Clarke's direct team will consist of 30 people, including up to 15 new recruits and a number of internal promotions. She will report to Spencer Berwin, managing director, sales, at JCDecaux.
Clarke joined JCDecaux in July 2010 with a remit to create the operation. Previously, she was UK sales director at CBS Outdoor, managing the direct sales team.
A spokeswoman for JCDecaux said the addition of the team reflects the growing importance of direct sales to the business as the use of outdoor by small and medium sized enterprises increases.
Clarke has created a UK and a London team and has recruited Global Radio learning and development director Sarah Smithard as direct sales manager for the UK.
Berwin said: "Maria's team will bring a new revenue stream to JCDecaux, promoting the benefits of outdoor to small and medium-sized clients who in the past would have relied upon local press to promote their business.
"Outdoor can provide these clients with highly targeted campaigns that reach their local audience, whether that's at the supermarket, on the high street or commuting to work."
JCDecaux has also made two internal promotions to expand its international team JCDecaux OneWorld to maximise international sales and marketing support for clients and agencies.
Vice president of regional sales for airports Andrew Korniczky will take the role of vice president international client services, US, based in New York.
Amel Pires, deputy sales manager of the premium brands sales team, will take the role of international client services director, France, based in Paris.
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