Marketingmag.com.au had a chat with Margaret Rivera, marketing director for online commerce at Akamai Technologies. If
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What do you do?

I am the Industry marketing manager for online commerce at Akamai Technologies.

What was your first job?

My career started in Reebok with their retail marketing team.

What did you study?

I studied Communications Studies in college with an emphasis on PR.

Describe a typical day?

My typical day is a combination of building sales tools, giving sales support & training, managing the marketing programs and public relations teams that generate awareness and demand for Akamai services and understanding commerce market trends, new opportunities and competitive threats. I work closely with regional marketing and sales teams across the globe to ensure the industry messaging is consistently incorporated into all integrated marketing programs and creative vehicles.

What brand do you love the most? Dislike the most? Why?

I love Ben & Jerry’s – not only because they have the best ice cream – but because they were a visionary in delivering on a triple bottom-line philosophy: to deliver the world’s best product, an economic return for the owners and sustain their social and environmental mission.

What do you believe has been the most significant moment in the history of marketing?

The internet. Today, with the help of the internet, smartphones, laptops, and technology advancements, we need to be available everywhere. Marketing has taken on a new frontier in this increasingly competitive, technology-driven world.

What is on the agenda for the next year?

2010 is already off to a running start with travel in the states, Europe and Australia. Well have a big focus on our online hotel and travel segment and security offerings for commerce web sites. I’ll be working on helping online retailers leverage behavioural targeting to attract in-market shoppers to their sites and introduce our mobile commerce offerings. Akamai is a very fast-paced and exciting environment!

What advice would you offer younger marketers?

Work hard, set your standards high, and strive to do your best. Learn from as many people as you can. Your diligence and drive will pay off in the long run.

Where can people find you?

Reach out to me on LinkedIn.