The Hotshot Rising Star Award, sponsored by affiliatefuture, recognises the hardworking, enthusiastic and diverse individuals within performance marketing that have shown great promise in the early stages of their careers.

The shortlist of nominees, which has been whittled down to just six contestants, are employees aged 30 or under who have a taken a role in a performance marketing-driven company from 2013 onwards.

“We are delighted to be sponsoring the Hotshot Rising Star award,” said John Vickers, head of client services at affiliatefuture. “It is extremely important to ensure we, as an industry, celebrate when new talent contributes positively to the industry as a whole.”

One individual from the list below will be presented with the Hotshot Rising Star Award at the Performance Marketing Awards 2015, held at Grosvenor House Hotel on April 28.

George Gray

Global Acquisition, Online Partnerships Manager at British Airways.

Time in current role: 18 months.

What were your thoughts on making the shortlist? I feel very proud to have shortlisted for the award. Having been attending the PMAs for a number of years now, it’s a real honour to be given the opportunity to win an award myself.

How did you get into the performance marketing industry? I actually started in the industry at 18 when I decided to take a year out of education before starting university.

I obtained work experience at iProspect, and what was only meant to be a three-month work experience placement turned into three-and-a-half years as part of an ever-growing team and I turned my back on university for the world of performance marketing.

Jenna Pain

Senior Digital Media Manager at NOW TV.

Time in current role: I’ve been at NOW TV since December 2014 and have just started a new role looking after affiliates, PPC and digital display channels.

What were your thoughts on making the shortlist? I was delighted! It’s a real honour to even be shortlisted, so fingers crossed on the night!

How did you get into the performance marketing industry? I started as a PA at Neo@Ogilvy when I finished Uni and after a few months was given a great opportunity to join the fantastic affiliate team there – I’ve never looked back!

Louisa Lawson

Senior Affiliate Marketing Manager at DigitasLBi.

Time in current role: Nine months

What were your thoughts on making the shortlist? Extremely flattered and excited to be shortlisted for an award that I’ve been put forward for by an industry peer!

How did you get into the performance marketing industry? I came into the industry straight out of uni from a related degree. I was really keen to get into digital marketing and found myself in the affiliate team here at DigitasLBi with zero knowledge of the industry and a lot to learn.

It’s been a fantastic learning curve and I’ve come on leaps and bounds within an extremely fast-paced and exciting industry.

Rob Kabrovski

Senior Account Manager, Affiliate & CSE at iProspect.

Time in current role: One year
 
What were your thoughts on making the shortlist? I was genuinely ecstatic about being shortlisted for this award. It is an amazing feeling to be recognised for the work that you do and it ensures that the passion you have for this industry continues to grow.

I truly believe it is the people that make this industry not only successful, but an enjoyable experience and it’s fantastic to be in with a chance of winning in front of all the people who have supported me and taught me throughout the years.
 
How did you get into the performance marketing industry? Instead of studying business or marketing at university I decided to go a bit niche and follow my passion for ancient history, so you could say it’s a bit random to be ending up in this industry.  

Honestly, it was my girlfriend who suggested I apply for an account executive role four years ago whilst I was working in digital sales. I have always been an analytical person and I enjoy building relationships with people, so this job turned out to be a perfect fit for me and fuelled me to go as far as possible.

Siobhan Williamson

Account Manager at CJ Affiliate by Conversant

Time in current role: 18 months

What were your thoughts on making the shortlist? I was a mixture of shocked and excited. It’s a dream to be recognised by my peers for my work which was ultimately achieved thanks to some excellent clients and a top team behind me at CJ. I’m pleased to be considered amongst the other nominees, some of whom I have worked with and respect.

How did you get into the performance marketing industry? Coming from South Africa, I was blown away by the level of sophistication of the digital marketing space and despite this not being my background, I was intrigued by it all.

I was drawn to performance marketing as it appeals to both my analytical and creative attributes and taking the prestigious clients and the global best-in-class service levels, CJ was the best fit as it is perfectly in line with my personal beliefs.

Stephen Huyton

Affiliate Assistant at MediaCom North

Time in current role: 11 months

What were your thoughts on making the shortlist? Humbled to be up against some impressive players in the affiliate market place, especially due to my length of time in the industry.

How did you get into the performance marketing industry? I did my degree in marketing, and when coupled with my background in B2C sales, it seemed the perfect role. I am a big believer in measurability and efficiency,  leaving CPA modelled marketing the ideal place to be.