Ollie Wards has been appointed Director – Video and Social with ARN. The aims of the company with this newly created role to become a cross-platform entertainment business were outlined at last year’s ARN Upfronts.
Ollie will report to ARN Chief Content Officer Kerri Elstub and lead ARN’s digital video and social content strategy, growing audience reach and engagement across platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. He joins from TikTok, where he was Director of Music for Australia and New Zealand and part of the launch of the TikTok Trending DAB station that was built in collaboration with ARN iHeart.
As iHeart begins expanding into video Ollie will amplify ARN’s content across it, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other platforms. He will also contribute to the growth of shows like Lowie Live which is airs across TikTok, Twitch, Instagram and Facebook.
ARN is continuing to expand its digital ecosystem through its global partnership with iHeart. New features include iHeart Highlights, short-form vertical videos within the app that complement the roll out of full-length video podcast distribution and upcoming video ad insertion and create new opportunities for ARN content to be discovered, shared, and monetised.
Kerri Elstub, ARN Chief Content Officer, said:
“Ollie is one of the most respected digital and content leaders in the country, with a sharp instinct for what audiences connect with and how culture moves across platforms. As we continue to evolve into a true entertainment company, video will play an increasingly important role in how our content is created, experienced and shared. Ollie will be instrumental in scaling that capability, amplifying the content we create every day in new and innovative ways, while also unlocking original formats and revenue opportunities beyond broadcast.”
Ollie Wards said:
“You’re reading this, but next time it’ll be an awesome video in your feed! I’m excited to be driving video and social for iHeart and some of Australia’s most loved personalities and brands, plus building some new ones. We’ll be evolving how ARN makes great content for wherever audiences discover it. You’ll see!”
Wards has commenced the new role and is based in Sydney.