ARN unveils four key appointments within commercial team
Australian Radio Network (ARN) has strengthened its commercial team with three internal promotions and one new appointment, as it expands capabilities to deliver customised commercial solutions for clients.
Headlining the changes is the promotion of Kate Blakeley, who has been with ARN since 2014, to the role of Sydney agency sales director.
Blakeley previously served as account director to group sales manager and, most recently, as the foundation leader of ARN’s Independent specialist business unit as sales director – independent agencies.
Lena Rapley moves into a newly created role of independent sales director – Sydney and Melbourne, as ARN evolves its specialist business unit and service model in line with the IMAA.
Rapley has worked across several roles with ARN commercial over the past 10 years in both markets, and will now lead Independent Agency, in line with ARN’s overarching business strategy and commitment to commercial excellence for clients.
L-R: Kate Blakeley, Lena Rapley, Denis Donati, Shaun Scully
The final promotion comes for Denis Donati, who, after four years with the company, moves from his role as group sales manager – Melbourne to another newly created role of group sales manager – digital.
Donati returns to Sydney for the role and will be part of ARN’s digital growth strategy across iHeartRadio and the iHeartPodcast Network.
The changes wrap up with the hire of Shaun Scully, who rejoins ARN after close to a decade away and having spent time working at DMG Radio (Nova), Macquarie Media, Carsales.com.au and more.
He previously worked across the Mix 106.5 and WSFM brands, and will lead the Sydney direct sales teams to maximise performance across radio and digital as sales director – direct sales.
ARN’s Chief Commercial Officer Pete Whitehead said, “These internal promotions are part of ARN’s ongoing growth strategy as we continue to strengthen our position as Australia’s leading audio company.
“ARN has always invested in the best talent, which is why we have the skills and depth of experience to be able to promote from within and Kate, Lena and Denis have all achieved exceptional results for our clients.
“Denis’ appointment marks our commitment to delivering digital audio expertise in line with the evolution of our client’s audio marketing strategies, while Lena’s appointment will ensure a smooth transition and continuity for our clients who work with ARN’s Independent team as we continue to evolve that specialised offering.
“I’m also pleased to welcome Shaun back to ARN with his broad range of experience to lead our high performing Sydney Direct Sales team.”
Got a tip?
Zanda Wilson was a reporter and podcast producer at Mumbrella, specialising in radio reporting. He left Mumbrella in September 2021.
Linkedin