ARN unveils new commercial structure

The Australian Radio Network (ARN) has made changes to its commercial structure with the appointment of Emma-Jayne Owens to the newly created role of Chief Commercial Officer.

With a career spanning 25 years, Owens will join the Executive Leadership Team and be responsible for the commercial function across all platforms in addition to integration, creative and strategy.

Previously, Owens held senior sales roles at Ninemsn (Mi9), Network TEN and Southern Cross Austereo. She will join the team on March 20 and will be based in ARN’s Sydney office.

On top this, Matthew Granger will be promoted to the role of Commercial Director – NSW and Queensland, and will be responsible for the commercial function for both Agency and Direct Sales in both markets and management of National Agency Partnerships.

Leaving ARN after 36 years at the company is National Sales Director – Direct Brian Blacklock. He was involved in all aspects of the radio business as an ARN employee and worked in three states during his career.

“This new structure reflects ARN’s ongoing investment in an ‘audience first’ approach providing the very best integrated solutions for our customers,” said ARN CEO Tony Kendall.

He added: “Emma-Jayne brings extensive commercial leadership to our business, most recently across digital, but also across multiple media including a very strong radio background.

“I’m excited for her to be joining the team and particularly that she’ll be working alongside Matt who will expand his role across both agency and direct in Sydney and Brisbane.

“I’d like to thank Brian Blacklock for his outstanding contribution to ARN in many roles across his tenure and wish him all the very best moving forward.”

Image: Emma-Jayne Owens

Speaking of her appointment to the role, Owens is eager to make a positive contribution to ARN, which includes the Pure Gold, KIIS Network, The Edge and iHeartRadio brands.

“I’m delighted to be joining ARN. The opportunity to unite our assets across all platforms is considerable and I’m looking forward to working with the team to further strengthen ARN’s proposition across the country.”