Meet Richard Lewis, our new Group Account Director

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Talented all-rounder, Richard, is as versatile in marketing as he is on the pitch. Here’s what the Because team can expect from their latest high-profile signing.

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Cricket. Dog whispering. BBQ DJing. Richard’s talents and hobbies range far and wide, just like the passion and skills he brings to the office. Having just relocated to the UK from South Africa, Richard has thrown himself into the local sporting scene. “I’m a keen cricketer and part-time runner. One of the first things I did was join a local village cricket team, although to be fair, it’s more of a drinking team with a cricket problem.” We’ve also discovered that Richard is pure gold for team quizzes: his friends describe him as a MVP for the music and sports sections.

Richard is also revelling in his newfound music options. “I’m really excited to explore loads more live music events. The access to great, unique acts and venues here is incredible.” This musical passion has benefits for the Because team. “I hate awkward silences, and I always have music on the go in the background wherever I am,” says Richard. This makes him most likely to take over the playlist at every function, adding DJ to his team tasks.    

If you’re still wondering about his Dolittle-like skill, it’s a hidden talent. “I like to think of myself as a dog whisperer. There is a certain sense of personal rejection I feel when a random dog in the park refuses to greet me that I have not experienced anywhere else in my life.” According to friends and family, Richard shares plenty of characteristics with our furry best friends. The four words they use to describe Richard: loyal, dependable, warm and welcoming.  

We wanted to know a little more about our brand-new Group Account Director, so we asked him our five critical get-to-know-you questions.

1. WHICH CAMPAIGN IN YOUR CAREER ARE YOU MOST PROUD TO HAVE WORKED ON?

I’ve been fortunate to work with some fantastic brands on some incredible pieces of work. A recent favourite: working with BMW on the launch of the new 1-Series. We worked with a wonderful Swiss origami artist, Sipho Mabona, and a leading stained-glass specialist, Anika van der Merwe, to curate bespoke art gallery installations to celebrate the vehicle’s launch. We used the car itself as the centrepiece of the exhibition and showcased these at First Thursdays Events in both Johannesburg & Cape Town. This unconventional customer experience was a radical departure from the typical vehicle experiential campaigns of the past.

2. WHICH PERSON, DEAD OR ALIVE, WOULD YOU LOVE TO HAVE DINNER WITH?

Dave Grohl. Without a doubt, one of the most talented musicians the world has ever known. His influence is absolute, his legacy undeniable, and he comes across as one of the nicest guys too.

3. WHAT SHOW ARE YOU CURRENTLY BINGEING ON NETFLIX? AND WHAT MAKES IT SO ‘BINGEABLE’?

My wife is a massive murder mystery fan, so right now we’re busy with The Fall. My binges flip between Bojack Horseman, American Horror Story, and old reruns of Arrested Development (before it turned shit in Season 4).    

4. What’s your go-to drink? And why?

Few things in the world will beat the first sip of a cold beer after you’ve just lit the BBQ (or braai for those who really know). However, a tall glass of OROS in the biggest glass or mug in the house is a very close second.

5. Name one thing on your bucket list.

The Camino de Santiago is way up there at the moment. It offers the chance to walk a path responsible for the largest movement of people in Europe in the Middle Ages while being away from work commitments and an internet connection for a month. It sounds like the best medicine when you need to decompress and reconnect with yourself.

Want to join an award-winning, creative-experiences agency? Check out our latest vacancies and you could be featured here!            

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Author bio

MANAGING DIRECTOR UK

A business leader with 20 years’ experience managing agencies in both the UK and the US. With a balance of client and agency experience, I bring objectivity and a global perspective to integrated campaigns and international platforms for brands across multiple categories and markets. My approach is to bring strong principles of creativity to the business, underpinned with commercial effectiveness.