Attention Seekers doesn’t settle for ordinary. We have some of the best in the business working on the future of how brands connect with their audiences. Get to know our team, how we tick and the incredible experience that’s shaping the future of marketing.
We caught up with Wiebke Jahnke, Head of Client Services, to talk about the pitch to pay process, moving to the U.K. back in 2014 and her time at Disney before coming across to Attention Seekers.
Who are you and what do you do?
My name’s Wiebke Jahnke, I’m the Head of Client Services at Attention Seekers.
What’s been your journey to Attention Seekers?
After finishing school, I went straight to an apprenticeship in media at German publisher Gruner + Jahr, focusing on the marketing, distribution, and advertising of its premium brand products.
I was there for over six years, leaving as Campaign Manager to come to London and begin working in the ESPN team at Disney. Throughout that time, I worked across digital, linear and social platforms execution campaigns globally. After a fantastic six years at the ESPN side of the business, I moved across to National Geographic as Group Head, Digital Client Services, driving a team towards best in class planning and account management of brand partnership campaigns.
After heading up that team for two years, I was looking for another challenge, something unique that would ultimately change the wSEEay brands interact with existing and new audiences. Enter, Attention Seekers.
How did you find the move to London?
At first it was a bit of a cultural shock coming across, after growing up in a rural part of Germany, but I’ve loved it here since day one and I’m not looking at leaving anytime soon. The city is such a melting pot of people from across the world with a long list of iconic landmarks on my doorstop. This feels like home now, well… maybe second to Hamburg.
What are you working on right now?
We’ve got some big pitches going on at the moment, exploring how brands from fashion and sport can interact with their audiences on a personal level through our decentralised approach. Our process is entirely unique, maximising what brands have to offer in return for real attention. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the team!
Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun?
Exercising, diving into different cuisines over dinner with friends and Travel – I hit my 40th country and am on a mission to have to have travelled 50 by the time I turn 35. Most recently I’ve been to Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda where I also managed to see the big five on safari which I could talk about all day. Next on the list are some Easter European countries and the Carribean!
Growing up in the era of Michael Schumacher, Steffi Graf and Klitschko, I’ve been influenced by my grandma to follow F1 and Boxing whilst my brother didn’t give me any other chance but supporting Borussia Dortmund. It’s been black and yellow ever since.
Messi or Ronaldo?
Messi, especially after the World Cup. I do think both are extremely skilled, but watching Messi doing his magic at the World Cup final whilst sitting at the beach in Zanzibar just hit differently. He’s truly one of a kind.
What motivates you in your career?
Innovation. I look at the past, even five years ago, and marvel at how much of the world has changed in such a short space of time. I want to be a part of something truly unique and I believe that’s where I’m at right now.
In my role, seeing a project from pitch to pay is extremely satisfying to me. I get to watch creative ideas come to life and be enjoyed by millions of people around the world. If that’s not worth the Monday morning meetings, I don’t know what is!
What’s your favourite album of late?
SIX60 – Castle St. Got influenced by my antipodean friends and love their eclectic style.
