The Jolt: DM survives in tough times

Everyone claims that digital will be the big winner in the recession and one online player is making this prediction a reality. Email marketing agency Responsys is gearing up its operations in Asia Pacific, hiring new staff and opening an Australian office as it expects strong growth in 2009.

US-based Responsys, which set up in Asia just over a year ago, claims it had global revenue growth of 40% in 2008 and is expecting the same this year.

Dan Springer, Responsys global CEO, said the downturn is not affecting and online and direct marketing budgets as much as other mediums.

"Direct-orientated marketing is not taking a hit," he said.

"The overall [Responsys] business is doing well. I predict in 2009 our whole sector will do well."

Springer said in growth in Asia has been "spectacular" and the agency's goal over time is further expand throughout the region. Responsys is currently looking to hire four more staff in Singapore and it has partners it works with in China, Japan and Korea.

The agency previously worked in Australia through partners but Rob Stanley, SVP and managing director of Responsys Asia Pacific, said it now it "absolutely needs a presence down there".

Responsys currently works with clients such as Westfield, Jeanwest and Fly Buys in Australia, and is looking to recruit two staff for its new Sydney office.