Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) have appointed Helena O’Dowd as Head of Commercial Strategy. The new role will focus on driving audience and revenue growth across the sector as part of CRA’s 2030 Strategic Plan.

Helena has two decades experience across marketing and media, most recently as Nine’s Director of Growth and Retention. Prior to that she held senior roles at OMD and EssenceMediacom.

CRA CEO Lizzie Young said:

“This is an exciting appointment for CRA and the entire industry. Helena’s understanding of the consumer marketing landscape, as well as commercial realities, makes her exceptionally well placed to understand the challenges facing marketers today.

We have incredible audience scale, data which demonstrates the power of audio and its ability to drive profitable growth for brands, and an innovation pipeline centred around our strategic priorities to grow audience and make audio easier to buy. This role with a dedicated customer focus in market complements our existing activities and the broader CRA team which supports our members – Australia’s commercial audio broadcasting sector.”

Head of Commercial Strategy, Helena O’Dowd said:

“Looking at the landscape, audio is in growth, demonstrating that consumers are making it clear the role audio plays in their lives. I am excited to step into the world of CRA where collaboration and appetite amongst the industry and members to move at pace has been overwhelmingly positive; ensuring the future is bright for the category. I look forward to helping customers access some of Australia’s leading brands in a more seamless way to help solve business problems and deliver results.”

Helena’s appointment comes ahead of HEARD ’26, the audio industry’s annual showcase, which is being held tomorrow, February 18, at ICC Sydney.

Helena O’Dowd image supplied.