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hello.

Executive Director, Strategy & Social · Poem · Sydney, Australia

Alex Sol Watts. Portrait

I'm Alex. I'm an integrated, multi-discipline strategist who helps businesses cut through, both commercially and culturally. From defining brands and building communities, to communications and getting the product or team where it needs to go.

I've spent fifteen+ years leading strategy at some of the world's most adventurous agencies. Right now, I'm Executive Director of Strategy & Social at Poem in Sydney, building one of the country's sharpest social and earned practices, working across challenger brands and category leaders.

Across that time I've worked with McDonald's, Skittles, Westpac, Wotif, KFC, Kmart, Coles, Coca-Cola, AmEx, AAMI and Tiger Beer (and a fair few more), leading the kind of work that lifts a P&L AND lives in culture.

Beyond my day job, I'm an experienced advisor, coach, and consultant for businesses and individuals looking to reach their next step. I'm not looking for a job; I'm looking for the right briefs and the right people to be useful to.

Brand & comms strategy
Social & earned strategy
Innovation & product strategy
Career mentoring & coaching
Board / advisory work (MAICD-qualified)
Where I’ve been
2024 to now
Executive Director, Strategy & Social at Poem (Sydney). Building one of the country's sharpest social and earned practices.
2021 to 24
Independent strategist and consultant. Integrated brand, comms and earned work for Australian agencies and brands.
2018 to 21
Head of Social, DDB Sydney. Built the team. Globally responsible on McDonald's. AWARD Agency of the Year, 2021.
2015 to 18
Head of Social, Ogilvy Australia. Led KFC, Wotif and American Express.
2012 to 15
Strategy at Marcel Sydney. Tiger Beer (global), OPSM, Berocca, Four Seasons.
Credentials
MAICD (Australian Institute of Company Directors). Mental Health First Aider.
Where I’ve spoken
Cannes Lions + VidCon + AWARD School + ADMA + Mumbrella + UNSW + USYD + UTS + LBB.
Things I write & record
Recent press
Hot takes
Off the clock
Beekeeper. Fermenter. Enthusiastic gardener. Once-only triathlete. Husband to Mary. Dad to Sylvester. Cat-staff to Rita.

Most of my best content is about these three. Treat yourself.

Want to talk?

Book a slot.

Briefs, advisory, mentoring, second opinions, pitches you want another set of eyes on, gossip you want to share. Pick a time below.

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