RadioCentre chairman Paul Brown is stepping down from his position as non executive chairman after 30 years in commercial radio.
His replacement will be Dianne Thompson, CEO of the National Lottery operator Camelot when he leaves at the end of December.
Paul Brown is a fellow and ex-chairman of the UK Radio Academy and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
He has been a member of the Sony Radio Awards Committee and a director of RAJAR, JFMG, DRDB and Skillset. He worked in forces and commercial radio as a presenter and manager from 1970 until 1984 when he joined the Independent Broadcasting Authority as head of radio programming. He was deputy chief executive of the Radio Authority from 1990 to 1995, chief executive of the Commercial Radio Companies Association from 1995 to 2006, President of the Association of European Radios from 1998 to 2000, chairman of the UK Digital Radio forum from 1999 to 2001 and Vice President of WorldDAB from 2000-2005.
He was made CBE for services to the radio industry in the 2003 New Year Honours List.
Radio new-comer Dianne Thompson said: “Radio is one of my true loves. I am delighted to be taking over the mantle from Paul and helping to play a role in shaping radio's future. I want to underline and further enhance RadioCentre’s reputation as the voice of the industry and a strong advocate for commercial radio – working together with the groups and stations, we can really make a difference.”
Paul Brown said: “I am absolutely delighted that Dianne has agreed to take over. In the last year, we have seen a wealth of changes in our industry with new owners and new personalities; now feels like the right time for a new chairman. I am pleased that RadioCentre has secured a well-known national figure – and someone who knows the advertising and marketing industry inside-out – to help move commercial radio forward.
When I started out at Radio 210 back in the 70s, I had no idea that I would stay in the industry for so long; it has been a great honour to have helped shape the framework of a sector that has flourished from a handful of stations to over 300 – I will now enjoy more time to tune in as a regular listener.”
RadioCentre’s chief executive, Andrew Harrison commented: “We’re in a new era and this is an exciting time for our industry – Dianne has always been a strong advocate of radio and I am thrilled that she has agreed to come on board. Her experience as a radio advertiser, as well as working with government and regulators, for The National Lottery – which delivers funds for local Good Causes – is a perfect fit with commercial radio's role as part of the fabric of local communities. I would also like to express my gratitude to Paul for the work he has done for commercial radio over the years. In more recent times, RadioCentre's stature within the sector reflects Paul’s hard work, determination and wisdom.”
