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.”