Seven announces appointment of new head of corporate communications

Seven West Media (ASX: SWM) today announced the appointment of Robert Sharpe to the new role of head of corporate communications, effective tomorrow.

Sharpe reports to SWM chief marketing officer, Charlotte Valente, and is responsible for the media group’s external and internal communications.

Sharpe was previously corporate affairs advisor at Optus, responsible for leading the development and execution of national communications campaigns for Optus Enterprise, Optus Business, Optus Sport, Wholesale and Satellite. He has also previously worked at Network 10, Spotcap Global and ITV.

Valente said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Robert to SWM. As a senior corporate communications expert with over 14 years’ expertise in strategic communications across a number of industries, including TV and digital media, telecommunications and fintech in Australia and the UK, he will be a great addition to our communication team.

“Robert has strong business, technology and media contacts across Australia’s tier one and industry media and a passion for executing campaigns that deliver results.”

On his appointment, Sharpe said: “I’ve been an admirer of Seven’s TV, digital and print businesses for many years. The corporate and content strategies outlined in SWM’s three-year transformation plan are already delivering strong results and I’m really looking forward to being part of the company’s ongoing development and success.”

Earlier this month, Seven West Media confirmed it had finalised a long-form agreement with Google and has also signed a long-form agreement with Facebook awaiting signature by the latter overnight.

The agreements are consistent with the respective Letters of Intent announced in February. The agreement with Google is five years and the agreement with Facebook is three years.

SWM managing director and chief executive officer, James Warburton, said: “Completion of the two agreements confirms the strong recognition of the quality and credibility of our leading television and newspaper news brands and entertainment content. Together, they underpin our sustainability and enable us to continue to build our digital platform.