Meet the Pixers is our blog series where we introduce you to the talented folks who make our company a success. Today, we’re featuring Dave Cleave, our Sales Director, UK.
Tell us a little bit about your background:
I’ve lived in South London all my life, so not the world’s most traveled man, however, I have visited many parts of the world. Ibiza is my favorite destination and I have been there over 20 times! We even got married there. Two kids later and we’re still visiting the island.
I started my career in media at the tender age of 18 and have been selling advertising ever since. I was due to join the army but my parents didn’t like the idea and pulled in a few favors to get me my first role at a company called Amra selling press ads in local newspapers. Amra would go on to become part of Trinity Mirror (now Reach plc) which is when my career really then began to take off. I joined their Digital team in 2007 and started off selling Banners, Skys and MPU’s across their regional portfolio before eventually becoming Head of Agency Sales across their entire regional and national portfolio. I then decided to move to a purely digital company called ‘Collective’ before leaving there to launch a hugely successful business called Tablet Media with my friend and colleague at the time. I’ve since been in the Gaming, Location Targeting and the Contextual Video space (openweb) before joining Pixability, where I truly enjoy my role and feel at home.
What is the last thing you watched on YouTube?
It was actually my son doing his ABC’s when he was two. He hilariously sounds like a Victorian Londoner!
What is the best career advice you have ever received?
Evolve and keep learning because this industry never stays still. Keep on your toes.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career?
For our industry in particular – learn and absorb as much as you can. There is so much to learn and from so many incredibly bright people. The industry has been very good to me over the years and I really believe you get out what you put into it. Embrace with open arms and forge life-long relationships!