Slingshot CEO, Simon Rutherford, was interviewed in MediaWeek after Slingshot was named one of the Best Places to Work in Australia for the third year in a row. Read the full story below.
Slingshot was launched 14 years ago off the back of the global financial crisis with just three people and Sony Entertainment as the foundation client.
Since then, the independent media agency has grown leaps and bounds in terms of personnel and clients. It was also recently named one of the Best Places to Work in 2023 by WRK+ for the third year running.
Simon Rutherford, CEO of Slingshot, spoke to Mediaweek about its commitment to propelling brands and people, launching a creative strategy and content division, and why the agency recently joined the IMAA.
Rutherford on leading Slingshot and the businesses growth
Rutherford said that as a specialist agency, 90% of its customers are in the home and lifestyle categories, which is a cluster their focus is on.
“It’s crucial to have a truly deep and intimate knowledge of a category to be able to win within it. Our focus and expertise make us natives, not tourists, which helps our clients win.
“We take a very people-first approach to our business. Proof of that is the fact that we have appeared in the top 20 Best Places to Work three years running. We now have a team of 50 people and some of the most talented individuals available in this market,” he said.
As CEO, Rutherford oversees several elements of the business, from the vision and plans to trend hunting and ensuring the agency stays relevant and sustainable. He also has a hand in building their team and culture and holding the team accountable for delivering on plans.
“How we integrate AI safely and responsibly into our business is high on my priority list,” he added.
Slingshot on its commitment to its brands and people
Rutherford explained that Slingshot is committed to propelling its clients and staff further faster. He shared that the agency believes it is their role to make their clients successful and, if possible, “even a little bit famous”.
Another element differentiating them is being certified Best Places to Work for the past three years, which Rutherford highlighted: “arguably the worst three years when it comes to retaining, let alone keeping happy, staff.”
“We have moved from 19th position in 2021 to 8th position in 2023, and we are incredibly proud of that.
“Anyone will tell you…happy people do great work,” he said.
