Scope3x5: 5 minutes with Elliot MacNay, Director, Buyer Development

Our Director, Buyer Development, Elliot MacNay, shines a light on his role at Scope3, his aspirations for the company over the next five years, and his personal journey towards a more sustainable world.

This series offers a glimpse into the lives of the change makers at Scope3 and what drives them to create a more sustainable ad industry. (5-minute read)

What are your core responsibilities as Director, Buyer Development at Scope3?

I embarked on this exciting journey with Scope3 six months ago, taking on the responsibility of spearheading and establishing its agency and advertiser development division in the UK and Europe.

My team helps to drive the development and uptake of Scope3 products among agency groups and advertisers. We focus on understanding the needs and perspectives of buyers, working to ensure that our products align with their requirements.

If Scope3 could achieve one thing over the next five years, what would you want it to be?

It would be very exciting to see Scope3 collaborate with every major agency group, advertiser and tech platform. The potential impact of such partnerships is immense, as it would enable Scope3 to reach a broad audience and drive significant change in the ad industry.

With Scope3’s comprehensive and valuable data in hand, every major advertiser would have the opportunity to tap into its insights. This integration would empower advertisers to make informed decisions based on accurate and detailed information regarding their carbon emissions. By leveraging emissions data, advertisers could align their strategies with sustainability goals and create more environmentally responsible campaigns.

What’s been the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

The best piece of career advice I have received was to be myself and that confidence comes from action, not the other way around.

Embracing my own unique qualities and taking chances when they come has allowed me to build confidence in my abilities and grow in my career.

What is one lifestyle change you have made to be more sustainable?

It is crucial to recognise that while individual actions play a part in sustainability, the most significant impact comes from collective efforts, including changes from businesses, organisations, and governments.

In my own journey towards sustainability, I have witnessed the greatest difference through making intentional choices about the products I purchase. Whether it is clothing, footwear, or other goods, opting for sustainable brands has allowed me to contribute to a more environmentally conscious economy. For instance, I like brands like FeelGrounds, Rapanui and Vivo Barefoot for their commitment to sustainability in footwear and clothing.

While these choices may seem small on an individual level, collectively they exert a significant influence. By supporting sustainable businesses, we signal a demand for more responsible practices and contribute to the shift towards a greener economy.

What are your favourite activities outside of work? / What do you like to do in your downtime?

I love engaging in physical activities like going to the gym, boxing and playing tennis. I also find great joy in staying active and immersing myself in nature. Going for walks, whether it's exploring scenic trails or simply strolling through local parks, allows me to connect with the natural world.

Equally important to me is spending quality time with friends, usually for good food and drinks!

Name one natural wonder that you find most awe-inspiring.

There is one natural wonder that I find most awe-inspiring that people often taken for granted or overlook in their everyday lives: the sunrise and sunset. After all, witnessing the sun on the horizon is an experience that transcends location.