Last month we announced our seven-person advisory board as we continue on our mission to promote and advocate for the affiliate and partner marketing industries. The advisory board will play a crucial role in shaping the direction and effectiveness of The APMA, ensuring it serves the needs of its members and the industry as a whole.
In these series of interviews with each member, we wanted to let you get to know them a bit better and showcase why we invited them to be on the board, what they’re most excited about and what they’ll bring to the table. Last time we heard from Eitan, this time it’s the turn of Rich Clark.
Tell us a little a bit about you…
I am a seasoned marketing professional with experience over multiple decades. I have specialised in International, Digital and transformation roles. Being involved with affiliates since the early days at Nationwide and when we helped drive the channel at Dixons. Outside of work I like most sport but in particular football, basketball and boxing. As I age I am now enjoying the outdoors more and spending time and money on the garden.
What made you want to be on the strategic advisor board of The APMA?
The great team that has been assembled including reconnecting with old faces from the past. But mainly as I am a strong advocate of the affiliate channel and would love to add my expertise and voice to the channel.
What do you think you’ll bring to the table? Literally and figuratively!
Maybe the occasional swear word, you can’t beat a good profanity. Maybe a bit of humour, although that remains to be seen. I would like to think my years of client-side experience in working with large and small affiliate programmes will help add a different take.
What is one of the biggest challenges facing the affiliate channel you think we need to solve?
I believe the blurring of lines and the amount of new platforms is a challenge but also provides opportunity. Tracking is an obvious issue with developments on different OS and obvious changing cookie regulations. It feels like we have discussed this one for years but I still am not convinced anybody has mastered it, full channel/funnel attribution and the value of each publisher versus each other and other channels.
What are you most excited about for the future of The APMA and its members?
The fact that the industry will have a voice.
Tell me a little known fact about you, or something our members might find interesting!
I drive a Land Rover Defender (and not the new one).
Thanks to Rich and welcome!
