[NewsMaker] Liam Olding

Olding is ex-Jozi where he was executive creative director at Switch. Prior to that, Olding was a creative director at 140 BBDO sister agency, Net#work BBDO.

Olding will work across the agency's client set: "I believe I'm here to keep our people outside of any comfort-zone they may find themselves in so we can constantly strive do to things in new and challenging ways. I also think that previously 140 was a little low on the redhead quota side of things, so it's nice that the guys could up their 'red cred'," he quipped.

140 BBDO recently moved into new offices in Cape Town city centre, a move that agency creative head, Mike Schalit, says is in line with their ambition to give 140 BBDO increased competitive edge.

"It's been great to welcome Liam to our new ultra-modern home. He brings a sense of entrepreneurship to the team based on his experience running the new ad division at Switch. He also has a bit of that Joburg 'chutzpah' which we like."

About Liam Olding

Liam Olding is a recently appointed new Creative Director for 140 BBDO. He is part of a team of creative directors who are responsible for client brands such as Distell, GSK, Johnsons and Johnsons. Previously he was Executive Creative Director at Switch and also hails from Net#work BBDO where he was a creative director.

Q: What is at the top of your to do list?
A: I want to say laundry but I just know it'll be edited out. First and foremost for us is to get our team, both the people at our agency and our partners on the client side, to focus on what's going to best move us forward.

Q: What is your creative focus right now?
A: Solving your brief and completing this questionnaire.

Q: Most important attribute needed to do your job?
A: Probably an open mind. Of course, there's a whole bunch of criteria for the day to day dealings in an agency, like a thick-skin, good sense of humour, and the ability to deal with humans.

Q: The biggest trend to note in your industry?
A: Geez, that's a difficult one. Unfortunately, I think the real trend in advertising at the moment is following others instead of forging the way yourself.

Q: How will you make an impact?
A: This is going to sound so ridiculous. The way I'd like to make the biggest impact is to make our clients more successful than they've ever been by doing exceptional work that makes their products fly off the shelves and frames their service as something people can't live without... Told you.

Q: What inspires you?
A: The fact that people keep opening their fridge even when they know there's nothing in there.

Q: How do you inspire others?
A: Hopefully by showing them that redheads can also make it in life. Even more hopefully by standing up for what I think works. Oh, and not forgetting the things that got me here in the first place.

Q: What are you currently reading for work?
A: Everything I read is for work. So, everything, I guess.

Q: Your life philosophy?
A: That changes on a day-to-day basis... to be honest. I think one thing that underpins everything pretty much constantly though, is to realise that 'everyone' is just a person and to treat them accordingly.

Q: At the top of my 'bucket list' is...
A: Finishing this questionnaire.