Planning in America: Silos, wanky titles and the accent
After taking a new role in the US late last year Brit David Gaines reflects on how agencies in that market struggle with cross-channel planning because of scale, and the rise of the digital natives.
Starting work in the USA has some parallels to when I first arrived in Australia, though for slightly different reasons.
Back then I’d been brought over as a planner at the soon to be defunct Lintas. When they rolled that into what was Merchants, I met for the first time Alan Roberston as we were all required to be re-interviewed. The conversation was particularly short:

Re the nightclub Gainsey … I see not a lot has changed.
It could only happen to you Gainsy !
At least you spent the money wisely, David!!
Best,
Robbo.
Great perspective, Dave. Nice to see your sense of humour is still in tact six months in.
Come on Dave, that accent isn’t exactly hurting your form in social circles ….
Money spent on motorcycles is money INVESTED, not “blown”.
Good to hear you’re thriving in the new environment David!