Fran Wills New Local Media Consortium CEO

The Local Media Consortium (LMC), a strategic alliance of leading local media companies, today announced that Fran Wills, a veteran marketing and digital executive for media, technology and retail companies, has been appointed the organization’s chief executive officer.

“We are pleased to welcome Fran to the Local Media Consortium and look forward to tapping her track record in digital media and innovation,” said Chris Loretto, chairman of the LMC board. “She is uniquely qualified to help us expand member growth and benefits, diversify revenue, and lead the LMC — and local journalism collectively — into the future.” 

As CEO, Wills will be responsible for guiding LMC’s vision, including leveraging the latest technology and partnerships to increase revenue and audience growth for its 75 members, which represent more than 1,700 digital properties across North America.

Throughout her career, Wills has pioneered digital innovation and emerging technologies to successfully increase revenue and bottom line results. As the VP-GM of Cox Media Group, Wills led digital and marketing strategy to generate revenue and reduce operational costs across 20 markets.

She also led Kudzu.com, a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises that is a rating and review site for local SMB services, to double-digit revenue growth during her tenure as general manager. Wills also was chief marketing officer and SVP interactive of two major metro media companies, The Dallas Morning News and The Denver Post.

“As a longtime champion of local media, I am thrilled to take on this dedicated role at the LMC and am 100% committed to sustaining journalism and helping local media companies thrive in this rapidly evolving media landscape,” said Wills. “The LMC’s membership strength, breadth and diversity enables it to play a significant role in shaping the future of the industry while strengthening audience reach and value for members.”

Currently Wills owns a consulting practice that helps companies develop marketing and digital strategies to accelerate growth and implement technology solutions to realize operational efficiencies.