Emap Signs Channel 4 Marketing Boss To Head Kiss

Emap has raided Channel 4 in search of a new managing director for its Kiss radio operations, appointing Bill Griffin, the broadcaster’s current head of marketing, as the radio network’s new boss.

Griffin will join Emap later this year, taking responsibility for Kiss 100 in London as well as the station’s national radio network. The new role will see him work closely with Emap Advertising as the company moves to increase the brand’s revenue and create “continued momentum” for listeners in London and across the UK.

The appointment of Griffin comes just days after Emap appointed Andrew Jeffries as the new programme director for Kiss, a role which will see the new output boss building on his past success with both the digital and FM incarnations of Emap’s Kerrang! (see Emap Signs New Programme Boss With Kiss).

The two new faces at Kiss will work to improve the station’s position in London, where the station’s FM signal currently has a weekly reach of 1.29 million. The pair will also develop the Kiss brand across the UK through a series of brand extensions.

Commenting on Griffin’s appointment, Shaun Gregory, Emap Radio’s MD of national brands, said: “Bill has an outstanding record of achievement with youth brands and we look forward to him bringing his vast knowledge to work on Kiss as it enters the next phase of its development.”

Griffin added: “Kiss is the number one brand for 15-34s in London and can drive forward through innovation in music, technological advancements and creative on air executions. I’m looking forward to joining the Kiss family to lead the network through its next chapter of growth.”

Griffin will leave behind a six year career with Channel 4, having joined the company in 1999 as marketing manager for factual and sport. Following his appointment, Griffin moved quickly through the ranks, before becoming the broadcaster’s head of marketing. Among the programmes he has launched are Big Brother, Sex and The City, The Simpsons and Desperate Housewives.

The appointment is the latest high profile addition to Emap Radio’s senior management team, following the appointments of Andria Vidler to the role of MD of Magic and Steve Parkinson, former MD of Heart and marketing director of Chrysalis Radio, to the post of Emap Radio national brand director (see Emap Raids Chrysalis For National Brand Director).

Emap: 01733 568 900 www.emap.co.uk