ARN announces multiple promotions in commercial restructure

Chief commercial officer Pete Whitehead announced changes to commercial teams

Australian Radio Network will restructure the commercial side of its business following a strategic review of broadcast, on-demand and digital platforms, in a move designed to stimulate growth.

The restructure will see ARN aim to moved towards a new streamlined implementation method across all aspects of integrated campaigns, delivering an even more efficient offering for clients.

“ARN is committed to offering the best commercial partnership opportunities to both agencies and clients, and this means being nimble and responsive,” said ARN chief commercial officer Pete Whitehead.

“This restructure reflects ARN’s ability to be agile, strategic and streamlined. Not only do we offer the best integrated campaigns, but we are committed to offering the most efficient and effective client experience.”

The following changes have been made across ARN’s commercial teams to further strengthen the offering for clients and agencies.

Angus Leech has been appointed to the position of national agency sales director and will be responsible for the development and implementation of ARN’s agency strategy. Angus has been ARN’s sydney agency sales director for almost four years, during which time he developed and led an exceptional team which delivered consistently high market share.

Angus will continue to lead the Sydney Agency Sales team as he takes on the national responsibilities.

Kate Blakeley has been appointed Sydney sales director – independent agencies. Kate brings over twelve years of experience from media agency, direct and agency sales and management and will help develop the Independent Agency team, and implement a new, targeted strategy and approach to market.

ARN’s Sydney and Brisbane Integration Manager, Andy Procopis has been appointed to the position of national integration director.

In his new role Andy will oversee integrated commercial responses nationally, developing new opportunities and working closely with ARN’s national CD, Duncan Campbell to create results-driven integrated campaigns that deliver for clients and connect with audiences.

ARN’s head of client solutions – Melbourne, Adelaide & Perth, Lena Rapley has been appointed to commercial partnerships director. The role has been established to lead the commercialisation of ARN sponsorship and partnership opportunities nationally.

Corey Layton is now head of commercial audio and podcasts, reflecting his key responsibilities across integration, partnerships and ARN’s evolving audio offering. This includes the continued growth of ARN’s iHeartPodcast Network Australia.

Senior integration specialists Laura Stewart and Ally Leiba will each move to new roles of Sydney integration  manager and Melbourne integration manager respectively.

Each will oversee the creation of best-in-class integrated commercial responses alongside Sophie Thomason in Brisbane and Wendy Allen in Perth who will continue leading their markets.

All new roles will begin in May.