ARN has appointed Ollie Wards as Director – Video and Social, a newly created role aimed at accelerating the company’s shift into a cross-platform entertainment business.
Reporting to Chief Content Officer Kerri Elstub, Wards will lead ARN’s digital video and social strategy, with a focus on growing audience reach, platform distribution and new revenue streams across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
The appointment comes as ARN expands its digital ecosystem through its global partnership with iHeart, including a push into video content across shows and podcasts.
Wards will also play a role in scaling content across the iHeart platform, with new features such as short-form vertical video and full-length video podcast distribution expected to create additional commercial opportunities.
Elstub said the appointment is a key step in ARN’s shift toward a more diversified entertainment model, with video set to play a larger role in how its content is created, distributed and monetised.
She described Wards as “one of the most respected digital and content leaders in the country, with a sharp instinct for what audiences connect with and how culture moves across platforms,” adding that his remit will focus on scaling ARN’s video capability and extending the reach of its existing content across new environments.
“As we continue to evolve into a true entertainment company, video will play an increasingly important role in how our content is created, experienced and shared,” Elstub said.
Wards is also expected to help unlock new formats and revenue opportunities beyond broadcast, as ARN looks to better commercialise its content across social and digital platforms.
From TikTok to ARN
Wards joins ARN from TikTok, where he served as Director of Music for Australia and New Zealand, leading the platform’s music strategy and driving artist and cultural impact through partnerships and trend development.
During his time at TikTok, he was involved in the launch of TikTok Trending in collaboration with iHeart – positioned as the world’s first TikTok radio station and now Australia’s number one station for under 30s.
Prior to TikTok, Wards spent a decade at triple j as Content Director, and earlier worked in commercial radio production and branded integrations in the UK with Global.
Expanding video and social capabilities
Wards said the role presents an opportunity to evolve how ARN creates and distributes content across platforms.
“You’re reading this, but next time it’ll be an awesome video in your feed! I’m excited to be driving video and social for iHeart and some of Australia’s most loved personalities and brands, plus building some new ones. We’ll be evolving the way ARN makes great content wherever audiences discover it. You’ll see!”
Broader business backdrop
The appointment comes at a challenging moment for ARN, as it navigates the fallout from the end of The Kyle and Jackie O Show and broader financial pressure.
ARN reported revenue of $285 million for FY25, down 10% year-on-year, with underlying EBITDA falling 23% to $47.5 million and NPAT down 32% to $17.9 million – reflecting a period of restructuring across the business.
CEO Michael Stephenson described the year as one of “difficult but necessary decisions”.
“FY25 was a year of transformation where we had to make difficult but necessary decisions,” he said.
Main image: Ollie Wards