BEN RUTHERFORD
Head of Marketing
As a senior marketing, events, partnerships & operations executive, Ben has previously worked for industry leaders in the entertainment world including Southern Cross Austereo (Triple M, 2DayFM), Event Hospitality & Entertainment (Event Cinemas, QT Hotels, Moonlight Cinema, Thredbo Ski Resort, State Theatre) and Sony Music. He enjoys leading and mentoring teams plus building relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
With a huge passion for all sports – Ben coaches rugby union outside of work at a semi-professional level. Based in Sydney with wife Karlie and young kids Charlotte and Paddy, he is family-focused and happiest enjoying good company and a few laughs.
THE NICKNAME PEOPLE KNOW ME FOR…
Benny, although at school I was known as Ruddo.
IN A NUTSHELL, MY JOB IS TO…
Lead the overall marketing strategy and execution for the company and support our sales team generate new business leads via a variety of marketing initiatives that help drive brand awareness and generate publicity.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I’VE LEARNT IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS IS…
Probably a combination of things, especially with the arrival of two kids. Patience is essential and procrastinating means they’ll be awake before you know it, so make stuff happen when you can. I’d say the key though is to enjoy life which means quality time with family and friends and plenty of laughter. As we’ve learned the last 12-18 months things can change quickly and I classify myself as lucky in comparison to others less fortunate – so don’t take it for granted.
MY FIRST JOB OUT OF SCHOOL WAS…
Working at David Jones in the Menswear department. I vividly remember selling a bloke a tuxedo shirt on a Thursday for a wedding that weekend, only to have the same guy walk back in on the Monday and ask for a refund. I played the game but when I opened the packaging to check the shirt was ok, I discovered red wine stains. Needless to say, there was no refund.
IF I HAD THE DAY OFF TODAY, YOU WOULD FIND ME…
Ideally playing golf before enjoying an icy cold beer. If it’s warm, you can’t beat a swim at the beach.
MY FAVOURITE BOOK/MOVIE/SONG IS…
I predominantly read sports books but I’d say my favourite is Relentless by Tim Grover. I’ll say The Shawshank Redemption is my favourite movie. I’m a music nut so my favourite song is tricky – probably Bright Side Of The Road – Van Morrison, Mr. Brightside – The Killers or Fix You – Coldplay.
MY FAVOURITE THING ABOUT APRICITY IS…
Without a doubt, it’s the people. I’ve worked for some big companies and they constantly talk about culture. However, there’s a difference between talking about it vs. living and breathing it. There’s a real family feel, with the typical friendly banter but it’s clear everyone cares for each other.
Connect with Ben Rutherford via LinkedIn here.
