Spend 10 minutes with… Kiaran Geen

Over the past twelve months “Spend 10 minutes with…” has been a regular part of the printed Campaign Brief magazine. It will continue to be so, however CB will also regularly repeat the segment online. This week we catch up with Kiaran Geen, Business Director, OMD Perth.

What did you do before getting into advertising?

Is there life before advertising? If there is I worked in a hardware store whilst I was at University. Big kids toy store for sure… and I think is why I need to go to BA (Bunnings anonymous) as I go in for a packet of screws and end up with $300 worth of ‘stuff ‘ that I absolutely need and will never use.

What was your first job in the industry?

I was Leah Smith’s media assistant – Nothing can prepare you for a career in this industry than the first two years I spent with her. I very quickly learnt that media was the right place for me.

Do you have a favourite ad/campaign?

I thought I would change this to my favourite use of Media. This would have to be the execution that Longtail did for S’n’W on PerthNow. It was a homepage buyout that could not be missed – the perfect synergy between a good online space (which did not exist and I am sure they had to fight for) and creative execution. Well done to Carlo and his team.

What ad/campaign do you hate most?

Some of the more ridiculous home builder’s ads we have here in Perth, there are quite a few to list so I won’t, but you all know the ones I mean. They just don’t make any sense.

What is your career highlight to date?

I definitely think winning media agency of the year at this year’s Campaign Brief Awards. To win was an all of agency effort and our people were the biggest contributors to that win. I have worked and helped grow some of these people, since they were coordinators. It is fantastic to be able to pass along the knowledge and skills that I have learnt and watch them grow in their careers. I get a lot of satisfaction from this every day.

Who is the most interesting, or most inspiring, or funniest person you have met or worked with?

I went to the lecture that Todd Sampson (pictured left) did at UWA a few years ago – gee if we could all be about as half as passionate and inspirational we would all be much happier.

What do you like about where you live?

The weather – I love golf and you just can’t get a better place to enjoy 18 holes than Perth.

How do you spend your Saturday evenings?

I’m married so normally we have friends over who leave by 10pm and Olivia and I go to bed! It’s sad I know.

Do you have a favourite restaurant?

I work in media – do you have a favourite restaurant? – are you kidding! Grand Palace – anyone who has had those juicy, juicy chops will know what I mean. I have recently been saddened by the fact it closed on Saturday the 27th of May as its going literally under water with the new Perth redevelopment. Adam and I booked in for lunch on the last Friday, our last supper.

Do you have a favourite movie?

Well at the moment it is The Avengers – what a great movie, outside of the current movies unquestionably it is The Hunt for Red October.

What are you currently reading?

Who has time for that, but when I do I am currently half way through Atlas Shrugged (been reading it for about 18 months – it’s a long book)

What are the 3 things you take on holiday?

My wife (everyone who has met Olivia knows why). My iPhone. If I can my dog Wilma.