Executive Action

• As part of its strategy “to deliver an enhanced visual hybrid radio station experience beyond the smartphone,” TagStation, the power behind NextRadio, is increasing focused efforts on the connected car. To that end, the company has hired Derek Rohloff as VP of Automotive Business Development to spearhead inclusion in the next generation auto dashboard. Rohloff previously served as VP, Worldwide Content & US Automotive and VP of Automotive Strategic Partnerships.

“Derek brings his proven expertise and deep industry contacts to the team which will help us ramp up quickly,” said Paul Brenner, President of NextRadio and TagStation. “The timing is right for the company, as we are poised and ready to showcase what we can offer to the automotive industry.” TagStation’s activity in the dashboard space began in 2012, when it worked with a leading OEM to build a prototype for SmartDeviceLink. Rapid advancements in the connected car and the growing demand for an enhanced radio experience are leading the company’s automotive expansion. TagStation, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emmis Communications Corporation.

• Cody Welling is the new VP/Market Manager for Cumulus Media’s five-station group in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA. Welling segues from the Director of Sales post at the company’s eight-station cluster in Toledo-Monroe, OH, where he previously served as General Sales Manager. Prior to that, Welling was GSM and Director of Sales for Great Plains Media in Bloomington-Normal, IL and Local Sales Manager for ESPN Radio in Toledo. Cumulus RVP Mark Sullivan said, “This is a terrific move for the company and for Cody. Cody’s strong track record of success and dynamic management style are already paying dividends in Shreveport and I look forward to his success and professional growth as our VP/Market Manager.”

Welling remarked, “The passion of our team in Shreveport has made this an easy transition. The leadership from CEO Mary Berner, SVP Jeff Brown and RVP Mark Sullivan truly represents Cumulus’ goal of individual markets serving their community, listeners, clients, shareholders and our employees. All great leaders are surrounded by great people along the way. I would like to thank my former Cumulus team in Toledo, along with Toledo-Monroe RVP Andy Stuart and DOS Dana DiModica for their support in my new role.”