Feature

Brand manager of the week: Michael Gentle, Brand manager, Monster

Describe yourself in three words - Steve McQueen fanatic.

- How would you define marketing?

To remind, reinforce and reassure someone of something they already know.

- What advice would you give someone starting their marketing career today?

Everyone thinks they're a marketer - it's up to you to prove why they're not.

- What attracted you to your current job?

The Monster brand - I think it's the only job board that has a brand with a personality.

- What was your first job?

Market trader dogsbody, Blackbushe Sunday Market, Camberley (aged 12 3/4).

- What was your finest hour?

Shouting 'Dan!' many times at Stephen Mangan after he walked past me outside White Hart Lane. Bet he never gets that ...

- What's your greatest ambition?

To restore a 1968 Fastback Mustang to its former glory and then drive it across the Alps.

- If you were a brand, what would you be and why?

Swarfega, because I'm always prepared to get my hands dirty.

- What is your favourite ever marketing campaign?

I thought the 'Love/Hate Marmite' campaign was a great insight into British pop culture.

- What is your all-time favourite slogan?

I still can't look at a Mars bar without thinking: a Mars a day helps you work, rest and play.

- Do you have a marketing mentor?

Roger Sterling (John Slattery) in Mad Men. 'The day you sign a client is the day you start losing him.'

- What marketing trend is dominating your job at the moment?

Integrated marketing - communicating a consistent message to cut through the 'noise' is key.

- If you weren't you, who would you be?

Ferris Bueller.

- If you could get tickets to any event, what would it be?

If we're talking fantasy events, then tickets to see Spurs beat Arsenal in the Champions League final.

- What headline would you most like to read in Marketing?

'Go Compare fined £20m for noise pollution - ads to be pulled immediately.'