Mobile10: Jonathan Stephen
Interviews with key mobile influencers
- Name
- Jonathan Stephen
- Role
- Head of Mobile
- Company
- JetBlue Airways
“Brands need to empower themselves and become educated buyers in the vast field of Mobile Vendors. Mobile is no longer a luxury, but a necessity
”
Joanthan presented at our Mobile Travel & Tourism Masterclass event last week in New York, giving a great presentation about JetBlue's mobile strategy and recent digital refresh. They certainly are a brand that really gets mobile. In this interview Jonathan rightly points out that "Mobile is no longer a luxury but a necessity for brands to stay connected with their customers."
What's your app of the moment?
Well I just launched my app five days ago… So I would have to selfishly say JetBlue… however Family Feud is very close behind as my guilty (time consuming) pleasure.
What is your primary phone?
iPhone 4s, Siri and I have a love hate relationship. But I still have a BlackBerry Bold touch screen as well (I can’t get over my addiction to BBM). And I have my eye on the Motorola Droid RAZR. Yes I can carry three phones.
Which mobile startups have you got your eye on?
Soli… Innovation isn’t enough of a word. (www.soliunited.com)
What is the biggest challenge facing the mobile industry and why?
Brand Education! Ensuring that Brands (and their agencies) understand the mobile channel and execute their initiatives efficiently. Brands need to empower themselves and become educated buyers in the vast field of Mobile Vendors. Mobile is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for Brands to remain connected to their customers.
What are you currently working on?
Android app for JetBlue… and some super top secret mobile initiatives for JetBlue. Stay tuned!
What will be the biggest opportunity in 2012?
NFC!! It’s about time!
Who are your 3 rockstars in mobile?
Only 3? Well I would have to say Dan Burcaw of Double Encore, Alykhan Govani of Payfone, Naushad Huda of Textopoly
Who were you working for 10 years ago?
Hmm… I was selling mobile phones for T-Mobile in south Florida. My humble beginnings in mobile, which I treasure to this very day as I now lead mobile for a large global brand.
Who was/is your best boss?
Best boss ever… hmm… no doubt Kristine van Dillen, currently Global VP at Soli.
Who else should we interview and what would you ask them?
Talk to any of my three rockstars or Kristine van Dillen… Guaranteed an interesting conversation!
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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.
