NOVA recruiting for head of digital audio commercial following Nick Wokes’ departure

NOVA Entertainment is on the hunt for a new commercial lead for its digital audio operations in Sydney.

The vacancy comes as Nick Wokes leaves the audio industry to pursue entrepreneurial endeavours.

Wokes joined NOVA Entertainment in 2019 as head of digital audio in Sydney. According to NOVA, in 2020 his title changed to head of digital audio commercial.

Prior to his time in the audio sphere, Wokes worked agency side, including as vice president of strategy at Zenith in New York City, and media director at Drifter back home in Sydney. He was also group director, and then general manager of Initiative in Sydney.

He has now invested in a bakery business known as Infinity, which touts itself as Sydney’s first organic sourdough bakery.

Wokes’ replacement, whoever they should be, will report to Kane Reiken, the company’s digital commercial director. The team is supported by Nathan McCahon, who is head of digital strategy.

NOVA said over the past three years, digital audio has become a key pillar of the company’s diversification and growth strategy, helping to cement it as “the market leader in podcasting audience, product and revenue”.

The role is state-based, with NOVA identifying that it needs to have localised digital audio leadership to support client education and campaign strategy.

In Victoria, the market is led by Ben McMillan as head of digital audio commercial, Melbourne, alongside Liz Maplestone, who is digital audio manager and also looks after South Australia and Western Australia. In Queensland, Ollie Richardson leads the local market.

Of the vacant position, Reiken said: “With the growth of digital audio, we’ve recognised the importance of strong thought leadership in each market to work closely with the local sales team to educate and inspire clients in digital audio, and how this booming medium can enhance their campaign KPIs.”

The role will involve developing key agency, direct client and programmatic partner relationships to drive revenue growth across digital audio platforms. Ensuring the market is sufficiently educated about the key products, shows and commercial packages will also be key.

You can find more information about the role here.