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ViacomCBS restructures sales team with Melbourne sales director Damon Jackson exiting

Ten parent company ViacomCBS Australia and New Zealand has announced a restructure of its sales team and the establishment of a new independent agencies and direct sales division.

The expansion sees Ian Smith return to the business after five years of absence. Smith returns from News Corp Australia where he was general manager of trading and operations, national sales. Melbourne sales director Damon Jackson will be exiting the business as part of the changes.

The new Ten sales team – Lisa Squillace with (L-R) John O’Brien, Ian Smith and Adam Quick

Jackson’s departure follows a number of cuts across the Ten business, which Ten boss Beverley McGarvey denied were related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ten and ViacomCBS merged sales teams in May.

Jackson had been with Ten for almost six years and was appointed Melbourne sales director in September 2018. ViacomCBS Australia and New Zealand chief sales officer, Rod Prosser, said he leaves with best wishes.

“Damon has been a pleasure to work with and generated great results for our Melbourne business. He leaves us with my very best wishes and a big thank you from everyone at Ten,” said Prosser.

Ten also recently closed its news and video platform 10 Daily. 

Smith will report to Ten’s national sales director Lisa Squillace and work alongside Sydney sales director Diane Ho and digital sales director Sophie Hicks Lloyd.

Adam Quick has been appointed head of independent agencies and direct sales and John O’Brien head of agency. The two were previously group sales managers in Melbourne where the sales team has been restructured.

“The launch of the new independent agencies and direct sales division is a big step for us and our clients,” said Prosser.

“It represents a significant investment and highlights the commitment of ViacomCBS to creating the best sales team to deliver the best results for clients.”

Lisa Squillace said she was delighted to welcome Smith back to the business.

“With almost 20 years’ experience across sport sales, direct sales, content creation, agency investment and revenue management, Ian’s appointment as sales director, independent agencies and direct sales, is going to make big difference for our clients in those areas.

“I’m also thrilled to congratulate Adam and John on their new roles. Their talent, enthusiasm and professionalism make them a critical part of our Melbourne team.

“Melbourne is a critically important market and a unique market, given its large number of agencies, so it makes sense to have two great salespeople leading our team there,” she said.

Smith said: “I’m excited to join ViacomCBS, especially at a time when the company is experiencing such success. It’s great to see that ViacomCBS recognises the significance of the independent agencies and direct sales markets, particularly given the independent agencies have recently launched their own governing body. I look forward to working with the team as this important segment of the market continues to grow.”

Quick said: “I am delighted to help lead the Melbourne team in this exciting time of growth in the independent agencies space. The new leadership structure puts us in a strong position to drive our strategy and achieve excellence and results, as we continue to focus on powerful, integrated solutions for our clients.”

O’Brien said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be leading the agency sales team in Melbourne. We’ve built great momentum since having the sales team back in house and I’m keen to build on this for the future. With the addition of powerhouse brands such as MTV and Nickelodeon to the Ten line up, we now have a broader offering, catering for every stage at every age under 50. Our dual leadership approach will help us capitalise on this and deliver great business outcomes for agency and client partners.”

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