News Ltd hires Virgin Mobile marketing director Anthony Hearne for paid content drive
News Ltd has appointed its first marketing director for its paid online content.
Anthony Hearne, currently marketing director at Virgin Mobile, will take up the role next month.
The announcement from News Ltd said: “In this newly created role, Mr Hearne will lead the marketing and sale of News Ltd’s paid content, working with mastheads as they develop new digital subscription products.”
News Ltd boss John Hartigan said: “We’re pulling in the best people for this and when it comes to subscription marketing, Ant is undoubtedly one of the best.”
Hartigan added: “The way people consume media is changing, and in turn we are transforming our newsrooms – and our business – to produce new content, delivered to more people in more ways. This means our publications are starting to grow rapidly and Ant’s experience in packaging and selling customer offers will be vital as we harness this to our best advantage.”
Hearne’s previous role with Virgin owner Singtel Optus was acting consumer marketing director at Optus. He will report in to News Digital Media’s chief executive of content and commercial, Ed Smith.
He said: “I’m thrilled to be joining News at this time of remarkable change and opportunity. We will be leveraging new technology to re-define how Australians engage with news, information & entertainment – it doesn’t get more exciting than that.”
In late May, News Ltd unveiled one of its first paid content plays, The Australian’s iPad app:
Tim Burrowes founded Mumbrella in 2008. He worked on Mumbrella until 2021. At various points he was editor, content director and editor-at-large.
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Big challenge Ant! Best of luck mate.
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Well Done Ant……
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Virgin Mobile losing 2 marketing directors in quick succession? Seems like they are wobbiling to me – only a matter of time before Optus steps in the steer the ship.
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Onya Hearney.
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didn’t he only take this role less than 6 months ago?
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I hear 3 is the magic number….
3 Marketing Directors in 3 years
3 CEO’s in 3 years
3 Finance Directors in 3 years
and now….
2 Directors (Sales and Marketing) resigning since the new CEO joined 4 months ago. Who’s left in a senior position to make the final trifecta
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Nice one Ant. Not an insighificant challenge. Given you’re now a competitor I wish you moderate degree of success!
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Well Done mate!!!! You deserve it…
Best of Luck..
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Well Done Ant Hearne!
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