30 from 30. The people who have helped shape the industry and Campaign Brief: Steve Harris

For Campaign Brief WA’s 30th anniversary, over the thirty days of June we’re looking back on 30 people who helped shape the industry and us.

Steve Harris is easily one of the most polarising figures in the industry over our history, but he is also undeniably one of the most successful. From the outset of his career at BCY, his relentless drive and uncompromising attitude has seen him ruffle feathers as Marketing Manager at The Sunday Times, as an Account Director at Clemenger/Intoto, and of course, as Managing Director at The Brand Agency.

Joining The Brand in 1997 and taken under the wing of founder and chairman Ken James, Harris quickly became an integral part of the agency’s growth and ongoing success. Known as a fierce competitor, Harris makes no apologies for his ‘crash or crash through’ style.

He has given Campaign Brief so much joy over the years it’s hard to know where to begin.

Perhaps just a few highlights. In 1994, when he was at The Sunday Times, he had a spirited argument via the letters pages in Campaign Brief with Paul Murray, Editor of The West Australian, over circulation claims.

The Brand Agency’s infamous Pamela Anderson spot for Crazy Domains in 2009 lit up the CB Blog up like few other stories we’ve ever had.

In 2011, he took the industry to task over what he saw as an unhealthy predisposition on scam ads (the irony was not lost on many). And following that, his very public but ultimately shortlived decision to boycott local award shows also galvanised the industry.

An extensive interview in the September 2010 issue of Campaign Brief magazine was one of the best we’ve ever had. Harris spoke frankly about the industry, The Brand Agency, his management style, his relationship with James, competitors, the PADC, TCC and a range of other subjects. It was one of a series done with agency MDs and it speaks volumes that Harris was the only one that did not ask to see the questions beforehand or to approve the draft prior to publication.

Harris is a man of strong opinions and he’s not afraid to let them be known. That upsets a lot of people but then at least you always know where you stand.

One thing that many people would not know is that Harris submits a nomination for our Ad Person of the Year award every year – always for someone outside of The Brand Agency. While reluctant to give an inch publicly, privately he recognises the work and achievements of his competitors and the contributions to the industry they make.

Harris is tough, ruthless and committed but at the end of the day he’ll shake your hand and have a drink with you, then get ready to do it all again tomorrow.

A lot of competitors would be happy to see the back of Steve Harris but not Campaign Brief. It would be a much duller industry without him.