GMG Radio Chief To Step Down

John Myers, chief executive of GMG Radio, is stepping down in 2009 to be succeeded by his current deputy Stuart Taylor.

Taylor is the former commercial director of GMG’s sister company Guardian News & Media. He moved to the radio group last year and was appointed deputy executive in March. He is expected to take on the chief executive role in April.

GMG Radio was launched by Myers 10 years ago and now includes the Smooth Radio network, Real Radio, Century Radio, and Rock Radio.

MediaGuardian reports that Myers will continue his involvement with the business as an adviser to GMG Radio, particularly on regulation and digital audio broadcasting.

Myers said: “It has been a great privilege and pleasure to lead GMG’s radio business for the last decade, which has been one of excitement, expansion – and tremendous fun.

“After 30 years in the industry, I feel it’s the right time to take a step back from the day-to-day running of the business and move into semi-retirement.

“I’m particularly pleased that, because of our careful succession planning, I am able to hand over the reins to a brilliant chief executive who already knows the business inside out. Stuart is a superb operator and I know that GMG Radio can look forward to continued success under his leadership.”

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