Cox Media Group Makes Leadership Changes

Cox Media Group today made senior leadership changes in its national ad platforms, digital and radio businesses.

The new appointments and promotions include Kim Guthrie, as CMG’s EVP of national ad platforms and president of Cox Reps, the country’s largest television advertising rep firm based in New York City; Bill Hendrich will succeed Guthrie as EVP of radio and CMG Research, based in Atlanta; and Marian Pittman, CMG’s new EVP of digital strategy, will oversee CMG’s digital strategy, content and sales, also based in Atlanta.

“We are fortunate to have proven, talented and inspirational leaders within CMG that we can tap for critical positions throughout the company,” said CMG President Bill Hoffman.

CoxReps

Jim Monahan, president of CoxReps, has announced his retirement after 35 years with the company. “Thanks to Jim’s leadership, CoxReps is now the country’s major advertising rep firm representing 350 television station clients,” said Hoffman. “Jim, who has cultivated invaluable industry relationships, has worked tirelessly to secure the company’s stellar reputation as the go-to television advertising partner. We will miss Jim’s passion for the business and spirit and wish him all the best in his next, great life adventure.”

In her new role as CMG’s EVP of national ad platforms and president of Cox Reps, Kim Guthrie, formerly EVP of radio, now will oversee all of CMG’s television advertising platform businesses, including CoxReps, Videa and Gamut. She started her broadcasting career as a TV news reporter and anchor and has always overseen TV markets in her leadership roles, in addition to her radio markets.

“Kim’s job driving results in the radio division stands testimony to that, and she has wonderful cross-over skills that apply to any of our Cox businesses,” added Hoffman.

“CoxReps is the largest TV rep firm in America and has a strong reputation for producing results for our television customers in an incredibly competitive marketplace,” said Guthrie. “Additionally, Videa and Gamut represent incredible new opportunities to explore the automated marketplace, and we are seeing some very encouraging signs. Both businesses have promising trajectories, and it’s our job to continue to build and support these businesses and adapt as the advertising marketplace becomes more nimble.”

Digital

Former VP of news and marketing for television, Marian Pittman now oversees CMG’s digital strategy, content and sales efforts as EVP of digital strategy, succeeding Neil Johnston who was recently named EVP-chief financial officer for Cox Automotive. Pittman’s division will also include CMG’s Digital Content Desk, Fans First Media and the Washington (D.C.) News Bureau.

“Marian’s background has been dedicated to standing up great TV news brands, and she has a keen sense of and an entrepreneurial spirit for harnessing new technology to help CMG develop and deliver our content,” said Hoffman. “She has driven our digital extensions in the TV division to new and significant levels of success by building a first-rate team that allowed us to have a major impact on our digital efforts.”

Radio

Jacksonville radio VP-GM Bill Hendrich will succeed Guthrie as EVP of radio and CMG Research. Hendrich joined CMG Radio in 1996 in Orlando.

“Bill inspires talented team members and peers to excel in their jobs so our brands will always be in position to have great success,” said Hoffman. “Bill’s leadership will ensure a seamless transition to keep our radio brands informing, inspiring, entertaining and helping to improve the communities we serve.”

VP-GM of Orlando radio, Susan Larkin, is promoted to regional VP of Jacksonville and Orlando radio and will also assume responsibility for Jacksonville radio, overseeing both of these markets.