Outside thinking – it runs in the Talon family. We pride ourselves on being a company built on people with big ideas. People who constantly challenge themselves and the industry to re-imagine and re-invent the possibilities of what Out of Home can be. ​

In this series, we’ll be getting to know more about the people of Talon, their roles, advice and what they get up to outside of OOH. This week, we sat down with Lucy Baumgartner, our Senior Effectiveness Executive and also the recipient of the OMA’s Rising Star Award.

Explain your role? 

My main role is to provide campaign measurement solutions for our clients. I manage the measurement fieldwork with our research partners, and then create reports and run debriefs with clients, giving insight into how their campaign performed and future recommendations.   

What does a typical day at work look like for you? 

I usually get into the office early to beat the busy commute and check in on where our measurement studies are tracking. If studies have completed and we have received client data I will create reports, and if not I work on wider projects to inform industry questions. You’ll usually find me buried in our benchmark database and admiring my excel formulas.  

What do you enjoy most about working in OOH? 

I think generally it’s a very exciting channel. I love constantly pointing out our campaigns when I’m out and about (to the annoyance of my friends!) We’re also a very sociable bunch so the lunch time drinks are usually the highlight of the day. 

Most memorable moment or achievement from your time in the industry? 

Definitely winning the OMA’s Rising Star award and celebrating with all my colleagues and friends! 

Any tips or advice for someone interested in joining the industry or pursuing a similar career path? 

Don’t get too wrapped up in what you think you should do in your career. I studied history at university and absolutely hated numbers and presenting at school. Now analysing numbers and trends and presenting back to the company and clients is the largest part of my job and I thoroughly enjoy it.  

What do you get up to outside of work? 

At the moment, my favourite thing to do is look after my new niece. But when I’m released from babysitting duties I enjoy exercising and getting out of the city for walks.  

If you could quickly and easily learn any new skill, what would it be? 

Definitely learn a language, probably Italian so I could travel the country and eat my bodyweight in pasta and tiramisu.  

Share a memorable adventure or travel experience you’ve had during your free time. How did it impact your personal growth or perspective?   

I met my partner in Thailand at an elephant sanctuary after he offered me a banana – no pun intended.  

Outside thinking – it runs in the Talon family. We pride ourselves on being a company built on people with big ideas. People who constantly challenge themselves and the industry to re-imagine and re-invent the possibilities of what Out of Home can be. ​

In this series, we’ll be getting to know more about the people of Talon, their roles, advice and what they get up to outside of OOH. This week, we sat down with Caroline Decourcy, our Insights Director, at Talon in Ireland.

Explain your role? 

I am the Insights Director for Talon in Ireland, responsible for all elements of research and insights for our market. I support our planning teams through insight rationale and justification for using OOH across all objectives, categories, and briefs. I work alongside our planning teams on new client business, pitches and OOH market updates at certain times of the year too – a varied role! I am the Talon rep for JNOR, our long-standing OOH Measurement system, a topic I am very passionate about! I am also lucky enough to work with the wider measurement team in London too.

What does a typical day at work look like for you? 

I usually start my day with my calendar, checking what’s ahead in terms of meetings and tasks due that day and week, then work through my emails and start working through my list. None of this is remotely possible without a large coffee from Butlers and a chat with everyone!

What do you enjoy most about working in OOH? 

I’ve worked in OOH for over 20 years (eek!) and one of the things I love most is the evolution of the industry, that no day is ever the same. I love OOH for its creative capabilities, and watching how we, as a team, bring ideas to life on street. Seeing clients share our work is a great feeling.  I love meeting the people who in OOH (and other media). We get to deal with so many different media partners and companies, so there’s many opportunities to meet interesting people along the way too.

Most memorable moment or achievement from your time in the industry? 

I’d have to say that award wins are a key highlight for me.  I think they showcase, not just the brilliant work we do as a company but, the calibre of our people and ideas. 

Any tips or advice for someone interested in joining the industry or pursuing a similar career path? 

OOH, while one of the oldest mediums around is definitely one of the most dynamic and fast-changing, presenting opportunities for newcomers to the field with a chance to progress, grow and – more importantly – learn. With developments in technology and data, there are so many areas of the business to choose from. There has never been a better time to join the OOH Industry!

What do you get up to outside of work? 

I love spending time outdoors and am lucky enough to live by the sea so love getting out for walks on the marina with my family. I love eating out and reading books and spending time with friends. I recently re-joined the local tennis club so working on brushing up on my skills!

If you could quickly and easily learn any new skill, what would it be? 

