Creative executive Nic Hodges recruited by News Corp to explore advertising innovation

Creative technologist Nic Hodges is to join News Corp in the newly created role of head of commercial innovation as the media firm look to explore new opportunities with advertisers.

The former MediaCom, Clemenger BBDO and M&C Saatchi creative will start next month and report to national sales director Sharb Farjami.

News Corp said Hodges will “drive commercial innovation and foster thought leadership with News Corp Australia clients”.

Farjami said the creation of the new role and appointment of Hodges reflected the need to work closely with advertisers.

“Genuine innovation and an intimate understanding of our audience and customers’ needs are critical to our ongoing success,” Farjami said. “This appointment is an important step towards realising this. Nic is a seasoned talent who has a clear understanding of advertisers’ needs and a demonstrated capability to develop solutions for them.”

Hodges said the rapidly changing media environment presented an exciting challenge.

“The landscape is changing daily, with new technology and new behaviours creating massive opportunities,” he said. “It’s great to be joining a team that understands the landscape, and is looking to lead the business and its clients into the future. I’m really looking forward to being part of it.”

Hodges spent four years as head of innovation and technology at Mediacom before launching his own ventures, Swarmdeck and Blonde3.

He was also creative director of Clemenger Proximity and digital creative director at Clemenger BBDO.

• Hodges will be taking part in a panel discussion at Mumbrella360 in early June.