Seven's Nicole Bence named CCO of NOVA

NOVA Entertainment has announced the appointment of Nicole Bence to the role of chief commercial officer. 

With a breadth of commercial experience across the media sector and a track record of driving growth through digital transformation, Bence will be responsible for the development and execution of NOVA Entertainment’s commercial strategy.  

She will work closely with NOVA’s senior commercial leaders, taking responsibility for creating commercial opportunities for clients and brands and capitalising on the strength of NOVA’s digital audio and broadcast platforms. Bence will lead NOVA’s commercial function, including agency and direct sales, digital commercial teams and inventory management.  

Bence has extensive media experience across both online and offline channels from some of Australia’s largest publishing and broadcast organisations. Her recent success in delivering innovation and rapid revenue growth for Seven West Media over the past three years will be an asset to NOVA’s commercial team and business objectives.  

Having held many senior commercial leadership roles across audio, print, digital and data over the past 11 years, previously Bence was commercial director for Pacific Magazines (Seven West Media), digital commercial director for NOVA Entertainment, held multiple roles for Newslifemedia (News Corporation) including group sales director, sales & strategy director and head of brand strategy and was group sales manager for Kidspot.com.au.    

NOVA Entertainment’s CEO Peter Charlton said: “It is wonderful to have Nicole back in our business.

"She has extensive commercial leadership experience, and her digital credentials are exemplary. Nicole’s track record of leading large commercial teams at some of Australia’s top media businesses, successfully implementing digital transformation and her relentless curiosity and enthusiasm make her a perfect fit with NOVA."

Bence said: “I have absolutely loved my time at Seven and the opportunity it provided to be a part of their digital transformation and growth.

"Driving innovation within traditional media channels is something I’m incredibly passionate about, as well as inquisitively thinking about what's next, how consumer behaviour will evolve and what that means for brands, so I’m excited about this new opportunity. Like video, there are huge opportunities in audio, and whilst NOVA have an already impressive digital product suite, I believe my experience and thinking will meaningfully contribute to their next phase of growth and transformation.

"NOVA is one of the industry's most respected media brands, known for their strategic abilities to unlock the power of their talent and platforms to connect brands with audiences, and am beyond excited to rejoin the NOVA family and work with a team of their calibre.” 

As part of the Group Executive team, Bence will work closely with all functions of the business and will report directly to Charlton. Bence’s start date will be announced shortly.