Fairfax appoints Tom Armstrong as commercial director
Fairfax Media has appointed Tom Armstrong as its new commercial director replacing Ed Harrison who departed last year to run digital joint venture Yahoo!7.
Armstrong has previously run Viacom International Media Networks in the United Kingdom where he was vice president of global digital ad sales & business development, and had been vice president for commercial and digital media for Viacom in Australia and New Zealand between 2007 and 2011.
The move to appoint Armstrong, whose background is in TV and digital sales suggests the company is set to pursue a more aggressive digital strategy as it sees its print revenues decline.
Allen Williams managing director of Fairfax’s Australian Publishing Media, said in a statement: “We are delighted Tom is returning to Australia to join Fairfax. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this role and a proven track record of advertising strategy, commercial partnerships, business development, ad operations and product development.
“Coupled with his significant global leadership experience and innovation capability, he will help develop Fairfax’s commercial operations as we continue our transformation into a modern media company.
“We have designed our sales structure with our eyes firmly on the future. At Fairfax we are committed to providing our advertisers with all opportunities to connect with our expansive, engaged and premium audiences. Tom’s understanding of cross-platform sales solutions will assist us to drive new revenue opportunities.”
Fairfax has been on an international hunt for the last six months in a bid to find a replacement for Harrison, whose deputy Paul Sigaloff also left for Yahoo!7 the day after him. Trinity Mirror digital boss Chris Ellis, who was tipped by The Australian on Monday (paywall) to take the role, had told Mumbrella last week he had been approached about it, but had declined, as he looks to relocate to Australia.
Tom Armstrong said: “Fairfax is at the cutting edge of cross-platform media solutions. I’m excited by the opportunity to join the team as it seeks to continually offer inventive solutions for advertisers.”
Bit of a coup, well done Fairfax.
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A very decent man who will make a difference. Congratulations Fairfax
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