News Corp sales boss Fiorella Di Santo departs with CMO Damian Eales taking ‘temporary’ charge
News Corp Australia has announced that its sales boss Fiorella Di Santo is to depart after two and half years in the role.
The departure was announced to the company by CEO Julian Clarke this morning with chief marketing officer Damien Eales to take the “temporary lead” on the national sales team.
“I want to particularly acknowledge Fiorella’s contribution over her 20 years with News and I can personally bear testimony to her commitment and loyalty in what I consider to be one of the most demanding positions in the company,” said Clarke in the email.
Di Santo has held a variety of roles within Australia’s largest newspaper publisher over many years, being part of the launch team for commuter paper MX, working as the national sales director of NewsNet, and was previously deputy director of sales role, before taking the sales chief role from Tony Kendall in November 2012.
Clarke said Eales, who is responsible for News’s marketing efforts, would temporarily lead the all important sales team in what he described as “challenging times.”
“I have asked Damian Eales, in addition to his current responsibilities, to temporarily lead the national sales team while we address our plans in this critically important part of our business,” Clarke wrote.
“We are all aware of the importance of advertising revenue to our business and I ask that you give Damian every support as we continue to grow our company in these challenging times.”
Julian Clarke’s email to staff:
“I wish to advise that Fiorella Di Santo has decided to leave News Corp and will be leaving the company at the end of this week.
“I want to particularly acknowledge Fiorella’s contribution over her 20 years with News and I can personally bear testimony to her commitment and loyalty in what I consider to be one of the most demanding positions in the company.
“Fiorella leaves being held in the highest regard by her colleagues and we certainly wish her well for the future.
“I have asked Damian Eales, in addition to his current responsibilities, to temporarily lead the national sales team while we address our plans in this critically important part of our business.
“We are all aware of the importance of advertising revenue to our business and I ask that you give Damian every support as we continue to grow our company in these challenging times.”
Nic Christensen
Bring back Tony Kendall!
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Fiorella, 20 years is a long time in anyones language…congrats on a glittering career, hard work and great relationships…there’ll be plenty of offers….after a few long lunches
Good luck to Damien…i hear sales is different from marketing..
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someone should check the moral within the news corp sales team…
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Sorry but unless News is incredibly good at keeping a secret of that magnitude then she has been moved on – one week notice period for that level of role is unheard of.
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Fiorella has been one of the brightest stars at News for a very long time. No contest. I especially valued her perspectives, collaboration and advice during my time at The Newspaper Works. I’ve no doubt whatever she decides to do next will be better for her involvement.
Congrats Fiorella….after 20 years of dedicated professionalism hope you take some time for a well earned break before you decide your next move.
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I’ve dealt with Fiorella for years. She’s one of the most talented (and underrated) Sales Directors in media. Wishing you the best of luck Fiorella, News will be the worse for your departure.
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What a wonderful colleague and partner you’ve been Fiorella, you’ve been a pleasure to work with and I’ll really miss you in this role.
Ed
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News Corp’s mission to rid itself of decent senior management continues. Fiorella will be sorely missed.
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Is that moral or morale, Moral?
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Agree with all the praise for Fiorella, a great person to work with and to know. Best of luck for next.
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Fiorella Di Santo……gone shopping!! There is no doubt you will be missed!!
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A great lady and great operator, look forward to seeing you pop up soon. Jason
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Mumbs you may be right…it seems that hard work, loyalty and good relationships aren’t as valued as they once were.
Whoever (or is it whomever?) hires Fiorella will get those assets and more… a great addition to any companies senior team
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Amazing. If the papers were worth buying, they would be easy to sell. This is an editorial fail. Another win for the 1960’s boys club.
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Still don’t understand why News continues to get rid of people who not only understand the business but also how News Corp actually works. Your loss News you’ve let another amazingly talented team player go. Wishing Fiorella all the best for the future. Believe me life after News is not bad at all ox
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A loyal servant to the company over such a long time, a great strategic operator and you will be missed by colleagues across the whole of News but will be a great addition to a new organisation. Best of luck in the future from your friend in London
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