A Canadian broadcasting company comprised of 13 radio stations that is headquartered in Regina, Saskatchewan, has just lured the former Chief Customer Officer at Saskatoon-based software company Vendasta Technologies to serve as its new EVP and Managing Partner.
George Leith is now in the role at Harvard Media, which in addition to its radio properties owns and operates digital media and social media platforms.
Leith spent a decade at Vendasta, and he now will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day business activities. With extensive digital expertise gained from working with media companies worldwide, Ieith’s background also includes experience as a radio broadcaster, news publisher, podcast host of “Conquer Local,” and as an executive producer. From 2000-2010 he served as President and Managing Partner of Phoenix Entertainment Group, which owned three venues in Alberta and Boston’s Gourmet Pizza in Gilbert, Ariz., a popular destination for snowbirds from the Canadian Prairie Region.
At Harvard Media, Leith will report to Matt Hill, President/CEO of parent Harvard Diversified Holdings. Hill said, “We are very excited about having George lead the Harvard Media digital evolution at a time when we are experiencing exponential growth on a national scale. George brings the leadership to keep us steadfast in our commitment to providing the highest service level we always have. We remain laser-focused on helping the businesses in our communities thrive.”
Hill added, “I am excited to join Harvard Media at this pivotal point in our evolution. The talent in our teams is amazing, and it is a privilege to work with our skilled content and customer experience teams. I continue to be impressed every day by the individuals I meet among our 250+ associates. I have always been a passionate team builder and coach. I look forward to crafting and executing our strategic vision with the dedicated professionals on our teams.”
Harvard Media, originally named Harvard Broadcasting, was founded in 1981 with the acquisition of popular Country station CKRM-AM 620 in Regina. Today, it remains one of the world’s most-listened-to AMs with a music format — demonstrating the continued vitality of AM radio in parts of North America at a time when its removal from vehicles is a heightened concern in both Canada and the United States. CKRM’s signal is big enough to reach Minot and Williston, S.D., and Glasgow, Mont.
Harvard Media’s other properties can be found in Calgary, where it owns and operates Alternative “X92.9”; Edmonton, where it has two FMs; Red Deer; and Fort McMurray in Alberta.
Aside from Regina, Harvard Media’s Saskatchewan properties include two FMs in the market; two FMs in Yorkton; and Classic Hits “96.3 Cruz FM” in Saskatoon.
