1. Favourite local campaign that isn’t mine
Air New Zealand Summer Wonderland. It’s brilliant!
- Check out the StopPress picks of the year here.
2. Favourite campaign that is mine
I’d probably choose one from this year, the re-launch of Onecard. The campaign went to the heart of our brand; making kiwis’ lives a little better every day. It has been met with a really positive response, and has been really effective at changing customer behaviour.
3. Favourite international campaign
As a food retailer, I love Christmas ads. This year’s Tesco Ireland Christmas spot is just wonderful. The ad captures some beautiful Christmas emotion and manages to make a powerful connection to food and the occasions – without showing food…all with those great Irish accents.
4. Least favourite campaign
My least favourite (Christmas) ad this year is Aldi UK featuring Kevin the Carrot. Maybe it’s just me, but I reckon food should never walk or talk.
5. Your own biggest success
For me, it’s probably the role we played in supporting Countdown’s customers and teams around New Zealand, following the earthquakes in Christchurch and more recently with the Kaikoura earthquake. It’s incredible how everyone comes together, to ensure our network is up and running, so customers can get in and get their essentials, during worrying times. I have the upmost respect for our 16,000 store team members, many who have suffered with their own personal loss and damage, but who still did their bit to help us open with food on the shelves and trucks on the road.
6. Most significant launch/innovation/thing of the year
At Countdown, we’re pretty proud of our first premium store, Countdown Ponsonby.
7. What should be un-invented
Crocs and especially when worn with socks, unless you’re a chef or a nurse, it’s simply not OK.
8. Lamest trend
I didn’t really get the Mannequin challenge…
9. Best brands
There are many brands I admire and look to for inspiration. In New Zealand, Air NZ continues to impress.
10. Best stoush
I didn’t watch it but I have heard there were some good ones on The Real Housewives of Auckland.
11. Heroes
My mum, Helen. She taught me everything I know about food, and how important it is to bring families together.
12. Villains
Ramsay Bolton from Game of Thrones.
13. What died in 2016?
Too many music legends
14. What’s the biggest mistake marketers will make in 2017
The biggest mistake marketers will make in 2017 will be focusing on their competition rather than putting their own customers first.
15. Will the robots become sentient and kill us all?
Probably.
