Katrina Cukaj: A new leader in Fox’s ad-sales revolution

A veteran’s arrival at Fox

Katrina Cukaj, a distinguished ad-sales veteran with a wealth of experience from her time at WarnerMedia, is taking on a pivotal role at Fox Corporation as the executive vice president of advertising sales and portfolio marketing. This significant hire underscores Fox’s commitment to strengthening its advertising strategy and capabilities.

Transformative hire by Jeff Collins

Jeff Collins, recently appointed president of ad sales, marketing, and partnerships at Fox, made waves with the strategic acquisition of Cukaj. Collins expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Katrina is an outstanding leader with a well-earned reputation for innovation and trust. Her impact on our business and team will be profound.”

Shaping Fox’s ad-sales strategy

Cukaj will be at the helm of Fox Entertainment’s advertising strategy, encompassing both linear and digital platforms. Her role will also involve overseeing advanced ad products, brand partnerships, and pivotal negotiations during the annual “upfront” sales process. These responsibilities are critical as Fox seeks to enhance its revenue streams and strengthen its market position.

A nod to Cukaj’s extensive experience

Previous to joining Fox, Cukaj served as the executive vice president of sales and client relationships at WarnerMedia. In this role, she led a robust team handling sales, marketing, strategic planning, research, and creative endeavors. Her efforts included managing revenue streams across linear TV, digital, direct response, and advanced advertising. She was also instrumental in driving cross-platform sales strategies.

Oversight of critical divisions

At WarnerMedia, Cukaj’s responsibilities extended to key editorial and business strategies for varied divisions including news, entertainment, kids & family, and young adults. Her leadership in overseeing sales efforts for CNN, particularly in finding sponsors for the network’s documentary films and original series, highlights her deep understanding of the media industry’s nuances.

A strategic shift at Fox

The arrival of Cukaj may signal a significant reshuffling within Fox’s senior ad-sales leadership. Recently, Suzanne Sullivan, the previous head of ad sales and partnerships for Fox Entertainment, opted for retirement. Additionally, Audrey Steele, a key executive synonymous with ad-sales research at Fox, departed earlier in the year. These changes indicate a potential strategic realignment under Cukaj’s guidance.

Enhancing brand partnerships and advanced product offerings

Cukaj’s portfolio at Fox will not only focus on traditional ad-sales but also emphasize advanced advertising products and innovative brand partnerships. Her adeptness at forming impactful connections between advertisers and high-quality content will be essential in driving Fox’s growth and engagement with brands.

Building on Fox’s momentum

Expressing her excitement, Cukaj remarked, “I am thrilled to join Jeff and his team at Fox. Together, we aim to build on the incredible momentum and craft innovative strategies to connect brands with Fox Entertainment’s world-class content and engaged audience.”

Cukaj is set to embark on her new role starting October 29, 2024. Her arrival is anticipated to usher in a new era of strategic advancements and revitalized growth for Fox’s advertising division.

Looking to the future

As Fox pivots towards a future marked by innovation and enhanced advertising strategies, the inclusion of industry veterans like Cukaj will be crucial. Their expertise and vision will drive forward Fox’s objectives, ensuring a robust and dynamic presence in the competitive media landscape.

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