Interview with Ellis Watson, Chief Executive of DC Thomson

Ellis Watson is presenting the Ogilvy Lecture, which is part of Amplify, the Marketing Society's day at the Festival.  We interviewed him ahead of Amplify, here's what he had to say:

What does a bold marketing leader look like?

Someone who doesn't accept average & someone who likes to prove a return on marketing investment.  Poor fashion sense and a confidence on a dance floor that exceeds ability is also an advantage.

Describe your job in 10 words or less.

Helping 1,000 talented people make DC Thomson future-proof.  Quickly.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Eat until sated; not until a somewhat tardy sense of self-loathing cuts in.

What's the biggest mistake you've ever made and what did you learn from it?

Marry well.  I learned in not doing so that one's happiness is somewhat compromised.

Which book has proved invaluable for business?

None.  Never read one. 

What's your guilty pleasure?

Reading a newspaper on the toilet – well, you did ask.

Tell us a secret…

I hated my bullying maths teacher Mr Batchelor in Primary 5 so much that during a detention I did a little wee in his water bottle.  Not enough for him to definitely notice, but enough to make me feel a whole lot better when he next bullied me.  Sorry Mr Bachelor but you were a tyrant and it made me feel better.