AIM NABS iPHONE DEVELOPER PETER WATLING

AIM Proximity, one of New Zealand’s leading direct and interactive marketing agencies, has appointed one of the world’s foremost iPhone and iPod Touch application developers, Peter Watling, to the new role of Mobile Technologist. With 22 years’ experience in Apple software development, Mr Watling is renowned for internationally successful applications specifically designed for the iPhone. In particular, his ‘Bubblewrap’ game became one of the most popular downloads around the world, following the launch of the 3G iPhone in 22 countries on 11 July.

Darryn Melrose, CEO of AIM Proximity says, “While other devices claim to have bridged the gap between PCs and mobile phones, the iPhone has truly conquered it, providing a compelling immediacy to mobile internet. The challenge for marketers is to deliver on this heightened level of customer expectation, with richer dialogue and targeted relevant campaigns.

“Peter Watling is a Kiwi who is truly world class in iPhone application development. His appointment as Mobile Technologist at AIM Proximity will clearly assist us in extending our leadership in digital and interactive mobile marketing.”

Says Adam Good, Executive Director of Digital Innovation for AIM Proximity’s parent company, Clemenger Communications Group: “Appointing an in-house mobile strategist to add mobile expertise to the customer journey, is unique among New Zealand marketing agencies. AIM Proximity intrinsically understands customer involvement as well as the importance of hiring innovative talent and expertise to the communication planning process.

“Mobile is a vital and emerging communication channel for both brand and direct marketing, so it’s critical to understand the medium, and tightly integrate it into the creative planning process. Peter will be a huge asset to AIM Proximity’s clients.”

Watling’s other notable innovations for the iPhone include two collaborative efforts with the NZ MetService: the very popular tvGuide and WeatherNZ applications, the latter of which improves on Apple’s built-in offerings by providing up to the minute reports directly from New Zealand’s own MetService forecasters. Mr Watling also comes with a wealth of experience in media and data-based publishing. In particular, he is responsible for the streamlined production of financial and sport listings, as well as TV listings and weather forecasts in newspapers throughout the country.

Says Watling: “AIM Proximity has an impressive list of outstanding clients and clearly leads in digital and mobile marketing in New Zealand, so it’s great to have the opportunity to work in that environment. I look forward to contributing to innovative mobile marketing campaigns, and bringing great mobile applications to the burgeoning mobile market in this country.”