Paul Blackburn appointed News Corp's director commercial data, video and product

News Corp Australia has announced key changes to its commercial product executive team with Paul Blackburn appointed director commercial data, video and product, following Suzie Cardwell’s decision to take a new role outside the company.

 

After seven years at News, Blackburn will now have two key responsibilities.

 

Pippa Leary, managing director, client product, said: “Paul will continue to oversee the commercial video strategy for News Corp Australia while also leading our commercial data and digital advertising product strategy.

 

"He will also work with the client product leadership team to develop new commercial products that will drive diversified and incremental revenues.

 

“Over the past 10 years at News Corp Australia, Paul has achieved outstanding results in every position he has held. His knowledge of this business, particularly our digital business is impressive.

 

"In this new role Paul gets to demonstrate not only his technical and functional expertise, but the innovative thinking required to stay ahead of the digital market to create unique client solutions.”

 

Leary paid tribute to Cardwell for playing a critical role in the company’s successful digital transition since joining News Corp Australia in October 2017.

 

Leary: “Suzie has played a prominent role in our transformation from a successful publishing company to one of Australia’s leading providers of audience data and insights. In particular Suzie’s strong vision in creating News Connect as an end-to-end audience data platform that collects upwards of two billion first-party data signals every month has turned News Corp Australia into a data powerhouse.

 

“During her time at News Suzie has shown the market how the company can not only collect audience data but use it to create measurable client outcomes including brand uplift, interaction rates, online purchase and in-store footfall. This focus has made us an indispensable partner to our clients as they work with us to turn News Corp Australia’s audience into their customers.”

 

Cardwell said she enjoyed her time at News Corp Australia, which she said exposed her to a variety of career-defining challenges and opportunities. Blackburn’s new position begins immediately and he will work closely with Cardwell during a handover period until she departs on December 2.