PADRAIG SUGRUE
Dublin,Ireland
Summary
Commercial Executive with 20+ years' experience leading revenue growth, digital transformation and organisational change across Ireland's leading media organisations.
Currently responsible for a €30m+ revenue portfolio and leadership of a 36-person commercial team at Mediahuis Ireland. More than 10 years' experience contributing to senior management and leadership teams, supporting strategic decision-making, organisational transformation, long-term business planning, and initiatives shaping the future operating model and growth strategy of the business.
Recognised for building high-performing teams, developing premium client propositions and creating strong partnerships with agencies and key stakeholders.
Proven ability to collaborate across Editorial, Product, Customer and Commercial functions to deliver market-leading audience solutions, sustainable revenue growth and measurable business outcomes.
Overview
6
6
years of post-secondary education
12
12
years of professional experience
Work history
Sales Director
Mediahuis Ireland
Dublin, Leinster
2022.11 - Current
- Leading B2B sales function, comprising 36 professionals with revenue accountability exceeding €30 million.
- Building premium client propositions and leading senior relationships with advertisers, agencies and strategic partners.
- Developing short and long-term revenue forecasts, commercial plans and growth strategies to support strategic decision-making and long-term business performance
- Commercial lead for developing audience monetisation opportunities across audio, video and social platforms.
- Member of Mediahuis Ireland's Senior Management Team, contributing to strategic decision-making, cross-functional collaboration and long-term business planning.
- Identifying, developing and monetising new revenue opportunities on emerging platforms
- Contributor to Group B2B priorities as part of Mediahuis AI Acceleration Programme.
Group Sales Director
Reach PLC
Dublin, Leinster
2017.03 - 2022.12
- Delivered consistent double-digit digital revenue growth throughout tenure.
- Scaled commercial department from 6 to 20 multi-disciplinary professionals.
- Led transformation of Reach plc Ireland from print-led commercial model to a digitally focused organisation aligned with changing advertiser and audience behaviours.
- Directed commercial strategy in Republic of Ireland.
- Led monetisation strategies for major digital launches including Cork Beo, Dublin Live and Belfast Live.
- Implemented Reach plc's audience-led Customer Value Strategy locally in Irish market.
- Member of Reach plc's Irish Leadership Team.
- Selected for Reach plc's Springboard Leadership Programme.
- Commercial lead on acquisition and integration of Irish Daily Star and RSVP Magazine.
- Represented Irish business on UK-wide strategic transformation programmes.
- Expanded strategic agency relationships and increased digital advertising revenues.
Head of Digital Sales
Reach PLC
Dublin, Ireland
2015.02 - 2017.03
- Responsible for developing and executing Reach plc's digital commercial strategy in Ireland, accelerating digital audience monetisation and revenue growth across the portfolio.
Education
Bachelor of Business Studies - Business & Marketing
Institute of Technology Tralee
Tralee, Co Kerry 1999.09 - 2005.05
Skills
- Commercial Strategy
- Revenue Growth
- Executive Leadership
- Digital Transformation
- Organisational Change
- Audience Monetisation
- Go-to-Market Strategy
- Product Commercialisation
- Strategic Partnerships
- Agency Leadership
- AI Adoption & Innovation
- Stakeholder Management
COMMERCIAL EXECUTIVE
Revenue Growth | Commercial Transformation | Digital Strategy | Media Industry Leadership
EXECUTIVE ACHIEVEMENTS
- Delivered 27% digital growth at Mediahuis Ireland from 2023 to 2025.
- Agency/SME Digital and Audio have grown by a combined 85% from 2023 to 2025.
- Led the transformation of Reach plc Ireland from a print-led commercial model to a digitally focused organisation, helping future-proof revenue streams through talent development, strategic digital recruitment, and the creation of new digital products and commercial capabilities.
- Key project contributor to North Star, Polaris, and the transformation of Sundayworld.com to Crimeworld.com, helping shape future audience and commercial growth opportunities.
- Strategic contributor to the Horizon strategic transformation programme, helping design Mediahuis Ireland's organisational structure and operating model through to 2030.
- Partnered with senior leadership to identify future growth opportunities and develop six strategic revenue initiatives adopted into the company's long-term growth strategy.
- Identified Clubber TV as strategic growth opportunity that contributed to Mediahuis acquiring minority equity investment.
Accomplishments
- Publishing Council Member | IAB Ireland
- Mentor | IAB Ireland Mentorship Programme
- Council Member | Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI)
- Commercial Representative | NewsBrands Ireland
Timeline
Sales Director
Mediahuis Ireland
2022.11 - Current
Group Sales Director
Reach PLC
2017.03 - 2022.12
Head of Digital Sales
Reach PLC
2015.02 - 2017.03
Bachelor of Business Studies - Business & Marketing
Institute of Technology Tralee
1999.09 - 2005.05