Sponsored by Affiliate Future, the Performance Marketing Awards’ Industry Rising Star category shines the spotlight on the next generation of marketers entering the industry of results-driven advertising.
Recognising a mixture of natural talent, working ethic, enthusiasm, and the early showings of a prosperous career, it’s a highly sought-after category, so with nominations open until April 7, PerformanceIN’s Rising Star Series is a chance to meet the candidates in more detail.
Today, we’re speaking to ThoughtMix’s publisher development executive, Tommy Lee.
What excites you most about the performance marketing industry?
Tommy Lee: I don’t think you can narrow it down to any one thing, but certainly a highlight is the people who work in the industry. I’ve built up some fantastic relationships with the publishers I work with – that’s something you simply don’t get from any other industry. Even the industry as a whole at events like PMI, it’s such a passionate industry, and the people within it are equally as passionate. A highlight for me though is working on a tough campaign for a client with a publisher – when the results start driving in, the sense of accomplishment is second to none and celebrating the achievement is certainly about recognising that accomplishment.
Within your performance marketing career to date, what do you count as your biggest achievement, and why?
TL: One of my biggest achievements is growing the Hawkin’s Bazaar affiliate program. It’s a brand I grew up with. One of the biggest challenges we faced was securing the client from a competitor; so the expectations were huge. But whilst the pressure was on to deliver there was no other option. Since winning Hawkin’s, we’ve not only hit, but exceeded their expectations for the channel every month so far – but the pressure’s on to do even better, and that’s something myself and the team around me thrive on, delivering for the client.
What would winning Industry Rising Star mean to you?
TL: For an industry I’ve grown to love, it would be the ultimate recognition for the passion, hard work and commitment I’ve put in with Clients and Publishers alike. It also goes some way to demonstrate no matter your background, if you put your mind to something, you can make it work. I’ve invested so much time and energy into growing my knowledge and expertise – so winning Industry Rising Star would reflect all of the persistency, dedication and knowledge I’ve learned and put in over the last 2 years.
To see the shortlist and cast your vote please view here.