CAREERS: Job interview

Name Chris Reed

Job Marketing director

Company Rivals.net

Age 31

How did you get into marketing?

While studying business and working at HMV at the same time, I saw the

light and became very passionate about customer focused brands.

What was your motivation for joining?

The opportunity to create a sports fans' brand on the net from nothing

was something that I couldn't resist.

What are the challenges that Rivals.net faces in its sector?

Making money from the brand that we've built.

What was your most recent marketing campaign?

Rivals.net was the product placement partner in Mike Bassett - England

Manager. This meant that Rivals.net was pictured in 14 scenes in the

film and during the press conferences the brand was seen for several

minutes.

We can exploit this association again when the DVD comes out before the

World Cup and when the film is shown on Channel 4.

What do you enjoy most/least about your working environment?

I love the dynamism and the energy, the creativity and the ability to

show results on site within minutes. I least like the ignorance of

people who criticise the internet and don't realise that it's the most

cost effective, accountable and creative medium there is.

What individual has influenced you most in your career?

David Elliot of Hammersmith Odeon. He gave me my first marketing break

in London and inspired such great loyalty and hard work from his focused

team. Also Rupert Murdoch - an inspirational risk taker and builder of

brands.

Where do you see yourself in ten years time?

I'd love to be the chief executive of Newcastle United FC. Failing that,

chief executive of my own marketing consultancy advising brands not to

waste money, but to be brand focused.

What do you look for in the people you do business with?

Energy, enthusiasm, positiveness, brand focus, professionalism and the

ability to carry through proposed creative and innovative brand

partnerships.

What would be the one piece of career advice you would give?

Always be positive and never stay in one place too long, you need to

keep challenging yourself.

What has been your biggest mistake?

My desire to create and implement brilliant ideas quickly without

playing enough politics always gets me into trouble. Life's too short

not to try and do as much as possible in the least amount of time!

What has been your biggest achievement?

Building Rivals.net into a number one sports site and a definitive fans

brand. At News International I increased sales on The Sunday Times to a

20-year high. At H Bauer Publishing it was building the largest magazine

club in the world for Take a Break. At EMAP radio it was creating a

profitable and brand focused concert co-promotions division.

What do you do to unwind?

Play with my five-month-old son Conor James who puts the world and

business in perspective. Also watching Newcastle United win and shouting

with delight at the TV when Manchester United lose.

CV

1993-1997

Various marketing roles, EMAP Radio Connections

1998

Promotions director, Robins Cinemas

1998-1999

Marketing and promotions manager, H Bauer Publishing

1999-2000

Marketing and promotions manager, The Times and The Sunday Times

2000-present

Marketing director, Rivals.net

This article was first published on Marketing