Audacy Introduces a Fresh Leadership Framework
In a recent memo addressed to the staff, Kelli Turner, the President and CEO of Audacy, revealed an innovative operational framework aimed at enhancing the company's effectiveness.
Chris Oliviero, serving as the Chief Business Officer and New York Market President, will now take charge of the Content Organization, reporting directly to Turner. Under his leadership, several key figures will contribute to the organization: Leah Reis-Dennis, who will spearhead podcast strategy; John Pacino, responsible for product oversight; and Jeff Sottolano, who continues to manage programming. A significant change is that Station Brand Managers will now report directly to their respective Format Vice Presidents instead of the Market Presidents, streamlining communication and decision-making.
Additionally, Chief Revenue Officer Bob Phillips and Executive Vice President of Revenue Operations Liz Mozian will also report directly to Turner, strengthening the connection between leadership and revenue generation.
Turner stated, "For many years, radio has been structured based on geographical markets. However, this traditional approach does not effectively meet the demands of our current digital and multi-market environment, nor does it fully utilize the exceptional talent and resources available within our various formats. Beginning this week, we will reconfigure all our programming teams and content by verticals—such as news, sports, country, and alternative—rather than by location. This shift allows us to harness greater scale, resources, and expertise for our Brand Managers, while enabling our market leaders to concentrate more intensively on activities that drive revenue."
Furthermore, Turner disclosed a revised regional structure as Brian Purdy, the Regional President and Dallas Market President, transitions into the role of Senior Advisor. The restructuring includes notable changes: Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Portland, and Seattle will now become part of Jeff Federman’s Western region, while Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Madison, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Wichita will integrate into Mark Hannon’s East and Central Region. Claudia Menegus, the Market President for Miami and Orlando, will ascend to the position of Southeast Regional President, overseeing markets such as Chattanooga, Gainesville, Greensboro, Greenville, Memphis, Miami, New Orleans, and Orlando.
This strategic overhaul is poised to redefine how Audacy operates, raising questions about its potential impact on the industry. How do you think these changes will influence the future of radio in the digital age? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
