Brand Manager of the Week: Andy Havill

Describe yourself in three words.
Outgoing, creative, Kiwi.
What would you be if you weren’t a marketer?
I did several hours (trying) to fly planes when I was younger, so probably a pilot.
What advice would you give someone starting their marketing career?
Set yourself some clear goals and work toward achieving them. Expand your skill-set so you understand how business works, not just marketing.
What attracted you to your current job?
I had worked in travel and tourism in previous roles so this seemed like a good fit.
What was your first job?
Handling international promotions for an adventure tourism company.
How did you get your first job?
My great networking abilities. (I was friends with the chief executive’s daughter – the rest is history.)
What’s your greatest ambition?
To have no regrets and to wake up each day doing something I would be happy doing if it were my last day on earth.
If you were a brand, what would you be and why?
Red Bull – I’d get to try out some amazing adventure activities/sports.
What is your all-time
favourite slogan?
If you’re not living life on the edge, you’re taking up too much room.
What marketing trend is dominating your job at the moment?
Mobile.
If you weren’t you, who would you be?
A pro surfer. I’d get to travel to the world’s most beautiful beaches, doing something I do for fun.
What makes you angry?
When people seek advice, don’t listen and it all goes wrong. Then they come back asking why.
What’s your favourite holiday destination?

Waihi and Pukehina beaches in New Zealand.
If you could get tickets to any event, what would it be?
The All Blacks vs Australia in the Rugby World Cup final.
What have been your best and worst freebies?
Best was a ticket to see Roger Federer play. Worst was a women’s hair-colouring kit.

This article was first published on marketingmagazine.co.uk