According to parent company Cumulus Media, Westwood One head Suzanne Grimes “decided to embark on the next chapter of her career after eight years.”
Who is succeeding her as President of Westwood One?
The EVP of Corporate Strategy & Development for Cumulus Media, Collin Jones.
The change is effective January 1, 2024.
Jones joined Cumulus Media in 2011 and is responsible for leading the company’s strategy, corporate development (including major partnerships and M&A), and investor relations efforts. Jones has led Cumulus through several strategic transactions and growth initiatives including the acquisition of Westwood One in 2013.
Additionally, he oversees IncentRev, the Company’s e-commerce and daily deal platform.
Jones is the National Association of Broadcasters Radio Board Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Radio Music License Committee. Before joining Cumulus, he held positions at Macquarie Capital and Argentum Group.
He continues to report to CEO Mary Berner, who said, “With his deep understanding of both Cumulus Media and Westwood One, Collin is uniquely qualified for this role and is well-prepared to harness the full power of our platform to help Westwood One grow. Collin has consistently demonstrated his savvy business acumen, effective management style, and collaborative spirit, and I have full confidence that he has the skills and the vision to build upon Suzanne’s considerable accomplishments.”
Berner thanked Grimes “for her invaluable contributions and her pivotal role in our success.”
Under her leadership, the Cumulus Podcast Network was established. “Throughout her time with Cumulus, she has been a remarkable leader, colleague, and mentor to many, and we are certain she will accomplish great things wherever she chooses to share her talents next,” Berner said.
Jones commented, “I am excited for the opportunity to expand upon Suzanne’s successes. Since acquiring Westwood One in 2013, I have been struck by the breadth of its capabilities, the strength of its content and service offerings, and its enormous influence on the broadening audio landscape. I look forward to working day-to-day with Westwood One’s creative, passionate, and talented team to fuel growth and unlock even more value for Cumulus Media and our shareholders.”
Grimes also held during her tenure at Cumulus the role of EVP/Corporate Marketing for the company, in addition to her post as head of Westwood One. A company spokesperson confirmed that these duties will be absorbed by Jones, and that she is exiting Cumulus.
Grimes joined Cumulus on Dec. 13, 2015, and in February 2018 her salary information was shared by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For fiscal year 2016, her base salary was $600,000; it was raised to $650,000 on July 3, 2018. Additionally, Grimes was eligible for a bonus of $500,000 for calendar year 2018.
In the following years, Grimes was a leader of the executive team who enjoyed a formidable public profile. At a CES 2020 “Innovation Series Summit” hosted by Shelly Palmer, she was a keynoter.
Her departure from Westwood One follows the August 2020 exit of Bart Tessler, who departed with the closure of Westwood One News; Tessler teamed with Norm Pattiz in 1976 on a syndicated program that would serve as the foundation for Westwood One, which was led by Pattiz through the 1970s and 1980s.
