Wheels Media has announced that the former head of automotive at Nine, Christian Clark will succeed Andrew Beecher as its new chief executive.
Beecher will leave the media company on February 3, 2022.
Under Beecher’s guidance motoring publications that were previously under Are Media management – WhichCar.com.au, Wheels, MOTOR, 4X4 Australia, Street Machine and Unique Cars – were brought together to form Wheels Media.
Clark joined Wheels Media in March 2020 to head up the company’s commercial business strategy. Prior to this appointment he was the country manager at geo-data business Near, then the commercial director at CarAdvice during the sale to Nine, and then went on to become the Head of Auto at Nine.
Since Beecher and Clark’s team began restructuring the business 12 months ago, magazine subscriptions are up 34% and site traffic to WhichCar.com.au has grown by 15%.
Wheels Media says it now boasts more than 1.4 million unique digital users, a social media audience of more than 1.2 million and more than 100,000 people actively buying their magazines each month.
From content integration to e-commerce offerings, Wheels Media says it now has the advantage over its competitors to offer a true awareness-to-purchase solution through tailored opportunities for both New Car brands and brands in the Fast Moving Automotive Goods Industry to target specific audiences.
Clark says the Wheels Media offering will bring an innovative approach to the Australian automotive industry and lift its brands to the industry’s ‘thought and opinion leaders’ status.
“Our ambition is to be Australia’s number one media company for engaging and influencing automotive audiences. Our breadth of brands and experience ensures we are able to reach car buyers, whether their purchasing intentions lie with a practical, emotional, performance or adventure vehicle choice,” Clark says.
“Cars are our life. We know what our audience wants because we are that audience. We’re proud of the brands that we’ve built and excited about the future; as we continue to create content for our audience’s interests and needs, explore new platforms and embrace emerging technologies and new ways to engage.”
“Iconic brands aren’t enough to drive strong results anymore. We’re focused on making the most of our fantastic legacy, while continuing to evolve and diversify our offering.
“We’re already a go-to destination for brands looking to communicate to an engaged automotive audience, but that will only improve as we move into this new phase of growth.
“Our diverse mastheads, digital solutions and unique subscriber model ensure we can, and will, continue to reach Australia’s broadest and most engaged automotive audience,” he says.
Wheels Media director Ben Hawter expressed his thanks to Beecher.
“Andrew has made a very significant contribution in the relaunch of our digital publishing platform and the rejuvenation of the print media offering and has also driven senior recruitment that well positions the business for future growth,” Hawter says.
“He has provided leadership and vision through a period of transition and evolution for Wheels Media and we sincerely wish him the very best for the future,” he says.
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