RAB appoints Linda Smith as executive chairman

The Radio Advertising Bureau has appointed ex-StarCom MediaVest CEO Linda Smith to the newly created role of executive chairman.

Smith, who takes up the role with immediate effect, will report to RadioCentre chief executive Andrew Harrison. Her primary role will be to help drive radio’s profile with advertisers and agencies.

Harrison said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Linda is joining the organisation; she has a proven track record and her knowledge and experience across the radio and media world will be of huge benefit to the RAB – I have no doubt she will be a great addition to the team.”

Smith added: “I’m really excited to be joining the RAB – radio continues to be a fascinating, engaging and hugely effective medium that enables advertisers to get their marketing messages out to over 31 million listeners a week.

“Commercial radio finished 2009 on a positive note with revenue growth up c7% and we are looking to build on this throughout 2010.”

Since leaving StarCom MediaVest in 2008, Smith has been an independent consultant to the media industry.

The latest RAJAR figures, for Q4 2009, were released today, with full coverage on Newsline.