Mobile10: Andrew Darling
Interviews with key mobile influencers
- Name
- Andrew Darling
- Role
- Director of Marketing and Communications EMEA
- Company
- OpenMarket
“I’m a terrible subordinate so I’ve usually worked for myself
”
One of the most connected guys on the UK mobile scene, Andrew Darling takes the hotseat today and declares his unflinching hatred of the term ‘Rockstar’! Andrew’s company, Openmarket are lead sponsors of our Mobile Public Masterclass event in January.
What’s your app of the moment?
I’ve recently found a way to digitize old photos by scanning them with this phone app called Shoebox from www.1000memories/shoebox It’s perfect for oldies like me who have tons of pictures from the pre-digital age!
What is your primary phone?
iPhone 4S – I just switched from the HTC Desire.
Which mobile startups have you got your eye on?
I’m really interested in companies like www.screenreach.com – an audience engagement company. They use mobile to bring outdoor signage and TV to life by personalizing any screen into a two-way experience for users.
What are you currently working on?
As a company, we’re busy working with various clients in verticals such as Charities, Public Sector organizations like Direct Gov, Retailers, Enterprises, Media companies and Gambling operators to fully utilise the arsenal of services that the OpenMarket hub can facilitate. We sit between these clients and the network operators, removing the complexities that exist in the mobile value chain. Obviously, messaging, payments and CRM is a big part of this but we also help app developers with Push Notification, Location-based services, in-app billing and a whole host of bespoke network services.
What will be the biggest opportunity in 2012?
In a word: Scale and increasing mass adoption of the mobile channel by more and more brands and SMEs. For us this will mean providing more messaging (SMS/MMS/Push) services, as well as more mobile payment mechanisms. As we continue to build deeper relationships with broadcasters, enterprises and marketing brands, OpenMarket will be doing more transactions and developing our whole suite of tools and building blocks for a wider client base.
Who are your 3 rockstars in mobile?
I *hate* that term but I guess I would have to say that I highly rate people like: Russell Buckley (@russellbuckley) from Eagle Eye Solutions for thought leadership, Peggy-Anne Salz (@peggyanne) for industry knowledge and intelligence, and Francois Mazoudier (@franco1s) for Private Equity and mobile start up general awesomeness!
Who were you working for 10 years ago?
10 years ago I was in the process of winding down a mobile industry networking and events business called MforMobile. My partner and I established it in 1999 which was probably slightly too early in this industry!
Who was/is your best boss?
I’m a terrible subordinate so I’ve usually worked for myself. But now I have a lovely boss at OpenMarket – our European General Manager – Alex Moir who is a great guy.
Who should we interview next?
Lee Booth, CEO at IMT – he makes mobile interact with every other kind of media – publishing, broadcast, IPTV…..the lot!
Register for one of the upcoming events
13th Jun 2012
13th Jun 2012
17th Jul 2012
18th Sep 2012
25th Sep 2012
View recent Mobile10 Interviews
What is Mobile10?
The Mobile10 interview is a series of profile pieces on leading global influencers in the mobile sector. Each interviewee is asked to give their viewpoints on new mobile innovations and growth opportunities as well as revealing their own mobile habits over the course of 10 questions.
