• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, September 22, 2010

Rep firm Petry Media has tapped former Viacom executive Vanessa Hambidge in a top marketing role. As vice president, she will look to persuade advertisers about the value of local TV and its related platforms.

Hambidge had worked at Viacom divisions, including CBS Sports when it was part of the company, for over a decade. Most recently, she was vice president, integrated solutions at MTV Networks ad sales.

Petry has been trying to entice marketers with packages that go beyond spots on local stations, while expanding its business into national cable. CEO Sandy Brown said Hambidge "will be working with all our divisions to help provide a broader array of services for our clients."

At MTV, she worked on sales for events such as the "Video Music Awards," as well as top reality series.

She sold time at CBS Sports for nine years, including for multiple Super Bowls and worked to develop related programming. She began her career at IMG in TV sales and programming.

The Petry TV unit sells for 150 stations in 35 states, while at another division it represents U.S. and international cable networks.