NOVA Entertainment has today announced Kim Kerton will take on the newly created role of head of podcast partnerships.
The role will operate within the branded entertainment division, CREATE, and focus on podcast-led content and show integration. The company says the appointment reinforces its commitment to expanding its digital footprint and delivering innovative advertising solutions.
Kerton returns to NOVA after five years as a strategic consultant, working with major brands including Queensland Tourism, Colonial First State, Tourism Tasmania, and AGL. Her expertise in crafting targeted podcast content, audience engagement, and monetisation strategies will be key in driving the next wave of digital partnerships.
Previously, as head of CREATE Sydney, Kerton led brand integration initiatives for some of Australia’s largest audio advertisers, backed by over 15 years of sales leadership. Her return marks a strategic move to further strengthen NOVA’s digital leadership, opening new avenues for advertisers in the evolving podcast landscape.
Kate Murphy, NOVA’s director of commercial strategy, described Kerton as uniquely qualified for the role.
“Kim is a unique talent, an expert in both content and commercial podcasting, alongside significant experience in commercial brand integration,” she said. “She knows intimately how to maximise the potential that our content, talent and audience represent for advertisers.”
Murphy continued: “When it comes to brand integration, radio sets the standard for depth of creativity and connection, within audio and beyond. NOVA has long been a market leader on that front and Kim’s appointment speaks to our intention to offer customers that same gold standard of access, influence and impact across our podcast content.”
Of her new role Kerton said: “It feels like the best of both worlds for me – being back at NOVA and getting to do what I love. As a podcaster, I understand the balancing act between creating conversations that connect with an audience and then building a meaningful role for brands within that.
“I know there’s greater potential in podcast advertising. And I know I’m in the right business to unlock that,” she said.
Kerton’s appointment comes alongside the addition of key new titles to the NOVA Podcast network, including Schwartz Media’s 7am and JOHNS MEDIA’s Backstage with Cooper & Matty Johns and The Johns Family Podcast. These moves underscore a strategic shift toward expanding NOVA’s digital content portfolio.
This development builds on recent digital transformation efforts at NOVA, which saw the appointment of Michelle Golding as digital strategy director and Rebecca Jeffrey as business director, digital, in 2024 – recruits from BBC and Seven Network. The combined initiatives highlight the network’s commitment to driving commercial growth in its digital arm.
Pictured: Kim Kerton