Australian Radio Network (ARN) has announced the appointment of Peter Whitehead to the newly-created role of commercial director for Melbourne.

Whitehead brings more than 20 years’ experience in media sales to the role, and has worked as oOh! Media’s national sales director for the last three years.

Prior to that, Whitehead spent 14 years at Southern Cross Austereo where he held a number of roles, including five years as its sales director for Melbourne.

ARN chief executive Tony Kendall said Whitehead has a great track record in sales leadership and is highly respected in the Melbourne marketplace.

“In his role as commercial director, Peter will focus on maximising ARN’s revenue and share from this important market as well as driving the culture of the Melbourne office,” he said.

“He will also be part of the executive leadership team.”

ARN’s national agency sales director, Matthew Granger, noted that Whitehead’s radio heritage and broad national media and leadership experience places the network in a strong position to engage clients and agencies within the Melbourne market.

Commenting on his appointment, Whitehead said he is looking forward to joining ARN “and building on the strong market position the team in Melbourne has established “as we further strengthen our offering and deliver exceptional results for our customers”.