Gawk has named Dan Howlett as its group agency director for Victoria and South Australia.
Howlett was previously general manager of Spark Event Group. Before that, he had spent nearly 20 years with EYE Corp, Inlink, oOh! Media, where he held senior commercial leadership roles.
He replaces Tim Stevenson who has taken a step down to become Gawk’s agency sales director.
“Joining Gawk feels like coming home. After almost 20 years in OOH, I’ve had a few years outside the industry to reflect on what is important,” said Howlett.
“The Gawk team have created an incredible business, backed by great people and a strong understanding of regional communities. It’s a great time to jump on board as regional audiences continue to grow, measurement is getting smarter through MOVE and digital capability evolves quickly. I can’t wait to roll up the sleeves and work with our team and agency partners to ensure regional Australia is a bigger part of the media conversation.”
“Dan came with some red hot references from some of the biggest names in OOH in Australia, so he comes with unrealistic expectations from both parties. Tempting him back to media after some time outside the industry is the biggest coup since Israel Folau signed with GWS… only we trust this move will be more successful!” said Luke Course, co-founder of Gawk.
Gawk said that Howlett joining will allow Stevenson to get “back on the tools”.
“It’s a bit of a weird feeling demoting yourself however when I first joined nearly 3 years ago I was pretty upfront that every decision I make will be about the business and not me as an individual,” said Stevenson.
“We’ve hired a sensational Agency team in VIC and NSW and getting Dan onboard is the cherry on top as he brings a truckload of experience and great relationships with him. The Course brothers were kind enough to let me have some input into candidates for my replacement, which is kind of like being alive for your own funeral or choosing your Ex-wife’s new squeeze, so I’m really happy its all worked out and there’s no need for a custody battle.”
Gawk operates nearly 600 billboards across regional NSW, SA and VIC.
