About Us

Brian Gallagher is the fearless leader of Ignite Media Brands.

Being tasked with inspiring his team of 60 you would think his childhood dream would have involved a stint in politics or as a motivational speaker. The truth is Brian’s passion always lay with the visual arts - photography, film and television, which makes him the perfect candidate to lead a business that is responsible for amazing brands like National Geographic, MTV, TV1 and The Movie Network.

Brian got his start at NBN Television in Newcastle and although he never quite became that photojournalist he aspired to be as a child, he has carved an impressive career path in an equally exciting industry.

After 20 years in free to air TV, Brian launched and led branded content agency Full Circle Entertainment Pty Ltd which two years later included advertising sales agency Full Circle Media. Brian launched Full Circle Media to compete in the digital advertising sales arena, chiefly in the STV market, subsequently expanding into all digital media platforms, and ultimately leading to the successful merger with MTV Networks Australia, forming Ignite Media Brands.

Brian counts his biggest career achievement so far as the building of Ignite into the business it is today and believes it has been achieved thanks to his passion for the industry, the support of his family and the opportunity to work with a great team of people to build a great work environment.

The industry has taught him a lot of life lessons but there is one thing that sticks to his mind, “Change is inevitable – embrace the opportunities it brings” and with that ethos he is able to lead an innovative team that can evolve with the constantly changing media landscape.

With tenacity, strategy and focus, Brian will continue to evolve Ignite to ensure it is a business people with a passion for content and media will want to work in.

Arty, quirky and full of life Fleur Steinberg shines as Ignite’s Head of Brand Strategy.

Sure she has all the qualities you would expect from someone who leads a successful brand and strategy team such as extensive knowledge of the advertising landscape and passion for the Ignite channel brands... but it’s all the non traditional things (such as her immense creativity) that makes her one of a kind.

Drawn to all things creative and theatrical, Fleur studied Visual Arts at the Queensland University of Technology, but maintained a secret desire to be just like Eddie from Absolutely Fabulous. Seeking out glamour, fashion and champagne fuelled parties, Fleur chose Media as her field of profession.

Somewhat less glamorous than expected, she landed her first role at a niche IT publishing company right before the ‘dot bomb’ in the early naughties. Witnessing the highs and lows of a decade of advertising, Fleur has learnt a few things along the way such as “first impressions count, but so do second and thirds” so “be consistent and honest in everything you do and success will follow.”

One of the highlights of her journey so far is being part of the successful merger that is now Ignite Media Brands. She also credits walking the Great Wall of China with National Geographic, saying it was “not my best fashion moment, but definitely a pinnacle moment in my career!”

Fleur’s passion and creativity recently led to her promotion from Ignite’s Group Sales Manager to our Head of Brand Strategy.

“Media fragmentation sees strong brands connect with consumers in more intimate ways. Media brands need to elevate above the constraints of their medium, which is why I am excited to work for the channels that we do. Our channels, our brands, are more than just 3 numbers on your remote control and what we do with that is really exciting.”

Oh and she hasn’t completely ignored her flair for the arts… “now I see art form in Jersey Shore.”

Newly appointed National Sales Director Ivan Curic has joined Ignite after spending the better part of the last decade managing the sales team at Network Ten, returning to the same building where he started his career started years ago.

Ivan started his career as a media assistant at Optimedia after studying a Bachelor of Media and a MBA (AGSM) more recently, he was attracted to the fast pace of media and the great people.

His tips for success include “When you’re in a hole...stop digging” and being calm in stressful situations.

Ivan brings his experience across creative selling, media trading negotiations and understanding the sales strategy required for multi channels to Ignite and considers this new role to be a highlight in his career despite the fact that the path he has chosen is considerably different to his childhood dream of being an Airforce pilot.

That being said when it comes to sales, creativity, integration and media; Ivan is most definitely a ‘Top Gun’.

Lisa Byrne (Executive Assistant to the CEO of Ignite Media Brand’s, Brian Gallagher) wanted to be a fashion designer growing up, but the comparable glamour associated with entertainment led her to work with Ignite.

