Network Ten today announced the appointment of Michael Stanford as national creative director in its newly formed TEN Imagine division.
Stanford, who is currently chief creative solutions officer at the leading media agency Initiative, will join Network Ten on 17 September, reporting to chief sales officer Rod Prosser.
TEN Imagine will launch later this year as part of the establishment of a new Advertising Sales department at Network Ten.
In his new role, Stanford will be responsible for the creative and category specialist divisions across Network Ten’s Advertising Sales department and will also oversee the network’s commercial production department.
TEN Imagine will work closely with advertisers to create marketing solutions that deliver a high return on investment.
Stanford has been chief creative solutions officer at Initiative since January 2017.
His resume includes roles such as managing director of Interpublic Group’s brand experience agency Ensemble Australia; national creative director of Network Ten’s Generate division; executive creative director and partner at Marketing Investment Group; executive creative director at George Patterson Y&R; and creative director at McCann Erickson Australia.
Prosser said: “Michael is one of the best and most versatile creative directors in Australia and a great strategic thinker.
“He has worked with some of the biggest brands in Australia and the world to develop highly creative, engaging and effective campaigns.
“I’m delighted to welcome Michael back to Ten and to this important and exciting new role.
“As we build our Advertising Sales team, including a strong emphasis on delivering great results for our clients, Michael and TEN Imagine will be pivotal in executing our customers’ strategies.
“His experience with, and knowledge of, brands will be critical in our category specialisation strategy.”
Stanford said: “I am thrilled to be returning to Network Ten at this exciting time for the network and the industry.
“Television is unmatched, not just in reaching audiences at scale but also in how brands can connect with consumers through creativity, relevance and innovation.
“With the exciting content schedule ahead and the chance to work with Rod and the amazing team in place, I can’t wait to be part of this new era at Network Ten.”
The establishment of Network Ten’s new Advertising Sales department follows the announcement on 1 August that Network Ten’s Sales representation agreement with Multi Channel Network (MCN) will cease after a transition period.
MCN will continue to receive sales bookings for Network Ten until the end of 2018.
In addition to TEN Imagine, the Network Ten Advertising Sales department will include a new digital unit, TEN Interactive, which will be underpinned by CBS Interactive’s global technology platform, as well as a new commercial, strategy and integration team focused on delivering premium ideas, sponsorships and integration opportunities across the company’s suite of brands.
Network Ten will also launch a new automated trading platform, TEN Exchange.
Prosser said: “We have defined our digital and trading solutions with TEN Interactive and TEN Exchange, and will continue to build the strength of our commercial, strategy and integration team.
“With the backing of CBS, a global media powerhouse, coupled with our biggest and best programming schedule, we are in an excellent position to maximise revenue and commercial opportunities through creativity, innovation and world-class technology.”
Further announcements about Network Ten’s Advertising Sales department will be made soon.
