– UK, Belfast – Wireless Group Plc Board today announces the Board changes following the completion of the sale of the Company’s television business to ITV on 29 February 2016.
After 23 years service on the Board, including sixteen as Chief Executive, John McCann (62) has decided that the sale of the Company’s television business marks a very natural time for him to retire. John joined UTV as Financial Controller in 1983, becoming Director and General Manager in 1990 and Chief Executive in 1999. Under John’s leadership, UTV was transformed from its ITV regional licensee origins into one of the most successful media companies in the UK and Ireland, with market leading radio, television and digital media assets. John will retire at the time of the AGM in May 2016.
Having considered the nature of the continuing Wireless group and the experienced existing management team, the Board has asked Richard Huntingford, currently Non-Executive Chairman, to become Executive Chairman and to lead the Company’s growth strategy as a focused radio group. Richard joined the Board in 2012 and has extensive experience of the commercial radio business from his executive career at Chrysalis plc and at Virgin Radio.
Helen Kirkpatrick, Senior Independent Director, said: “On behalf of all shareholders and employees of the Company, I would like to thank John for his outstanding leadership, professionalism and passionate commitment to the UTV Media plc cause over so many years. He leaves the Company in a very healthy state and with our fondest best wishes.”
“I am delighted that Richard will be taking on the role of Executive Chairman. His deep experience of the radio industry and existing knowledge of the Company’s businesses will ensure that the Company continues to focus all its efforts on delivering long-term value for shareholders.”
Wireless Group Plc
The Wireless Group PLC is one of the most successful media groups in the UK and Ireland comprising a highly focused radio business with market leading radio and digital media assets. Its radio businesses include talkSPORT, the world’s biggest sports radio station, 12 independent local radio (ILR) stations in England and Wales and a number of digital radio multiplexes throughout GB. It is also the largest local radio operator in Ireland with 7 stations broadcasting from Belfast, Cork, Limerick, Dublin and Drogheda and an advertising sales house based in Dublin. The group also owns two digital businesses offering complementary services in digital strategy, web design, development, secure hosting and content delivery.
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