We are thrilled to announce that Sue Clarke, former Head of Digital at The7Stars, the UK's leading independent media agency, is joining Abintus Consulting as Client Director.
With over two decades of media experience spanning top media agencies and global brands, Sue brings a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly elevate our services and benefit our clients.
Sue's impressive career journey includes key roles at industry giants such as MediaCom and MEC (now Wavemaker), culminating in her leadership position at The7Stars.
Her expertise extends beyond the agency world, having also served as a Paid Media Specialist at Philip Morris International, giving her invaluable client-side perspective.
"After a 20-year career, including my time at major media agencies and on the client side, I have arrived at a place where I finally feel I can leverage my comprehensive knowledge and experience for the benefit of Abintus and the brands we are and will collaborate with."
My career in media and marketing began as a travel agent, driven by my love for travel and new cultures. Although my time in the travel agency sector was brief, it provided a springboard ignited through my enthusiasm that led me to a small media agency specialising in advertising solutions for travel brands. My job was focused on booking print ads and teletext, both the channels of choice for travel brands before the internet!
The emergence of search engines and early PPC platforms like Overture and Espotting, before Google, helped me to see the potential that this new channel could offer brands. This realisation set me on a different path, laying the foundation for my 20-year dedication and passion to paid media within the digital revolution.
In the early days of digital media, it was not taken seriously by many agencies. Digital departments across network agencies were often housed in separate, less glamorous buildings, and integrating digital into plans alongside TV and print was a challenge. Every digital plan required a PowerPoint presentation to explain each element and its relevance to the campaign. This struggle helped enhanced my knowledge, resilience, and enthusiasm for finding the right media solution and explaining complex terminologies.
The next 14 years I spent agency side working my way from Havas, Group M to Head of Digital for an independent agency. Here, I shaped what transparency in digital can mean for brands and helped to unwrap some of the trade desk practises that the rise of programmatic in digital had seen encroaching.
In 2017, I pivoted. I met a European, had my daughter, and after maternity leave, I moved away from agencies to brand side. Over the past six years, I have held various roles and worked with different brands in all shapes and sizes. As a result my agency shaped bubble has burst and opened my eyes to some of the challenges brands face through their internal structures, their understanding across media particularly digital and their quest to find the right agency for their business.
My diverse background in the media landscape has given me unique insights and perspectives, shaping who I am and how I work. I am eager to apply my knowledge, experience, and, dare I say, wisdom for the benefit of all.
I am excited to embark on the journey ahead.
Sue x