The new division will be led by Ian Smith, who returned to ViacomCBS’s Network 10 last month after a five-year absence. Most recently he was general manager of trading and operations, national sales, at News Corp Australia.
Reporting to Network 10 national sales director Lisa Squillace, Ian will work closely with Sydney sales director Diane Ho and digital sales director Sophie Hicks Lloyd.
The Melbourne sales team has also been restructured, with the appointment of Adam Quick to the new role of head of independent agencies and direct sales, and John O’Brien to the new role of head of agency. Adam and John were previously Network 10 group sales managers in Melbourne.
ViacomCBS Australia and New Zealand chief sales officer, Rod Prosser, said: “The launch of the new Independent Agencies and Direct Sales division is a big step for us and our clients.
“It represents a significant investment and highlights the commitment of ViacomCBS to creating the best Sales team to deliver the best results for clients.
“The merger of the Network 10 and ViacomCBS sales departments on 1 May this year created one business that covers the best local and global brands, shows and events. Together, we offer marketers the power to engage and connect with people aged under 50 at every age and every stage,” he said.
“Now we are building on that incredibly strong proposition with a new focus on the important independent agencies sector and direct clients.”
Lisa Squillace said she was delighted to welcome Ian back to the business.
“With almost 20 years’ experience across sport sales, direct sales, content creation, agency investment and revenue management, Ian’s appointment as sales director, independent agencies and direct sales, is going to make big difference for our clients in those areas.
“I’m also thrilled to congratulate Adam and John on their new roles. Their talent, enthusiasm and professionalism make them a critical part of our Melbourne team.
“Melbourne is a critically important market and a unique market, given its large number of agencies, so it makes sense to have two great sales people leading our team there,” she said.
As a result of the changes announced today, Damon Jackson is leaving Network 10. Damon has been with the network for almost six years and was appointed Melbourne sales director in September 2018.
Rod said: “Damon has been a pleasure to work with and generated great results for our Melbourne business. He leaves us with my very best wishes and a big thank you from everyone at 10.”
Today’s announcement comes 18 months after Network 10 re-established its in-house sales team. Since then, the network has seen strong revenue share growth and won several agency awards.
Ian said: “I’m excited to join ViacomCBS, especially at a time when the company is experiencing such success. It’s great to see that ViacomCBS recognises the significance of the independent agencies and direct sales markets, particularly given the independent agencies have recently launched their own governing body. I look forward to working with the team as this important segment of the market continues to grow.”
Adam said: “I am delighted to help lead the Melbourne team in this exciting time of growth in the independent agencies space. The new leadership structure puts us in a strong position to drive our strategy and achieve excellence and results, as we continue to focus on powerful, integrated solutions for our clients.”
John said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be leading the agency sales team in Melbourne. We’ve built great momentum since having the sales team back in house and I’m keen to build on this for the future. With the addition of powerhouse brands such as MTV and Nickelodeon to the 10 line up, we now have a broader offering, catering for every stage at every age under 50. Our dual leadership approach will help us capitalise on this and deliver great business outcomes for agency and client partners.”
The ViacomCBS sales team represents some of Australia’s most-loved media brands including MasterChef Australia, Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Project, Australian Survivor, The Bachelor Australia, The Bachelorette Australia, Bachelor In Paradise, Gogglebox, The Masked Singer, I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, Junior MasterChef, The Living Room, SpongeBob SquarePants, Henry Danger, PAW Patrol, Ridiculousness, Geordie Shore, Teen Mom and The Veronicas: Blood is for Life, plus branded live events.
