WW1’s ‘Important Strategic’ Sales Leadership Changes

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Cumulus Media’s Westwood One national radio arm has just completed a series of organization changes in its sales team that it says are designed to capitalize on its “strong sales momentum, as well as to propel the organization to new heights in 2018 and beyond.”


These “important strategic changes to the leadership and structure of the national sales team” see a new President of Sales, the launch of a new group, a new Strategic Planning & Analysis executive, and “the continuation” of a highly visible radio industry veteran largely known for his pro-radio insights.

First, Bryan Forbes is being given the role of President/Sales at Westwood One, succeeding the retiring Steve Shaw. Forbes was previously SVP/GM of WW1 National Sales at Katz Radio Group, and will now be responsible for leading the network and national spot sales organizations.

He reports directly to Westwood One President Suzanne Grimes.

Bryan’s promotion comes as a result of his “unique understanding of the Westwood One organization, strong relationships with the advertising agency community, and a proven track record of leading teams and delivering results.”

Concurrently, a dedicated business development team charged with creating “integrated, brand-focused solutions that leverage the vast portfolio of assets across the company’s 446 radio stations and network platforms” has been newly established — and now has its leader.

Audio Active Group is the WW1 arm, and it will be launched by Mark Wildman, who takes the role of EVP/Strategic Partnerships at Westwood One. He was formerly VP of Global Partnerships at WME/IMG.

At the same time, Ari Molovinsky has come on board as WW1’s VP/Strategic Planning & Analysis. Westwood One says Molovinsky “brings strong relevant experience from Sirius XM Radio, where he held roles in subscriber acquisition, retail promotions and operations, and streaming services and products.”

Molovinsky worked at Sirius XM from March 2006-May 2012, exiting as Sr. Director of Streaming Services & Products. He then served as Sr. Director of Strategy and Operations for Viacom Music Group from late 2014 through June 2015.

“Westwood One has a top-notch sales organization in place, as demonstrated by our performance this year,” said Grimes, “and I am thrilled to welcome both Bryan and Ari to the team. With these new hires, Westwood One is poised to deliver significant growth as we continue to champion radio as the No. 1 mass reach medium that delivers exceptional results.”

Meanwhile, Pierre Bouvard will continue in his role as Chief Insights Officer at Cumulus|Westwood One, “with a vigorous commitment to reinforcing and growing Westwood One’s position as an industry leader in audio data and insights innovation, including building on the ‘Westwood One ROI Guarantee’ and developing new data attribution solutions for our agency and brand partners.”

Pierre reports directly to Grimes.