iHeartMedia is extending Darren Davis' role as president of both iHeartMedia Networks Group and its fast-growing music platform iHeartRadio for four years, the media giant announced today (Aug. 8).
Under the long-term contract extension, Davis will continue to oversee the company's iHeartRadio Network, Premiere Networks, Total Traffic + Weather Network and the NBC News Radio Network, along with iHeartMedia's in-house audio and visual creative agency. He'll report to Bob Pittman, chairman and chief executive officer of iHeartMedia, Inc.
A radio and media veteran, Davis celebrates his 25th anniversary with the company next month, having began his career in 1992 as an intern at iHeartMedia's Adult Contemporary WASH-FM in Washington, D.C. Since, Davis has gone on to work as regional vp of programming for iHeartMedia Detroit and Chicago, senior vp of programming and executive vp and general maanger of national programming. He was named to his current position in 2014, and in January, he oversaw the launch of two new paid streaming tiers: iHeartRadio Plus and iHeartRadio All Access.
“Since I was a kid, I knew I’d spend my life in radio,” Davis says in a statement. “I’ve seen a lot in the last twenty-five years as iHeartMedia has expanded into multiple platforms like the industry-leading iHeartRadio. There isn’t a day that goes by where I’m not amazed by iHeartMedia’s evolution, which is built on broadcast radio -- my first love -- and now provides one-of-a-kind programming, entertainment and opportunities to connect our advertising partners across our unparalleled range of multiple platforms in ways that no other company can. I’m thrilled to be continuing this journey.”
Outside the company, Davis currently serves on the boards of the Radio Advertising Bureau and the New Jersey Broadcasters Association. Last June, he gained a spotlight in Billboard's 2016 Digital Power Players List, just one month after iHeartRadio reached a milestone of 85 million registered users for its mobile app. This year, the music platform upped that number to 100 million.
“We’re pleased that Darren will continue to lead the integration of our Networks group that enables iHeartMedia to harness the unparalleled power, reach and scale of our digital and broadcast platforms,” adds Pittman. “His twenty-five-years of experience working in every facet of iHeartMedia means he has a unique understanding of every aspect of our company -- from our broadcast radio stations and iHeartRadio to our sales teams and partnerships, and how they can all work together to best serve our consumers, partners, affiliates and advertisers.”
