The Australian appoints Rachel Savio to the newly expanded role of general manager sales

The chief executive of The Australian, Nicholas Gray, today announced the appointment of Rachel Savio (left) as the division’s general manager sales in a newly expanded role.

Savio will also assume commercial responsibility for Business Spectator, Eureka Report and the local sales for the Wall Street Journal.

Savio is currently general manager sales – careers for News Corp Australia and returns to The Australian in this expanded commercial role. She succeeds Jane Serember who was recently announced general manager sales – SportsCentral.

Prior to her current role, Savio was advertising director at The Australian.

Says Gray: “I’m thrilled to welcome Rachel back to The Australian. She is innovative, customer focused and has proven experience in delivering results. I’m confident that her strong management and commercial skills will continue to drive the strength of News’ business and wealth portfolio through The Australian, Business Spectator and Eureka Report.”

As general manager sales – careers, Savio successfully cemented News as Australia’s leading employment and higher education advertising network.

Savio has been with News for 18 years. After a period as sales manager at The Daily and Sunday Telegraphs, she went on to become NewsNet deputy sales director in 2001. She was appointed advertising director of The Australian in 2007 before being promoted to her current role in 2012.

Says Gray: “I would like to thank Jane for her work at The Australian. As GM – sales, Jane has been responsible for successfully repositioning our trade brand, accelerating of our events business (featuring the HSBC China conference and the Visy Global Food forum) and producing encouraging market share gains in recent months. I wish her all the best in her new role.”

Says Savio: “I am delighted to not only be returning to The Australian, but also expanding the role to include Business Spectator, Eureka Report and WSJ.com. Combined, it is Australia’s largest premium national and business multi-platform portfolio reaching 3.35 million Australians*.

“The Australian currently has more weekday paid masthead sales across platforms than at any time in its almost 50 year history. Business Spectator and Eureka Report continue to drive the business and wealth agendas each day through thought-provoking analysis and compelling journalism.

“I’m looking forward to working with Nicholas and the team in the strategic and commercial growth of this powerful network.”

Ms Savio’s appointment is effective 8 October.

* emmaTM conducted by Ipsos MediaCT, 12 months ending June 2013, Nielsen Online Ratings June 2013