SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer Will Retire
• Some major changes are afoot at the executive level of SiriusXM, starting with the announcement that Chief Executive Officer, James E. Meyer, intends to retire on December 31, 2020. Upon his retirement, Jennifer C. Witz, currently President, Sales, Marketing & Operations (pictured, below) will become the Company’s new CEO. Meyer will remain on SiriusXM’s Board and serve as Vice Chairman. It was also announced that Sean S. Sullivan has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective October 26, 2020.
Gregory B. Maffei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sirius XM Holdings Inc. stated, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Jim for his outstanding service, helping to create the leader in audio entertainment in North America. During his tenure as CEO, SiriusXM has grown to become a diversified audio entertainment provider that is poised to reach more than 150 million people, the largest addressable digital audio audience in North America. We are a better company for his stewardship. We look forward to continuing to work with him on the Board and to build on SiriusXM’s strong momentum.”
Maffei continued, “Our Board of Directors is thrilled to unanimously appoint Jennifer as the next CEO. With nearly two decades of success at the Company, no one is better suited for this position. Jennifer brings the thorough understanding of our business from every angle. She has played a key role in significantly growing SiriusXM’s subscriber base. Jennifer will lead the Company’s strong executive team as it continues building out its platforms and executes on its growth strategies.”
Meyer remarked, “It has been a privilege to lead SiriusXM, and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the last eight years. This Company has never been in a better position. We have transformed our business, growing SiriusXM and its offerings, welcoming the team from Pandora through our game changing combination and increasing our scale in podcasting with Simplecast and the pending acquisition of Stitcher. Today, we deliver the best content with a consumer reach that is unmatched in audio entertainment in North America. My decision to retire has long been in the works, and now is the right time to begin this transition. I could not be handing the reins over to a stronger leader than Jennifer. I know firsthand how talented and innovative she is, and I believe she will drive SiriusXM to new heights. This is a key time for SiriusXM, and I look forward to working with Jennifer to ensure a smooth transition as we execute on our near-term priorities.”
Ms. Witz, an 18-year company veteran, commented, “I am honored to take on the role of CEO and lead SiriusXM at this exciting time. We have the best audio content available anywhere and incredible growth platforms. At SiriusXM, we are rolling out new programming, introducing new technology and expanding our OEM relationships, while pursuing new avenues of growth at Pandora and strengthening our position in the podcasting space. It has been an extraordinary privilege working with Jim and learning from him over the years. SiriusXM has tremendous opportunities ahead. I look forward to working closely with Scott Greenstein, Sean Sullivan and the rest of our talented management team and our incredible employees to capture those opportunities, drive growth and enhance stockholder value.”
Sean Sullivan succeeds David J. Frear, who will be pursuing other opportunities, effective immediately. Upon assuming the role of CEO, Ms. Witz will also be appointed as a member of the Board of Directors. George W. Bodenheimer also announced his decision to resign from the Board, effective immediately.
