iHeart Florida Pres. Linda Byrd Retiring
• iHeartMedia announced the impending retirement of Linda Byrd, Division President of iHeartMedia Florida. Byrd has been in the radio industry for 45 years, the last 40 with iHeartMedia, including its predecessor companies. During this time, she has overseen 46 different markets and earned numerous industry accolades. Byrd will transition out of her Division President role into an advisory role, effective July 15 and will continue to report to Hartley Adkins, President of iHeartMedia Markets Group. One of the duties in her advisory capacity will be the continued involvement in iHeartMedia’s Hispanic footprint, where she has made significant contributions.
Adkins remarked, “Having worked with Linda for 25 years, I can testify she is a once-in-a-generation leader: Incredibly thoughtful, passionate and courageous. I am delighted Linda will get more quality time in retirement — and very pleased we will have the advantage of three more years of her guidance as a consultant.”
“Linda has built and grown iHeartMedia in the Florida region for more than four decades, and we’re grateful for her many years of strong leadership and teambuilding,” said Bob Pittman, CEO & Chairman of iHeartMedia. “She has also been a good friend and advisor — and as she embarks on this new chapter and gives up her operating responsibilities, we are fortunate that she’ll continue on with us as an important and valued advisor.”
Greg Ashlock, CEO of iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group, commented, “Every company would benefit from having more Linda’s on their team. Linda has made a career of investing in people — from mentoring and developing to challenging, collaborating, and ultimately empowering. She is intelligent, invested, decisive and uncompromisingly authentic. We are better as a company because of her contributions.”
“It’s hard even to say the word ‘retire,'” said Byrd. “I have had the most fantastic career working in an industry that I absolutely love. I’ve never even thought about doing anything else. And I’m so fortunate to have been on this iHeart train, and previous companies, for the last 40 years. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m thankful and excited to have the opportunity to transition into an advisory role for the next stage of my life. And I’m truly appreciative of the support and partnership I have had for so many years with Bob, Rich, Greg and Hartley. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to learn from and work with.”
