Hanson Means Business Leaving Radio

• RAMP has confirmed that 30-year radio exec Troy Hanson has resigned his multi-purpose role with Cumulus — Corporate VP of Rock Formats, VP of Operations for Cumulus Chicago and PD of Alternative WKQX (Q101)/Chicago and plans to relocate to Nashville to expand his other business interests.

Music City is familiar turf for Hanson, who notably spent six years there with Cromwell, rising to OM/PD of Active Rock WBUZ, Rhythmic WPRT, Gospel WQZQ-AM/FM. “I’m heading back to Nashville to step up my end of the business I share with my friends & partners,” said Hanson, who left Cromwell in 2013 to join Cumulus as Corporate PD/Rock and PD of WNNX (Rock 100.5)/Atlanta. Two years later he earned the transfer to Chicago as PD of WKQX. Hanson’s previous radio triumphs included Clear Channel’s WBGG and the late WZTA/Miami. He also logged time at WRIF/Detroit, KAZR/Des Moines and enjoyed time in Milwaukee, Duluth, MN and Saginaw, MI.

“What a fun ride my radio experience was,” Hanson tells RAMP. “It was inspiring to meet so many talented people along the way. Wrapping up the last ten years with the great programmers of the Rock/Classic Rock & Alternative Platform at Cumulus was the chef’s kiss. Shout out to Mike McVay for an amazing opportunity, and my special thanks to Marv Nyren in Chicago. It’s been a source of great pride watching my dear friend James Kurdziel grow into the stellar executive he is today.”

In closing, Hanson noted, “With a full career of relationships and living in Nashville, I have no doubt there may be music industry-related things that may present themselves to me while continuing to build our real estate portfolio of houses and restaurants. Cheers!”