Val Morgan Digital announces new hires across partnerships, content and editorial

Val Morgan Digital (VMD) has expanded its team with four new hires, in a move it says reflects advertisers’ increased demand for its unique digital offering.

Alyce Thomas and Claudia Pearce join as agency partnership managers, Nicola Laing comes on board as strategy and content manager, while Jack Revell joins VMD publication The Latch as branded content and weekend editor.

Val Morgan Digital’s new hires

Laing arrives at VMD after her recent gig as a strategy and response manager at Pedestrian Group.

Thomas has previously worked as an account manager at The Urban List and in sales for Are Media (former Bauer), while Pearce joins VMD from Time Out, and has worked in partnerships for several media agencies.

“I take a collaborative approach to my work, ensuring advertising opportunities are aligned with brands and businesses, and always strive to build long-term relationships across each project,” Pearce said.

“Being creative, curious and innovative, I push the boundaries and step outside of the box to deliver the best solution for my clients.”

VMD launched in August of 2019, before getting new digital publication The Latch off the ground earlier in 2020.

In announcing the hires, VMD revealed The Latch, a platform aimed at “affluent over 30s”, had experienced +20% month on month growth since its launch. The publication recently hit 400,000 monthly users.

VMD publication The Latch

VMD executive editor Amanda Bardas said there will be exciting brand developments for the business later in 2020.

“With consistent MoM growth, we’re carving out a solid space in market, with thought-provoking content that helps our audience dig deeper on issues like sustainability and mental health,” she said.

“We’ve learnt a lot from our readers over the past six months, with those learnings driving some exciting brand developments at the end of this year. Watch this space.”

New editorial hire Jack Revell has worked across publications including SBS Voices, VICE, Rolling Stone, Pedestrian.TV, Crikey and The Urban List, and is part of a 3CR radio program on drug reform.

“I am very much looking forward to being part of TheLatch—, bringing to life its branded content offering, and helping readers learn more about issues like cannabis reform,” he said.

VMD commercial director Adam Fischer said its an “exciting time” for the digital arm as it grows cross-platform solutions.

“We’re delighted to round out the team with these hires and look forward to further collaboration across the Val Morgan Group, and continued success in driving the business forward.”

Managing editor Brian Florido said he’s proud of the evolution of VMD in a short space of time.

“I am extremely proud of the tenacity shown by the digital sales and editorial team this year. Under Adam and Amanda’s leadership, they have navigated unprecedented challenges, and have evolved our digital arm from ‘new kid on the block’ to a sophisticated and legitimate digital offering,” Florido said.

“In turn, we continue to attract phenomenal talent to our expanding business. Alyce, Claudia, Nicola and Jack each bring their own set of skills to their roles which will be valuable assets in helping us continue to grow VMD.”