Vanessa Clifford appointed CEO of Newsworks

After an interim period following the departure of Rufus Olins’ in October, Vanessa Clifford will become Newsworks’ CEO on a permanent basis with immediate effect.

Having joined Newsworks in 2012 as client services and strategy director, Clifford was appointed deputy CEO in 2014. Prior to joining Newsworks, she worked agency side as Mindshare’s head of publishing.

“I’m thrilled to be leading Newsworks and the team on the next phase of our journey,” Clifford said.

“We’ve got lots planned in the next few months, particularly building on our effectiveness work to develop an ongoing programme of research. Next year will hold both great opportunities and challenges for our industry and I’m ready to tackle 2017 head on.”

David Pattison, chairman of Newsworks, said: “Having been with Newsworks for over four years, [Vanessa] knows the company better than anyone and brings a fresh perspective to the role.

“I am very pleased that she has accepted the challenge to lead Newsworks and I look forward to what she has in store.”

James Wildman, chief revenue officer at Trinity Mirror and chair of the NMA commercial board added: “The commercial board and I are delighted to place the running of Newsworks in Vanessa’s very capable hands.

“With her at the helm, Newsworks gains both an experienced agency perspective and a new energy to prove newsbrands’ worth and relevance in our digital age.”