I’d love to be fluent in Spanish so using Duolingo to learn what I can! I’d also love to learn to play the piano.

Share a memorable adventure or travel experience you’ve had during your free time. How did it impact your personal growth or perspective?   

Going slightly off-piste I know, but my daughter was born in 2014 at 26 weeks while we were on holidays in the Algarve.  We lived in Portugal for just over 2 months until she was well enough to be transferred to Dublin. A life changing experience obviously but taught me strength, resilience and to never give up on anything you set your heart on. Not to mention learning all the medical jargon in Portuguese!  I always wanted to live abroad for a period, but in future I’ll be careful what I wish for! 😊 But an amazing outcome – so worth the fight!

Talon, the independent global Out of Home (OOH) media agency, has appointed Stewart Easterbrook as its new Chairman. Easterbrook brings extensive experience in media strategy and will lead Talon’s board in driving international growth and technological development.

Easterbrook’s appointment comes on the heels of a successful period for Talon, highlighted by the recent acquisition of Evolve, a rapidly growing independent specialist OOH business, and the acquisition of Novus Media Canada Corp, bolstering its growth in this market and giving global access to its best-in-class buying, planning, creativity and industry-leading technology platforms. As Talon celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, the company has expanded its reach with new office openings in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, as well as securing new investment from Equistone Partners Europe, providing capital to continue its global expansion and technical innovation.

Easterbrook is a seasoned advisor to multiple omnichannel companies in media, data analytics and technology. Since 2014 he has worked with MiQ the leading global analytics technology and programmatic media specialist. Serving as Chairman for seven years before transitioning to an advisory role in 2022, he played a key role for MiQ, successfully attracting significant private equity investments.

In addition to his role at Talon, Easterbrook serves as Chairman of Medialab Group, an award-winning agency specialising in data, digital and media planning. He is also a board member of Instrumental, the world’s leading online music talent discovery and management business, and a member of the management team that launched Content Inc., a specialist content marketing company.

Prior to this Easterbrook spent 17 years at Publicis Groupe in various senior management roles, including a five-year term as CEO of Starcom MediaVest Group UK. He later assumed the role of Executive Director of Digital Development, overseeing growth and innovation across SMG’s key European markets.

Barry Cupples, Group CEO:Talon, said: “Stewart is an extremely impressive business leader, with decades of experience guiding global media companies through expansion and transformational change. We are very proud to have him join the team at Talon at such a pivotal time, following the recent acquisitions and Talon’s commitment to both building upon this success and advancing our technological capabilities for the future. Stewart will play a vital role as we continue Talon’s ambitious growth plans.

Stewart Easterbook, Chairman:Talon, said: “Talon is an incredible business that is reshaping the OOH industry – in a short span of 10 years it has achieved great heights in terms of funding, global expansion as well as technological advancement, which is evident in its collaborations with iconic brands and media businesses. I am thrilled to be on the board and working with an exceptional team to spearhead Talon’s ongoing development and growth, positioning the company at the forefront of driving the OOH industry forward.”

The World Out of Home Organization is hosting its first face-to-face MENA Forum in Dubai from February 15th – 17th February 2022. 

After a successful in-person global congress in Toronto and Kuala Lumpur last year, the World Out of Home Organization is hosting its first in-person MENA forum in Dubai. At this forum, horizons will be broadened with an in-depth examination of Out of Home (OOH) in one of the world’s most dynamic and innovative markets.  

It’s predicted that OOH will be the fastest-growing worldwide media sector in 2023, with MENA being a vital element in that growth. With a full programme of speakers from the region and the wider global OOH industry, key topics, including Maintaining OOH’s Advantage in a Digital World, Sustainability and Measurement, will be addressed. 

On Day 1 of the forum, Talon’s Client Director (MENA), Mansour Wehbe, will join Publicis Media’s Amer el Hajj and MCN IPG’s Ziad Chalhoub to discuss the “View from the OOH buyer side: Challenges and Opportunities” from 4:45pm. 

On Day 2, Talon Managing Director (MENA), Chadi Farhat will join Talon’s Group Chief Strategy Director, Sophie Pemberton, to discuss “The Evolution and Impact of Data-Driven Strategies in OOH.” As experts in their field, the presentation will cover Talon’s wealth of experience, why data is integral and positive outcomes for brands using data to inform their OOH campaigns. This informative session will take place from 1pm. 

Additionally, Managing Partner, Adrian Skelton, will be moderating the “Qatar 2022 – How the World Cup impacts a country” session from 3:45pm on Day 1. 

