Are Media has announced the appointment of Blake Talarico as Head of Commercial Data as it gears up to launch new ad suite and platform, Are Media Collectives.

The newly-created position will see Talarico, who previously led data commercialisation at Nine, spearheading the launch of Are Media Collectives, a tool aimed at female customer segmentation. In addition to this, he will be responsible for developing new products, including shopper intent segments derived from Are Media's first-party transactional data.

Are Media Collectives will span four content verticals that will provide agencies and marketers a new mechanism to target audiences across its digital inventory. It will complement its new data offering in 2026 where it will launch new data partnerships, new shopper intent segments built from rich transactional first party data, and new onboarding pathways for advertisers to bring their first party data for targeting and suppression.

The role also encompasses the development of new data partnerships and the creation of onboarding pathways for advertisers.

Anna Quinn, Director of Sales at Are Media said, "We're thrilled to welcome Blake to Are Media. His expertise in data strategy and commercialisation will be instrumental in launching Are Media Collectives and our new data products, ensuring we continue to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions for our clients and audiences."

Talarico said, "I'm thrilled to join Are Media at such an exciting and innovative time. Leading the launch of Are Media Collectives is a fantastic opportunity to help marketers and agencies unlock the full potential of its extensive first-party data derived from eight million authenticated users."

He added, "By combining audience interest and intent data, transactional data and cross-platform engagement with Are Media's trusted brands, we can deliver highly targeted campaigns that create measurable business outcomes and reach the right audience at the right time. I look forward to working with this talented team to shape the future of data-driven media in Australia."

Are Media is recognised as Australia's largest women's lifestyle network, claiming to connect with 90% of Australian women through its various brands and platforms. The company's portfolio includes well-known brands such as The Australian Women's Weekly, Better Homes and Gardens, Woman's Day, marie claire, ELLE Australia, TV WEEK, New Idea, WHO, Australian Gourmet Traveller, and BEAUTY/crew.