Ashley Tabor to chair the Radio Academy

Global Radio’s founder and Executive President Ashley Tabor has been named as the new Chairman of the Radio Academy.

He takes over from outgoing chair Bob Shennan who has completed his two-year stint heading up the industry charity responsible for major events like the Sony Awards and Radio Festival.

Ashley, who set up Global for the purchase of the Chrysalis group radio stations in 2007 before acquiring GCap Media in 2008, takes over the role with immediate effect. He was previously Vice Chair of the Academy through his role on the charity’s board of trustees.

In addition, 5 Live controller Adrian Van Klaveren becomes Deputy Chairman whilst Ben Cooper (Radio 1 Deputy Controller) and Chris Burns (BBC Group Manager for Audio and Music) become new trustees.

Commenting on his appointment, Ashley Tabor said: “I am delighted to be leading the Radio Academy – the only entity where the entire UK radio industry comes together – through the next phase of its development. The focus will be twin track, that of rejuvenating and refreshing the Sony Radio Awards and building on last year’s upgrade of the Academy’s Radio Festival. I look forward to working with the team to achieve these goals, and it’s great to be working with John Myers on this strategy.”

John Myers, The Radio Academy Chief Executive commented: “I am delighted to welcome Ashley to the chairmanship of The Academy. He is part of the new phase of our industry and I’m sure his passion and enthusiasm will have a big impact.”

The Radio Academy is dedicated to the encouragement, recognition and promotion of excellence in UK radio broadcasting and audio production. It represents all sectors of the industry – from the BBC and commercial radio to student, community and hospital radio.