RadioCentre Chief Confirmed

The RadioCentre has its first chief executive with the official appointment today of Andrew Harrison. The job was rumoured to have been offered to Harrison last week and it has now been confirmed that he has accepted the post.

The formation of The RadioCentre was announced in February (see Commercial Radio Creates Single Body To Strengthen Industry) and the new industry body will start operations in July. Formed to represent the interests of commercial radio to bodies such as Ofcom, and funded by the commercial radio industry, The RadioCentre brings together five organisations including the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and the Commercial Radio Companies Association (CRCA). All will enjoy shared services including PR, finance and technology.

It’s hoped Harrison will take up his post on 1 October to play a key role in forging a single vision for the future of commercial radio in the UK, and communicating the benefits of commercial radio to broadcasters, advertisers and listeners

Said Harrison: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead The RadioCentre team at this important time in the development of UK commercial radio. Our ground-breaking plan to unite in one new organisation all the well-established strengths of our five separate support bodies will create a forward-looking team and a single joined-up approach for commercial radio. This will benefit our advertisers, listeners, agency partners and broadcasters, as we work together to build revenue and ratings growth.”

Andrew Harrison was formerly managing director of Muller Dairy, where he relaunched the business last year with the ‘Lead a Muller Life’ campaign. He previously held high-ranking roles for Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola and Nestle Rowntree.

RAB: www.rab.co.uk CRCA: www.crca.co.uk