1. Describe 2023 in three words…

Challenging, Inspiring, Rewarding

2. Plug those three words into What3Words and that is where you are going on holiday next year. Where is it and are you happy? 

Looks like I’m going to Tjirrkarli in the Western Australian desert – I am intrigued! Let’s go!

Western Australia looks rather lonely but Christian is very keen to go!

3. What do you want in your Christmas stocking in the real world? 

I’m hooked now: I want that trip to Australia!

4. Meta has asked to create your perfect Christmas in the metaverse. Where are you, who is cooking and what entertainment have you got lined-up? 

Somewhere in the mountains, lots of snow, perfect day for skiing, all the friends and family around, foodie and friend Hannes Finkbeiner cooking and The Rat Pack crooning Christmas classics

5. How old were you when you stopped believing in Santa? Did you ever stop? 

What do you mean “believing”? He’s a fact, isn’t he? I saw him last week!

6. What’s your single biggest lesson of 2023? 

If you think something needs doing, do it!

7. What’s your favourite ad/campaign of 2023?  

I think the Maybelline CGI ad was very clever. Short, simple yet very effective. 

8. Who is winning the best Christmas ad battle in 2023? 

Royal Mail with their 'In Good Hands' ad 

9. What are your 3 big predictions for 2024? 

+ Marketing budgets will be tighter as a result of the cost-of-living crisis

+ We’ll see more focus on short-term tactical activations rather than creative, long-term brand building programmes

+ AI will go from being a tool to being a tool that people know how to use

10. 2024 is the Chinese year of the Dragon - the traits of people born in the year of the dragon include being confident and lucky. What are you confident about for 2024 and what with a bit of luck do you hope for? 

Nightlife may be under pressure and yes, 1 in 3 nightclubs in the UK have closed for good since 2020, but I am confident that nightlife is not dead. It plays too important a role in people’s lives.

11. Which brand should we look out for next year? 

Not sure if it’s one to look out for, but it will probably be very entertaining to see what’ll happen with X/Twitter/whatever we’ll call it next over the next 12 months!

And finally...

12. Mince Pies - Christmas food heaven or hell? 

Can I have some chocolate cake, please!