New Chief Executive Officer appointed at Radioplayer

Radioplayer has appointed Yann Legarson as its new Chief Executive Officer as a replacement for founder Michael Hill who is leaving the organisation.

Yann joins the venture from Radioplayer France, having led the launch and growth of the Radioplayer brand in France since 2020. He will formally join as CEO in May 2023.

Legarson will lead Radioplayer through a new phase of growth, backed by new investment from its founder Members, the BBC, Global, Bauer Media Audio UK and Radiocentre.

The new era will see Radioplayer deliver further international growth, focusing on its in-car and connected devices strategy, with the group recently forging technology partnerships with leading car manufacturers, including VW Group and BMW (who represent more than 34% of all cars sold in Europe), ensuring that radio’s prominence will be maintained in the dashboards of the future.

Yann says: “I am very proud to lead the Radioplayer Worldwide team – a team that I already know well. Radioplayer is a great tool to allow radio to remain accessible everywhere.

“The success of Radioplayer in different countries, particularly in Europe and Canada, demonstrates the power and appeal of Radioplayer, and we have exciting plans to expand further. We have great development projects planned, and I am delighted that Radioplayer’s shareholders trust me to lead them.”

In a joint statement Radioplayer’s shareholders said: “We are absolutely delighted that Yann has chosen to join the venture as CEO at this exciting time. With his extensive experience in Radioplayer France, and having led impressive growth and partnerships over the past 3 years, Yann is the perfect leader to help the venture achieve its next phase of growth, delivering our strategy in partnership with international broadcasters and automotive and technology partners.”

Outgoing Radioplayer MD and Founder Michael Hill is leaving the organisation for a new CEO role in the charity sector next month.

The appointment of a new CEO is one of several announcements anticipated from the venture in the near future with more detail of its growth plans to follow shortly.