The Sunday Times hires former Fairfax Metro Media’s Michael Riach as new sales director

Michael Riach has been appointed the new sales director at The Sunday Times.

Riach (left) most recently held the position of sales director – VIC, SA, WA, QLD and general manager national print sales at Fairfax Metro Media based in Melbourne. He will report through to the managing director of The Sunday Times, Michelle d’Almeida.

As sales director of The Sunday Times, Riach is responsible for driving the local commercial strategy for News Limited’s WA brands including The Sunday Times and perthnow.com.au across print, digital and mobile.

“Michael has achieved a lot and has the deepest respect from his peers in the industry. He is customer and results-focused and has a clear, innovative vision to maintain our position as WA’s leading media company.” said d’Almeida.

At Fairfax Media, Riach led the establishment of Fairfax Media’s national sales structure (VIC, WA, SA, QLD) including the rollout of cross-platform functionalities across the Fairfax sales teams.

In 2011, Riach was named PANPA’s Advertising Director of the Year.

“Michael’s successes speak for themselves. He is a superior talent with a proven track record of strategic sales leadership skills. I have every confidence that he is the right person to take our commercial sales to the next level.”

Riach said: “News Limited is a fantastic media company. Its vision to evolve the Australian media sales industry by offering multi-platform, audience-led advertising solutions is admirable.

“The Sunday Times and perthnow.com.au are synonymous with WA. Customers love the brands. I am looking forward to unlocking their true power with local customers and leading its sales strategy into its next phase.”

Riach has 17 years multi-platform media sales and marketing experience. Prior to his most recent role at Fairfax Media, Mr Riach also held the roles of general manager – display, Victoria and display sales manager at The Age. He also has international sales experience at New Zealand and UK media companies including The Telegraph Group, Miller Freeman and APN.

He starts his role on 21 January.