We’re looking forward to an action-packed two days, meeting and learning from our friends and partners in the MENA region. There’s still time to sign up here. 

As part of a global strategic realignment at Talon, from today Plexus will become Talon International.

The same trusted team of experts you know, the same high-level service you expect and the same global independent OOH network that is still the biggest in the world.  All brought to you more efficiently and effectively under one unified brand synonymous with pioneering innovation and quality in Out of Home – Talon.

The world of Out of Home media is changing fast, and Talon is proud of our contribution to driving this evolution over the last decade. Talon’s ongoing dedication to offering our clients best-in-class planning, buying, creativity and technological solutions, ensures we deliver the best experience and outcomes for our clients on a global scale.

Nothing defines this global commitment more than the Talon International team who serve as a centralised hub connecting over 20 Talon and partner offices around the world, enabling us to plan, buy and execute client campaigns in over 100 markets worldwide.

We are excited to take this next step on our journey with brand partners both new and old – to discuss the new opportunities this future holds, contact the team at

firstname.lastname@talonooh.com

Alternatively head to the Talon International page to see first-hand what this new direction has to offer.

Talon, the global independent Out of Home (OOH) media agency, today unveils a company rebrand as it continues its ambitious global expansion and commitment to being the global OOH media agency of choice.

Approaching its tenth year, Talon, which works with global brands such as Diageo, BBC, and McDonald’s, as well as leading agencies Omnicom, Havas, and Stagwell, delivers the most effective, innovative, and creative media solutions for OOH at global, national, and regional levels.

Talon’s refreshed manifesto and its people-first approach is driving the rebrand, which has creativity, effectiveness, measurability and sustainability at its heart. The world of Out of Home media is changing fast and Talon is proud of its contribution to driving this evolution through its technology and expertise. The new manifesto confirms Talon’s dedication to offering its clients best-in-class planning, buying, creativity, and tech solutions, and ensuring that it delivers the best experience and outcomes for its clients globally.

As part of the rebrand, all existing Talon brands will be brought together with one distinct voice, including its creative arm, Grand Visual, and Plexus – the largest independent global OOH planning and buying network covering 100 markets internationally – which will rebrand to Talon International.

The rebrand will be applied to every element of the Talon business and includes a website relaunch that showcases Talon’s work to transform OOH – from a legacy medium to one that is highly effective, data-driven, creative, and measurable – delivering proven effectiveness for clients.

This follows another incredibly successful year, which saw the company strengthen its presence with new office openings in North America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. It also secured new investment from Equistone Partners Europe, providing capital to continue its global expansion through strategic acquisitions, as well as driving further technological innovation.

Sarah Parkes, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, says: “Talon has changed a lot in the last nine years, from our humble beginnings as an independent challenger brand in the UK OOH specialist market to where we are now – the largest independent global OOH agency with an ever-increasing international footprint. We’ve invested in our people, in building market leading proprietary technology, and now we have further invested in our brand. Re-booting our brand look, feel and tone of voice takes Talon’s unique energy and spirit out into the world, and brings the Talon global family together with one voice.”

Talon – The Screen @ Leicester Square, London, Ocean

Talon – Times Square, New Tradition, New York

Announced today, Talon is the headline sponsor of the Campaign Tech Awards 2023.

Open for nominations now, the Campaign Tech Awards exist to celebrate and showcase the companies that represent the industry’s trailblazing thinkers, imaginative clients and cutting-edge technology.  Championing the collaboration between agencies, brands and the technology communities, and recognising the outstanding work produced together to drive the creative industries forward.  

The awards honour successful innovators, celebrate amazing work, and stimulate even more ingenuity right across the marketing, advertising and media industries.

By embracing a technology-first approach to Out of Home, Talon have developed market leading proprietary AdTech platforms that have revolutionised OOH planning, buying, execution and measurement. Ada, our Data Management Platform enables behavioural audience-based planning and has been proven to deliver better short and longer term brand metrics. Atlas, our intelligent, automated digital OOH buying platform delivers 100% optimised programmatic OOH campaigns that generate more effective outcomes for our clients. And Plato, our in-house planning tool, automates campaign planning and buying for speed and precision.

Our technology platforms help our clients get the most from their outdoor campaigns –  sponsoring the Campaign Tech Awards is a perfect fit for Talon, elevating the amazing work being powered by technology across the wider media industry.

Nominations are open now, closing 22nd February. We look forward to celebrating with everyone at the awards ceremony!

campaigntechawards.com