Careers: Brand manager of the week - David Ridings, Senior brand manager, MTV2, MTV Dance and VH2

Marketing 11-Jan-06

What would you be doing if you weren't a brand manager? Trying to build a music empire by running a record label and online radio station, or working at a creative agency.

Why did you get into marketing? It seemed like a good chance to dip a
finger into many pies.

What makes a good brand manager? Humility, an open mind and a scary
desire to find out about the world around you.

Are you a morning or evening person? Morning, provided it is after a

double espresso.

If you could get corporate tickets to any event, what would it be? The
Oscars.

Who are your favourite actors? Sean Penn for remaining cool as hell.
Monica Bellucci for being heaven-sent.

What is the best business deal that you have pulled off? Pending.

What headline would you like to read in Marketing? That I have managed
to pull off the above deal

What is your favourite slogan? 'Labour isn't working' - for its impact,
rather than its political point of view.

What is your least favourite campaign? KFC for crimes against music and,
ironically, Gaviscon for actually upsetting my stomach.

If you found a magic lamp, what would your three wishes be? First, that
London had a beach for surfing, second, that it had a snowboard resort
and third, that I was really good at both of those sports.