Rebecca Lassen replaces Michael Riach as News Corp Australia WA Sales Director

The managing director of The Sunday Times, Michelle d’Almeida, has announced the appointment of Rebecca Lassen (pictured) as News Corp Australia’s WA sales director.

Lassen, who has been promoted from her role as group sales manager for News Corp Australia WA, will report to d’Almeida. She replaces Michael Riach who left the company earlier this month.

As sales director, Lassen is responsible for driving the commercial advertising sales strategy and activation for The Sunday Times and Perth Now across platforms; and leading News Corp Australia’s national sales activity for Western Australia advertisers.

“I’m thrilled to be announcing this appointment and promoting from within the business,” said d’Almeida. “Rebecca has done an outstanding job in her current role, leading her team, engaging with the broader business proactively, driving strong sales results, building strong credible relationships within the marketplace and importantly, she has a true passion and belief in our business and industry.”

Lassen said she was excited to be stepping into the role at an exciting time for The Sunday Times and Perth Now.

“We have experienced significant audience growth across our platforms demonstrating a healthy environment for advertisers to engage audiences. In addition, our commercial approach to market continues to evolve as we keep on developing our advertiser proposition through innovative, compelling solutions and growing audiences.”

According to the latest release of emma data, the combined readership of The Sunday Times and Perth Now across platforms is 1.5 million Australians.

For the WA market, the News Corp Australia WA team also represents News Corp Australia’s assets nationally including The Australian, taste.com.au and Vogue Australia.

Lassen was appointed group sales manager at News Corp Australia WA in January 2011. Prior to joining News Corp Australia, she was marketing director at GoFit Platinum and national advertising manager for Edge Custom Media. She began her career at West Australian Newspapers where she spent almost four years in various advertising sales roles.

Riach left The Sunday Times last week returning home to be closer to his family and friends.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Michael for his contribution to our business over the last 16 months,” said d’Almeida. “I wish him and his family the very best in returning home.”

Lassen’s appointment is effectively immediately.