News Group integrates on- and offline sales teams

by Amy Dry, Brand Republic 10-Nov-06, 10:00

LONDON - News Group Newspapers has unveiled plans for a makeover to the company's advertising sales function, designed to give the team power to cover print and digital platforms and led by media director Mark Chippendale.

The News Corporation-owned UK publisher's advertising team currently focus on individual products within their portfolio and the simultaneous coverage of both media will be a first, according to the group.

This move is designed to enable News Group to deliver multi-platform advertising solutions and cross-selling to agencies and their clients.

News Group is publisher of The Sun, News of the World and their digital platforms, which include thesun.co.uk and newsoftheworld.co.uk

Mike Anderson, managing director of News Group, said: "There is a tradition at NGN of 'do it first, do it fast and do it right'. We have listened to our customers and decided to respond to their needs. Mark and his team have exciting plans to ensure our advertisers can continue to enjoy great value across all platforms of media and we are enjoying reshaping the market place with those clients."

Chippendale, News Group media director, said: "NGN is an exciting and innovative place to work that is committed to growing the business and talent we have within it. Our decision to reorganise to a multi-platform structure is a great example of our commitment to leading the market."

Chippendale joined News Group in June from Yahoo!, where he was vice-president of European sales.

He replaced David Emin, who left News International in March to take up the role of director of advertising at Mirror Group newspapers with responsibility for ad sales across the Daily Mirror, the Sunday Mirror and The People.

Chippendale joined Yahoo! after 14 years at Sky, which he left in October 2004. During his time at the satellite broadcaster, he pushed the idea of interactive advertising. He also represented the broadcaster on the board of Barb and was Sky's representative on the Thinkbox panel.

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