A 40-odd year ‘young’ veteran in the communications industry, Barry has specialized in strategic media planning throughout most of his career, but has had considerable experience as Group Account Director on brands such as Air NZ, Coca-Cola, Nestle, Gillette, Energizer and Heineken. Barry was National Media Director for McCann Erickson and Saatchi & Saatchi before joining the Bates Group as Media Director.He then moved to the ‘dark side’, running the Bates Group media buying company, Media Decisions which later became The Media Palace. Barry has been with Mediaedge:cia on a contract basis for 4 years and has recently taken over the Media Director reigns in the Auckland office. In addition to his responsibilities with the Y&R Group, Barry has been active within the industry, conceptualizing and running the CAANZ Media Training Course for six years and is currently Judging Convener of the CAANZ Media Awards. Barry was recognized by the industry in 2002 and 2006 for his efforts on behalf of the communications industry.