CRA appoints first chief commercial officer, Jo Dick

Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) has created a chief commercial officer role, which will take effect from May 17.

The industry body has appointed media agency stalwart, Jo Dick, to the role.

Dick was head of TV and then head of radio, print, cinema and outdoor for media agency Omnicom, before being elevated to head of partnerships for outdoor and audio at its holding group, Omnicom Media Group (OMG). She’s also currently chair of the Outdoor Futures Council.

The new CCO role will report to CRA’s CEO, Joan Warner, and will be responsible for developing and expanding the industry’s commercial strategy to ensure radio and digital audio is top-of-mind with key buyers and advertisers. The role will also involve identifying opportunities for radio in the growing audio landscape.

“The primary focus of the new role is to set the direction for a differentiated value proposition for radio and audio, promote the benefits and effectiveness of radio and digital audio to advertisers and agencies, participate in the development of a number of major projects already underway such as automated buying, and build strategic partnerships to benefit the industry,” CRA explained.

Warner said she was very excited to have Dick joining the team.

“Jo’s extensive knowledge, experience and expertise in all facets of media, plus her understanding of global and national media trends, make her the ideal appointment to help the industry continue ti build the audio category in Australia, forge key industry relationships and to identify and take advantage of opportunities in an increasingly complex media landscape,” she said.

CRA’s chair, Grant Blackley, also currently CEO of Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), said as a highly-respected leader with a proven track record in audio, Dick will be a valuable addition to CRA and the wider radio business.

“It’s an exciting era in our industry as the digital audio landscape grows at pace with countless creative opportunities for brands and addressable audiences at scale. Commercial radio has always worked closely with agencies and advertisers to help achieve their business outcomes, and the expanding advertising and revenue opportunities across not only broadcast but streaming, digital, DAB+, podcasting and voice, provide even more opportunity for strategic brand and industry partnerships,” he said.

Dick said she’s delighted to join the CRA team and contribute to the future growth and development of radio and audio.

“The radio industry is undergoing enormous positive change and I am excited to join a sector that has embraced transformation and has positioned itself for current and future growth. I look forward to working collaboratively with the industry to develop audio opportunities for advertisers and provide strategic solutions,” she said.

Dick’s former employer, Peter Horgan, the CEO of OMG Australia and New Zealand and chair of the Media Federation of Australia (MFA) said: “Jo has been an incredible executive and colleague, she has led on industry issues across radio and OOH. We are very sad to see her go, but proud she will continue to drive an industry agenda at CRA.”