Louise Romeo has spent the past two years with Publicis Groupe agency Starcom.
Her time with the media communications agency saw her become chief client officer before being promoted to her current role, national head of operations and investment.
Romeo spoke to Mediaweek about getting her start in the investment side of the industry and promotion, being supported by Publicis Groupe and her advice for women looking to scale up in their roles.
Romeo reflects on her start in the industry
Romeo shared that as part of her university degree – a Bachelor of Communications (Advertising) – she was required to complete an internship. Following a few Google searches, she got in contact with the head of the MFA and secured a position as an account coordinator working across the Kellogg’s account.
“I was fortunate enough to move into full-time and got my official start in the industry. At the time, I had absolutely no idea what media was or where this path could take me,” she said.
Reflecting on her early days, Romeo said she was unbelievably grateful for her first role in the industry and the opportunity to work with such talented people.
“I learnt some valuable lessons which have served me well, even 15 years later as national head of operations and investment,” Romeo added.
Romeo on the “most defining career moment to date”
Reflecting on her career journey so far, Romeo noted that she had the privilege of working with a diverse range of high-profile local and international clients, eventually leading to her promotion to head of investment in 2016 under another agency.
Romeo moved to other agencies, working in similar roles, as well as general management and client service, eventually finding her way back to investment. She joined Starcom in 2020, first as chief client officer and before being promoted to national head of operations and investment in December 2021.
“The landscape is constantly evolving, which makes investment an incredibly dynamic craft – an environment I really thrive in. More recently, I expanded my role into operations to futureproof my skillset,” she said.
Romeo noted that her promotion to head of investment was the “most defining career moment to date.”
“I have admired so many accomplished individuals in the industry who held this title before me. To this day, I have the honour of calling a lot of them mentors and some friends,” she said.
“When I got promoted, I felt the great sense of responsibility that came with that title. I saw it as an opportunity to pay it forward and to always support the talented individuals I work with, just as others had done for me,” she added.
Romeo also highlighted her Starcom team’s recent achievement in winning the 2022 Media Trading Team of the Year. She said: “I love to help drive success within my team, and it’s so rewarding to see our work recognised and celebrated.”
Finding balance and getting support
When it came to balancing her personal life with her career, Romeo – a mother of two boys – shared that she felt supported by Publicis Groupe and the Starcom leadership team that hired her while she was pregnant.
“It was at that moment that I truly believed that you can be a mother while also having a successful career – something I did not think was possible before,” she said.
Romeo added: “Publicis has emphasised their belief in my long-term contribution to the business, and this experience made me appreciate that I had finally found the right calling – one that also supported my personal journey outside of work.”
Advice to women in the industry who want to scale up
For women in the industry looking to scale up from their current role, Romeo revealed the three key elements to achieving it.
The first is building relationships. She said: “It is important to foster relationships with colleagues, the wider market, and clients. Maintaining these relationships is crucial, as you never know when you will cross paths again.”
Following that is demonstrating initiative. Romeo that the importance of showing value by being proactive, identifying opportunities to drive business and commercial outcomes through effective management of time
“Do not be hard on yourself if things don’t go to plan,” she added.
Rounding out Romeo’s three keys is being present. She said: “As a mum of two young boys, I’ve learned that achieving balance both in and outside of work is essential.
“Committing to being your best and most engaged self allows you to drive high performance every single day,” Romeo added.
–
Top image: Louise Romeo