I joined the Aegis Media family in January 2008 when we sold White Sheep to the Isobar network. Since then both Isobar and the other network brands have grown enormously and Aegis was acquired by Dentsu. Below you'll find a brief summary of my work done within the Group. Header image above by Wili.
Aegis Media is a leading, global media and digital communications specialist. Through its five global network brands Carat, Vizeum, Isobar, iProspect, Posterscope, Aegis Media helps clients reach their consumers and achieve their goals through communications services that include digital creative execution, media planning and buying, brand tracking, social media activation and marketing analytics.
Since early 2013 Aegis Media’s operations worldwide are overseen by Dentsu Aegis Network Ltd., a governance body headquartered in London. This governance body also oversees the operations of Dentsu Network, which manages all of Dentsu’s other global business operations outside of Japan.
Work and roles at Aegis Media and Isobar 2008-2013.
White Sheep January 2008 – March 2012 CEO, Founder and member of the board
I was responsible for growing White Sheep after the Isobar acquisition while maintaining good profits and hiring and nurturing the best creative minds.
Between 2008 and 2011 White Sheep grew from less than ten people to circa forty experts with a turnover of € 3.8 million (revenue € 3.4 million) with the highest PBIT in the market. The best years in my career.
In March 2013 I was asked to join the Isobar network in South Africa. I stepped down from my Finnish position and went on a secondment.
White Sheep Isobar January 2012 – December 2012 Founder, Member of the Board
I was involved in the sheep adventures as a board member during my secondment in RSA.
Aegis Media Finland June 2009 – March 2012 Vice President, Digital
Responsible for the development of White Sheep Isobar and iProspect in Finland. Working to better integrate the digital functions with the Carat ja Vizeum as well as developing their internal digital culture.
Responsibilities also include scouting new digital acquisition prospects in the region.
Carat Finland January 2010 – March 2012 Member of the Board
Carat was the 2nd biggest media agency in Finland with a turnover of around 80 million euros. My job was to give the board a digital point of view.
Isobar South Africa March 2012 – April 2013 CEO
Responsibility included all digital full service requirements in South Africa. I was asked to help out during a transition period where the founders had left the Trigger business. We built up the processes, the creds (website, showreel, story & offering) and set the foundations for the next chapter.
Unfortunately none of the planned acquisitions in SA or SSA materialized but very exciting times nevertheless.
Aegis Media Finland May 2013 –October 2013 Director
Returning to Aegis Finland after my secondment.
the original isobar network logo.
/isobar early years 2003-2010/
Isobar was created as an umbrella brand to house best-in-class digital marketing services, known for their expertise in specialist categories, and prominence in their countries. It empowered independent agencies joining the Isobar network around the globe to keep their own brand's focus and culture. Nigel Morris was clear about supporting, rather than disturbing, the DNA that made them strong services in the first place. Check out the Isobar brief history.
/isobar 2.0 2010-2013/
In order to form a more coherent brand and network Mark Cranmer focused the core offering, removed media buying (to the media agency brands) and created an updated brand identity. As many companies were out of earn-out they embraced the new identity together with the original name. This is obviously a transition phase and in 2013 we will se the third iteration of the network.
The next step will tie the brand tighter together with its sister companies and much of the effort is put on cross-selling and servicing clients as 1 P&L. This is a very important step for the Group but as an entrepreneurial soul I am more drawn to innovative fast-paced startups than building a corporate career. Hence, I have made the decision to leave this great network by the end of 2013. It was great fun, I learnt more than ever before and made some great friends around the globe but it is time to do something else...
