Emap Raids Chrysalis For National Brand Director

Emap Performance has announced the appointment of Steve Parkinson, marketing director of Chrysalis Radio and managing director of the group’s London based Heart 106.2 FM, as national brand director.

The new role will involve development of all Emap’s national radio brands, including Kiss, Magic, Kerrang!, Q, Smash Hits, The Hits, Heat and Mojo, as well as exploiting cross-promotional opportunities across the company’s multi-platform portfolio.

The move ends Parkinson’s ten-year career with Chrysalis, having risen through the ranks to be appointed marketing director in 1999 and adding the role of managing director of Heart 106.2 in 2001. His time with the broadcaster saw him take Heart to the number one position in London in October 2003 (see NewsLine Interview: Steve Parkinson – Managing Director Heart 106.2), relaunch the LBC brand in London, and launch the Galaxy radio dance brand in five regions outside of London (see Chrysalis Brings Galaxy To London And Scotland).

Parkinson will take up his new role later this year, reporting to Shaun Gregory, Emap Performance’s MD of national radio brands. He said: “Emap’s radio strategy is to harness unrivalled strong brands, distribution and content to deliver audience and revenue growth. Steve’s experience will be invaluable in helping us to deliver this whilst also further strengthening Emap’s position as the number one in digital radio and growing our national radio brands.”

Parkinson added: “It’s time to get my teeth into a new set of brands which have real growth potential both nationally and in the fiercely competitive London market. I’m looking forward to joining Emap’s talented radio team to build still further on recent successes.”

In addition to his role as national brand director, Parkinson will sit on Emap’s national radio executive board, responsible for growing Emap Performance’s national radio brands.

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

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