MediaWorks Radio CEO to step down

MediaWorks has announced its radio CEO Wendy Palmer will be stepping down at the end of April. In her place, David Gibbs, who has been assisting the radio team since the beginning of the year, will act as head of radio.

Palmer has been with MediaWorks for almost 12 years, with the last three spent as CEO of radio. During that time, she led the business to its number one position in the market and its highest ever ratings were achieved last year.

When she joined the company in 2005, she was general manager of More FM before moving up to general manager for MediaWorks Auckland Radio.

Commenting on her departure, Palmer says it’s been an absolute privilege to be part of such a brilliant team of people and she cannot thank them enough.

“I am so proud of everything we have achieved together and in particular over the last year – our great content team for our best ever ratings and the radio business overall for delivering our best ever financial performance. I wish them all the very best for the future.”

CEO Michael Anderson says it’s sad to lose Palmer but understands her decision to move on.

“She leaves our radio business in strong shape – and poised to move forward and capitalise on its leading position – thanks to her brilliant leadership and work with her teams and with clients. She has been a great support to me in my time at MediaWorks and I know I speak on behalf of the many, many people Wendy has worked with when I say she will be greatly missed.”

In her place, as the acting head of radio, Gibbs will lead the regional managers and branch operations working closely with group content director of music Leon Wratt and chief commercial officer Glen Kyne. Gibbs has extensive sales management experience both in radio and in out-of-home industries.