. In touch with technology and with the society in which he thrives, many consider him to be “the ambassador of geek”. One of the first UK “softies” to blog (driving his page views to 2 million from zero within 10 months) and the pioneer of Microsoft’s TV channel Partner TV (blogs.msdn.com/ptstv), Steve is now a recognized digital media and blogxpert. Not only is he driving the internal use of Web 2.0 technology within Microsoft, he is also advising many external organisations, including Waterstones, Talent Network and Fifteen (Jamie Oliver’s restaurant) on social media’s potential to reach their audiences. Along with this Steve is speaking at many industry events and contributing expert comment and articles to the press.”

Personal Bio: I’ve worked for over 9 years at Microsoft and enjoyed every minute…well, almost. I started as a Systems Engineer playing with Internet technologies and then migrated to the trendy area of Knowledge Management. I then got the gadget bug and worked in our mobile devices group helping Orange to launch the world’s first Windows Mobile Smartphone.

That’s how 5 years went by in 10 seconds … that’s how it felt anyway.

A new adventure beckoned and I moved in to the UK Partner Group where I now work as the CTO. I get to work with truly amazing people inside and outside of Microsoft and see the cool stuff they’re out there doing with Microsoft products. This role has reminded me that software can change the world and affect people’s lives. It can have an astonishingly positive impact and I felt the need to tell that story and change the image of a company lambasted for doing bad things. It’s led me to get involved in telling stories about Microsoft, software and most recently some “Moonshine Marketing” with the Blue Monster - but maybe that’s just an excuse for becoming less technical.

ROBIN HOWARD
Client Engagement Director, British Telecom

With a background in IT and Publishing, Robin joined BT in the later 80’s and has worked on a very wide range of internal and client-based programmes. In recent years he has developed and launched a communication product in Europe, run BT.com development, and implemented business transformation programmes. Robin now works as Client Engagement Director. He is responsible for bringing IP-based innovation to client operations. He has led workshops on mashed services and identity management within the business, and is keen that technology is seen as an enabler, with strong social standards.

CHARLES BILLOT
Marketing Director, Soup

Charles Billot oversees new business development and marketing for the digital agency, Soup.

Charles is also responsible for the growth and running of the London office and works with clients such as Fujifilm, Royal Bank of Scotland, Virgin and Sony Ericsson.

Prior to working with Soup, Charles ran his own design and communications agency, which focused on emerging small businesses seeking recognition in the digital marketplace.

Charles’ career in digital began 9 years ago at Syzygy as a designer. He then moved on to TBWA-GGT, now Tequila, where he was Deputy Head of Digital and responsible for the day to day running of interactive for clients including Vauxhall, Natwest, Eurostar and Prudential.

With an art degree from Goldsmiths College and a creative start-off in digital, Charles brings originality and imagination to his role at Soup.

MICHAEL COLLINS
Director, i-Publishing Consultants Limited

Michael worked in further and higher education, cultural diplomacy and arts management, and as a sponsorship consultant, commissioning editor and charity director, before joining the world of information and communications technology. Having recently spent five years working in marketing and new business development, with particular focus on the publishing sector for an IT solutions plc, Michael now divides his time between working as a marketing and business development consultant for several small-scale, complementary software, systems and service providers and advising publishers and other information providers on strategic planning, marketing, communications and software solutions, with particular reference to interactive publishing and the electronic dissemination of information.

MACIEK (Matt) GORSKOWSKI
Managing Director, Play

Matt began his Marketing career working for Saatchi & Saatchi in Europe and Shafter Advertising in the US where he helped to launch new products for major brands including Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, Fujitsu and Nokia.

Recognising the potential of digital media, Matt joined Itraffic in San Francisco as Account Director. Here Matt led key accounts such as Disney and Buena Vista Entertainment before returning the Europe to join Itraffic London as Client Services Director where he oversaw the interactive marketing activity of brands such as British Airways and Hilton.
In 2005, Matt co-founded Pay in conjunction with M&C Saatchi and former Itraffic colleagues Jon Sharpe and Ethan Segal.

MARGARET MANNING
Chief Executive Officer, Reading Room

A member of the BIMA Executive, retiring by rotation and seeking re-election.

MATTHEW BAGWELL
Creative Director, Conchango

A member of the BIMA Executive, retiring by rotation and seeking re-election.

PAUL WALSH (ahem, me!)
Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Segala

A member of the BIMA Executive, retiring by rotation and seeking re-election.