Are Media has launched a specialist customer division focusing on stronger engagement with retail partners, developing subscription channels and broadened consumer marketing strategy.

Sally Eagle, most recently general manager of the food category, has been promoted to customer director and will lead the new team.

Are Media is expects to distribute almost 80 million magazines in 2021 and the new customer team is tasked with growing direct-to-consumer channels including Magshop, as well as forging closer relationships with supermarkets and newsagents across the country.

The new customer division will also oversee retail, subscription and consumer marketing which are being brought together in a more aligned approach.

“Our customers, both subscribers and those who buy our magazines in retail stores, are critical to the ongoing success of Are Media. So it is important we continue to evolve and drive our portfolio of brands across the retail environment by engaging with retailers effectively and ensuring an end-to-end strategic marketing approach," Eagle says.

Eagle’s previous responsibilities will now be re-aligned under executive general manager, publishing and digital, Sarah-Belle Murphy. 

“While we have strong relationships with our retail partners, more can always be done to understand their priorities and identify new opportunities that will benefit us both. By creating a dedicated team to focus on our customers we are signalling this as a priority area for the business," said Are Media CEO Brendon Hill.