Member Spotlight

To correspond with our new monthly newsletter, we’ll be putting one member under the spotlight for each edition.

We start with Alastair Duncan; founder of adc4 & Zentropy Partners, and former Chief Executive of MRM Worldwide. Alastair is an active contributor to the BIMA blog, with over 18 plus years experience in creating and building interactive marketing & advertising businesses. This ranges from developing early interactive television and gaming systems, to starting up new media firms both inside and outside of advertising agencies. Alastair has consistently remained at the cutting edge of marketing technology, growing his businesses both in scale and profitability year on year.

1. What’s the best (in terms of your own enjoyment) campaign that you’ve worked on?

Too many to single one out. I loved doing the first Mini website and the global website for Intel. Last year I was involved with a programme targeting the music-making community which became the number 1 website for unsigned bands in the UK within a few months. That was pretty enjoyable.

2. What was your first job?

I set up a theatre company after university before going into advertising. My first serious job was writing press ads for Budgens, but it didn’t take too long to realise that running companies would be more fun. I started in the early interactive TV world in the early nineties, and did my first online ad in 1994. I recommend treating every job as a first job - one should never stop learning.

3. What book are you currently reading?

A collection of Norwegian short stories. Well, you did ask! Plus I read Little Miss Somersault aloud most nights.

4. What is your favourite website?

Twitter right now. And www.participationmarketing.co.uk of course.

5. If I turned on your iPod, which song would start playing?

Something random by Polly Harvey

6. Which brand do you most admire in the interactive space?

The big ones; Microsoft, Google, Facebook et al have all built massive properties. I also love some of the work being done by Nike and Nokia. And the BIMA blog for doggedness. [Come on people - post comments, please.] What’s interesting right now is that the interactive space is broadening to include digital outdoor and digital TV. The canvas for creativity continues to expand.

7. Who would you most like to sit next to on a plane journey?

Mrs Duncan

8. Who has been your most inspiring person to work with?

I’ve been lucky to know many. I would say Brian Hayes, who taught me about interactive television in 1990, and more recently the people working with me in my new venture.

9. If you could change the industry in one way, what would it be?

Belief in itself. Digital media is the future of everything media.

10. Where is your favourite place to have breakfast?

Stoke Newington has a vast array of excellent breakfast haunts. I love them all especially Hussein’s Petit Coin. Blooms on Lexington is a favourite escape when I’m in New York and in London, the Wolseley never ceases to please.