Virgin Radio chief John Pearson to quit station next year

by Sam Matthews,, Brand Republic 13-Oct-04, 11:00

LONDON – John Pearson, chief executive of SMG's Virgin Radio, is to quit the company after 12 years in April 2005.

Pearson was appointed to the role of chief executive of SMG's Radio Division, comprising the main flagship Virgin station and three subsidiary stations, in January 2000, following the purchase of Chris Evans' Ginger Media Group by SMG.

He has spent 12 years at Virgin, starting off as launch sales director in 1992 before moving on to become managing director in 1995.

In 1997, he was appointed chief executive of Virgin Radio and a board member of Ginger Media Group.

Pearson said on his reason for leaving: "This is a lifestyle choice. I'd like a more flexible work/life balance and the ability to take more time off. I leave the station with a strong management team and in a great positioning entering the digital world."

Andrew Flanagan, chief executive of SMG, added: "John is an excellent businessman and a dynamic leader. I'd love him to stay but respect his reasons for leaving."

A new chief executive has yet to be chosen to head SMG's radio division, which comprises Virgin Radio, Virgin Radio Groove, Virgin Radio Classic Rock and Virgin Radio Sessions.

Flanagan added: "I'm confident we'll find a suitable successor for one of the top jobs in commercial radio in Britain today."

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