Sarah Catran takes over as Head of Digital Audio at NZME

AUCKLAND, Today: NZME has promoted Sarah Catran to Head of Digital Audio. She replaces James Butcher, now NZME’s Chief Commercial Officer.

Catran, a gold winner at the 2022 IAB Awards for Digital Audio Sales Excellence, has been with NZME since 2005. Her experience spans over 24 years in media in New Zealand and the UK.

In her previous role as GM Podcast Commercial & Partnerships, Catran led NZME’s audience-focused advertising strategies across its successful podcast network.

Jason Winstanley, NZME Chief Audio Officer, comments: “Not only has Sarah been a fantastic team player and shown strength in collaborating with multiple teams across NZME, but she has demonstrated excellent commercial nous, helping us grow podcast revenues by 54% year on year and developing long-term partnerships with our valued advertisers.”

“Not only has Sarah been a fantastic team player and shown strength in collaborating with multiple teams across NZME.” – Jason Winstanley

James Butcher notes her vital role in digital audio growth: “Sarah has played a significant role in executing our digital audio strategy as we continue to see New Zealand’s digital audio market maturing.

“I know she’ll do a fantastic job as Head of Digital Audio – not only in ensuring we are delivering the very best content for our audiences through iHeartRadio and our NZME Podcast Network, but also in continuing to provide the very best opportunities for our advertisers across our platforms,” he says.

Reflecting on her achievements and looking forward, Catran says: “The last two years growing NZME’s Podcast Network and developing its commercial channel has been a fantastic learning curve and she’s excited for the new challenge.”

Catran adds: “In my twenty-something years working in media it’s been a privilege to see how audio infiltrates New Zealanders’ lives every day – whether that’s through terrestrial radio or digital platforms.

“Being part of the digital evolution in the radio industry is exciting, and I’m looking forward to building on our momentum, developing additional market-leading products, and establishing iHeartRadio as one of the country’s most loved brands to complement our hugely popular broadcast radio platforms,” she says.

Catran starts her new role on Monday, 6 May.