The BD100 2019: Kerry Gibson Pitch

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What’s your job title?

What’s your job title?

New Business Director

Which agency do you work for?

Ogilvy UK

What were your highlights of last year?

My promotion to Director comes pretty near the top of the list - it's an exciting time to be at Ogilvy and in the industry. As well as that it's got to be the sheer numbers of things achieved; the number of creds meetings held, successful proposals written, good pitches, pitch wins, events held, events attended, the number of new connections made... not to mention the amount of wine consumed at said events…

What has been your most memorable win - and why?

It has to be the Post Office win. It was a (very) long time coming and when I received the brief I realised their northstar statement actually reflected our own beliefs - a perfect fit on paper! And so began a 6 month process to make the paper-fit a reality, with the most amazing team of people. I loved every minute of it. Well, minus one or two because it was a pitch after all and I was battling morning sickness towards the end.

How would you describe your approach to business development?

Collaborative. I hate doing things by myself. And it's not that can't or I don't, I just love bringing new people together to tackle a problem. I find it REALLY satisfying being able to make this happen and seeing ideas come to fruition.


What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Be a swan! I can't remember who said it, but I'll never forget it. There are times when I feel chaotic/ worried/ like I'm running out of time/ “do I even know what I am doing?!". Yet, all you will see is a calm individual that looks in control, like a graceful swan above the water (or something there abouts!)

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

Enjoy it. No one likes to lose, but there's a hell of a lot to winning big. It doesn't always result in the big win you were hoping for, so you have to enjoy every single bit of it and celebrate the little wins which will potentially snowball into bigger ones. Oh and be kind to EVERYONE - you never know when you will need a last minute bit of help, from a new case study film being made overnight, to getting hand prints off the screen.

What is your new business soundtrack?

I do like a bit of Pop Punk to liven up the day - New Found Glory, the Wonder Years, Jimmy Eat World, Greenday. It's that and any random playlist to help my endless hunt for the perfect reel or case study soundtrack - does anyone else find this impossible?!

To vote for Kerry, click here.

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