Key role for Whanganui media manager

Whanganui sales manager Amanda Wood, radio sales manager Craig Hanford, Alison Hollard and Chronicle editor Mark Dawson mark a new chapter in the Whanganui media industry.

The Wanganui Chronicle advertising manager Alison Hollard has been appointed to the newly-created role of Commercial Sales Manager for NZME in Whanganui.

Mrs Hollard will take up her new position immediately and her sales responsibilities will now encompass not only the Chronicle publishing business, but also NZME's radio and digital assets in Whanganui.

She will replace Andy Jarden who retired in May after 29 years as the Chronicle general manager.

NZME Central General Manager Russell Broughton said Mrs Hollard 's appointment reflected the strong sales leadership she had shown at the Chronicle over the past six years as advertising manager.

"Ali is one of NZME's key advertising leaders at one of our most respected publications, the Wanganui Chronicle. Her role as Commercial Sales Manager has been broadened to reflect the wide range of media assets NZME has in Whanganui.

"Our business has changed and Ali will lead NZME Whanganui sales for our print, radio and digital businesses, working closely with our local sales managers Craig Hanford and Amanda Wood."

Mrs Hollard noted that NZME was changing with the times.

"We have a very strong position in our community - a daily newspaper, our weekly community newspaper Midweek, five radio stations and the number 1 local news website in www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz

"There is a great team of people within our company -- loyal, dedicated and enthusiastic -- who really make things happen. I am looking forward to working closer with our local businesses to deliver their message through our integrated multimedia touchpoints to a staggering 93 per cent of the Whanganui public who are reading, listening and viewing our brands.

"It is very exciting to be a part of something like this - the future looks very positive for NZME."

Mr Broughton said the Chronicle, as New Zealand's oldest newspaper, had a proud history and would celebrate 160 years of publishing in September.

"The appointment of Ali to this key role reflects the importance of the Whanganui market to NZME."

Mrs Hollard started with the Wanganui Chronicle in 2003 and found a passion in newspaper advertising. "It's exciting and rewarding to know you are helping local businesses grow by creating and publishing eye-catching advertisements," she said.

Mrs Hollard, who in 2010 started the Chronicle's annual Home & Lifestyle Show - now in its seventh year - is not the first in her family to work for the newspaper. "My father, Robert Sibbald, worked for the Chronicle as a compositor from 1957 to 1973, so the ink must be in the blood!".

She also expressed a special thank you to Andy Jarden for being a great support and mentor to her over the years.