Diversity is key when it comes to her current role where she manages not just Brian’s life but the social and marketing commitments of Ignite Media Brands too. Luckily she comes with a wealth of experience over many industries. “I have previously worked in consulting, and our clients were varied across all sectors from banking to entertainment and everything in between. It was great to get an insight into so many different walks of life.”

The fashion lover is a social person and loves to meet new people, which is most definitely a good thing when it comes to fulfilling her day-to-day tasks at Ignite. Being the point of contact for clients and channel partners means she is able to meet a diverse range of people, which she believes keeps life interesting.

Lisa hates the term ‘hump day.’ “There's no such thing, every day is good in some way and you are wishing most of your life away only waiting for the weekends." And there is certainly always something fun going on at Ignite! It’s that attitude that ensures Lisa will glide through her days with a smile on her face and of course with her signature style.

Damon is good with his hands (he is a carpenter by trade) but it is his gift of the gab and his love of talking TV that lead him to his role of Victorian Sales Manager at Ignite Media Brands.

Starting at Sydney radio station Triple M, the sales gun has worked his way through the industry, which resulted in a killer job in Hong Kong where he ran ESPN STAR and Sports ad sales.  He has now talked, negotiated and charmed his way into the Victorian media market, selling innovative and cutting edge campaigns for Ignites portfolio of impressive channels.

The people pleaser says, “you catch more flies with honey” and with this ethos he manages to inspire a team of dedicated media experts.  There are no sweet secrets to his success, just hard work and motivation - especially from his family.

He does have some advice for young sales upstarts, “your career is long so don’t rush it, and, be careful what you wish for.”

Amy Cage kick-off her media career with Ignite in 2011 and brings a fresh perspective and new energy into the busy team.

As a Sales Executive Amy works with all the Ignite portfolio on-air channels such as MTV, TV1, Sci Fi, National Geographic and the Movie Network. She is one of the many people responsible for liaising with clients and booking the advertising on TV.

She loves the fast paced industry because it involves networking, building relationships and being a bit creative too. She hopes to hone her skills and knowledge by leveraging off the expertise of the experienced team she works with.

Amy has high hopes for the industry, when asked where she thinks the industry is going she says “(There will be more) advanced technology and systems that will allow people to work even more efficiently and effectively and give us greater consumer insight” which she thinks will “allow us to advertise in even more exciting ways”.

Looking at his job title you may not instantly know what he does, but it is people like Andrew Cross who are the foundation of every media solutions company.

As a Strategy and Insights Analyst, Andrew studies audience figures, manages airtime amongst a variety of tasks - none of which involves race car driving or fixing teeth (his childhood dream jobs), but that’s fine with him as he has found his true calling in media.

Andrew came to Ignite after an exciting and paced role as an analyst for Bigmouthmedia in Edinburgh, UK.

Andrew has high hopes for the future of television and beyond. “Some people seem to think that online will kill off all other forms of media, but I think TV will always be around, and hopefully as strong – if not stronger – in 5 years time.”

Kristen has always been attracted to the bright lights of entertainment. Her dream job is a departure from where she thought she would be when she was young (a back up dancer for Michael Jackson) but what she ended up doing is not necessarily less glamorous. She found her calling the second she stepped into the offices of her first Advertising Television job at Channel Ten, “It’s a fast paced, dynamic and vibrant industry - I love it!”.

Her passion and dedication has lead her to her current role as NSW and QLD Sales Manager at Ignite Media Brands. “I get to work with a young, passionate and dedicated sales team alongside some of the coolest and most innovative brands around. It’s my dream job”.
Like the king of pop, Kristen uses her passion and optimism to inspire people and to get inspired, “I am where I am today because of the support and guidance I have received. Equally, I’m dedicated to mentoring the next up and coming stars within my team. It’s those around me that drive me and when I see them succeed I get a real kick!”

Her years in television have taught her that people power is crucial and you can never do it all alone. With that attitude, there is no doubt that she will be able to inspire her team and help take Ignite to the next level.