Nova promotes Sarah Cohen to Commercial Director - Sydney

NOVA Entertainment has promoted Sarah Cohen to the newly created role of Commercial Director – Sydney, expanding her remit across the network’s largest advertising market as the company continues to reshape its commercial leadership structure.

The role broadens Cohen’s responsibilities to include Sydney’s agency client base, in addition to independent agencies and direct clients, giving NOVA a single senior commercial leader overseeing the entire market.

The appointment forms part of a broader leadership refresh inside the audio network’s commercial division and follows the recent appointment of Ashley Earnshaw as Group Commercial Director – Agency.

Expanding the Sydney commercial brief

Cohen joined NOVA in 2024 and has since played a key role in the company’s digital transformation, leading the Sydney Direct and Independent agency team to record revenue and share levels.

In her expanded role, she will be responsible for driving growth across NOVA’s radio, podcast and retail audio portfolio while strengthening senior agency relationships in Sydney.

Cohen will work closely with Earnshaw and Josh Halling, Group Commercial Director – Direct & Indies.

Chief Commercial Officer Nicole Bence said the new position reflects the evolving needs of advertisers operating in an increasingly complex media environment.

“What our customers need from us, now more than ever, is simplicity, creativity, and accountability. We need to make their jobs easier and their results better. Leaders like Sarah are a huge part of how we deliver that.

“She has played a pivotal role in transforming her team into a market-leading audio salesforce, and her leadership will be critical as we continue to grow our digital and total audio offering in Sydney.”

Building momentum in the Sydney market

For Cohen, the promotion marks an opportunity to build on the commercial momentum she says already exists inside the business.

“We have extraordinary talent across this business – people who show up every day with energy, clarity and ambition. Coupled with a fantastic product and a clear vision for how we evolve into the future, as a leader, you can’t ask for much more.

“I’m excited to build on that momentum across the Sydney market and continue driving growth for our people, our partners and the business.”

Cohen’s promotion takes effect immediately.

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.