TORONTO – Alan Dark is leaving CBC’s Revenue Group to become vice president of national sales for Rogers Media, effective May 26.
In this newly-created role, Dark (pictured) will be responsible for implementing a compelling and differentiated go-to-market OneCall strategy to drive advertising revenue that leverages Rogers’ media assets and brands. Based in Toronto, he will also set the strategic direction for the national sales teams, including the five national agency teams, sports, and specialty.
Dark has more than 16 years of experience in broadcast and digital media sales, integrated media development, sales strategy, strategic planning, and business development, most recently as general manager of The Revenue Group at CBC since 2012. He also held roles at Alliance Atlantis Broadcasting, CanWest MediaWorks, and CTV.
“This new role was an important addition to our Sales team in Toronto as we continue to provide our clients with an empowered single, senior sales contact to deliver holistic advertising solutions for their needs,” said Rogers Media chief sales officer Jack Tomik, in the announcement. “Alan is an accomplished sales professional with a reputation for bringing creative and innovative solutions to clients and he understands the unique role we play in bringing integrated programs to life.”
In a note to staff Tuesday, EVP of CBC English services Heather Conway called Dark “a valuable and highly regarded member of the senior management team”, and said that he leaves the public broadcaster “well positioned for Jean Mongeau to forge ahead”. Mongeau was named general manager and chief revenue officer last week.
“Over the last four years, Al has led a team that, on a daily basis, faces the constant pressure of having to generate revenue at a critical time in CBC’s history”, continues Conway’s note. “Among other significant achievements, Al’s group recently turned a profit with the Sochi Olympics and, I can assure you, that hasn't been done by any broadcaster in a long, long time.”
“Rogers has a profound understanding of Canadian audiences and an enviable mix of media assets and brands,” said Dark, in the Rogers announcement. “This is the kind of opportunity innovative sales executives are looking for and I am very excited to be part of the momentum.”
