Pinterest Sydney: Meet Tom Tilney, Agency Lead

In this Life at Pinterest Blog, meet Tom Tilney from Pinterest Sydney as he gives a glimpse into his role at Pinterest, shares highlights from his career journey and discusses why you should apply to join the team. 

Hi Tom! Thanks for joining us for our newest Life at Pinterest Blog.

Hi everyone, I’m Tom Tilney! I started as a Partner Manager at Pinterest in 2021. With strong partnerships in the agency world, I saw the opportunity to transition to the Global Agency team  and moved into an Agency Lead role in 2022. In this role, I focus on building incredibly strong relationships with employees at all levels across the world's largest agencies. It’s all about driving comprehension of our product and ensuring agencies see value in what Pinterest stands for, our differentiation as an ads platform and the business outcomes we can drive for an agency's clients.  

You’ve previously shared that strengthening relationships and building trust are your favourite parts of your role. In what other ways does your role energise you? 

On the best days, you get to ride the wave of enjoyment with your partners. On the days that aren’t going quite as planned, you work together to solve problems. In those moments, you get a real sense of satisfaction that you’ve built meaningful relationships. You’ve developed trust with partners who want to work with you in the future. 

What are some of your favorite Pinterest highlights? 

It’s tough to pick because I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of my moments at Pinterest. Here are two that stick out to me: 

1. Our team is authentic. One thing that happens when someone new joins the team, they are in disbelief that the people in this organisation are all genuine, kind and hardworking. I always enjoy it when new hires get the feeling that they’ve chosen the right employer in Pinterest - it stands out as a different workplace from other companies. The team here welcomes you into a business and enthusiastically wants to partner with you to do great work together. 
2. You’re surrounded by exciting opportunities and supportive colleagues. Early in my time at Pinterest, I was trusted to step up and deliver for the business at Australia’s marquee advertising event, Cannes in Cairns. The day we departed for the event my colleague, who was committed to a panel, needed to step out. Even though I only had a day to prepare, the business was behind me, and as a result, I was really excited to step in. I became one among a few in the region to participate in a keynote, something I still find myself grateful for. Whilst taking to the stage was a real delight, it was the backing of your team who was front and center in the audience that made it truly special. The people in this business, they have your back.    

Why should someone join Pinterest in Sydney? 

Right now, I’d say it’s because we’ve moved down to a beautiful location by the harbour. On a serious note, it’s that Pinterest is investing in Australia. From the office to the people to the product, it’s obvious there’s a level of support for the Australian market. We’re also consistently rated highly among our partners, and they have a genuine desire to work with us.

It’s also the product. If I look at the way I’m dressed right now, it’s informed by Pins I have saved to multiple boards. You’re working on a platform that has a meaningful impact on people's lives - whether they realise it or not.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
There’s always the opportunity to do things differently. If you have a wealth of ideas, bring them to the business and partner with the broader organisation to implement them and make it happen. As an employee, you’re constantly getting to do new things. There’s an openness to change, and change is exciting. 

Ready to join us in Sydney? Apply now to be one of the people behind the product.