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Chris Howatson
Founder + Chief Executive Officer at Howatson+White
Professional Background
Chris Howatson is a well-respected leader in the advertising and marketing industries, recognized for his ability to design and implement transformative strategies that marry brand identity, customer engagement, and technology for blue-chip companies. He boasts over 20 years of experience in various leadership roles, during which he has consistently driven innovation and growth.
From 2013 to 2021, Chris served as the Group CEO of CHE Proximity Australia, where he redefined the agency landscape by creating a unique structure that balanced customer consultancy with creative expression. His tenure at CHE Proximity was marked by numerous accolades, including being named WARC’s most creative agency in Australia in 2019 and the 3rd most effective agency in the world in 2020. This was complemented by a remarkable four-year streak of recognition in Contagious’ top 10 best and bravest agencies from 2017 to 2020. Additionally, under his leadership, CHE Proximity was recognized by the Australian Financial Review as the 3rd most innovative Australian company in 2019 and secured the title of most innovative marketing solution for four consecutive years.
Beyond his impressive success at CHE Proximity, Chris has made significant contributions to the industry as a Board Director at The Communications Council as well as holding multiple leadership positions within the Clemenger Group, including Group Chief Executive Officer of Agency Brands. His career trajectory reflects his profound understanding of advertising strategies and a commitment to fostering innovation in the marketing sector.
In February 2021, Chris co-founded Howatson+White with his creative partner, Ant, aiming to establish a legacy agency that rivals traditional advertising models. Their vision for Howatson+White focuses on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the advertising profession, seeking to unlock economic value through innovative strategies.
Education and Achievements
Chris's educational background is as diverse as his professional career, which further illustrates his commitment to excellence in the realm of marketing and advertising. He began his academic journey with an emphasis on commerce and psychology, holding a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science and Commerce with honors from Griffith University. His foundational knowledge in these disciplines has been instrumental in his ability to understand consumer behavior and business dynamics.
Further honing his skills, Chris earned certificates in Brand Management from AFA Adschool and Direct Marketing from ADMA. Additionally, he has advanced his knowledge through programs such as Omnicom University at Babson College and the Clemenger University Program at Melbourne Business School, which are known for their focus on real-world advertising applications and leadership development.
Chris's achievements within the advertising industry are noteworthy, having been recognized as B&T’s ‘male champion of change’ during his impressive tenure in the marketing and media sectors in both 2017 and 2018. This award underscores his commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the advertising community, promoting progressive changes that benefit the industry as a whole.
Notable Contributions
As a founder and Chief Executive Officer of Howatson+White, Chris continues to break new ground in the advertising world. His leadership focuses on empowering teams to approach challenges from innovative angles while maintaining integrity in marketing practices. His commitment to establishing an independent agency model reinforces the pursuit of achieving economic value through creativity and customer-centric advertising.
Chris’s extensive involvement in key organizations such as the Global Leadership Group at Proximity Worldwide and advisory roles at RMIT University further solidifies his position as a thought leader in the industry. His experiences on the Board of Directors at various renowned advertising agencies, including Clemenger BBDO and CHE Proximity, have equipped him with a holistic understanding of the advertising ecosystem that extends across multiple markets and platforms.
In his various roles, Chris has contributed to building a framework that fosters ideas and innovation within the advertising sector, allowing brands to connect authentically with their audiences. His leadership style prioritizes collaboration and creativity, dimensions that are essential for success in the ever-evolving landscape of advertising.
Achievements
- Founded and leads Howatson+White, focusing on a multidisciplinary approach to advertising.
- Recognized as WARC’s most creative agency in Australia (2019) and 3rd most effective agency globally (2020) during his tenure at CHE Proximity.
- Ranked among Contagious’ top 10 best and bravest agencies consecutively from 2017 to 2020.
- Awarded Australian Financial Review’s 3rd most innovative Australian company status in 2019 and won AFR’s most innovative marketing solution four times (2017, 2018, 2020).
- Honored as B&T’s ‘male champion of change’ in the marketing and media industries for 2017 and 2018.
Location
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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