The Biz Dev 100: Julia Franks, New Business Director, Saatchi & Saatchi

Name: Julia Franks

Job Title: New Business Director

Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi

What were your highlights of last year?

Our big wins for HSBC brand and Robinsons. The work on both is the best we have produced, category defining for each brand and work the whole agency is hugely proud of.

What has been your most memorable win - and why?

I’m passionate about photography so I was delighted when my first pitch as part of a BD department was Canon. Being new to the role (after 10 years in account management) meant I was able to come with new ideas and push us out of what had become bit of a comfort zone – it was by far my most rewarding and memorable win, and started a love of pitching I still have to this day.

How would you describe your approach to business development?

Business Development has to be woven into the agency. Every interaction with the agency and every little detail counts. Always think “what else?” If you reach the end of a pitch and know there was nothing else you could have done, you can hold your head high regardless of the result.

What would be your number one tip to anyone starting in business development?

Embrace everything that is thrown at you and ask lots of questions.

What is your new business soundtrack?

We have a number of upbeat Spotify playlists we rotate, my current favourite is The Afternoons by Joe and the Juice.

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