WEEI Inks Jones, Ups Laird To Brand Mgr.

• Audacy Sports-Talk WEEI/Boston makes two major announcements: 1) market vet Adam Jones is named afternoon co-host, joining Meghan Ottolini and Christian Arcand to create Jones & Mego, weekdays from 2-6pm, starting January 30, and 2) OM Ken Laird has been promoted to Brand Manager of WEEI.

Jones (left) previously worked for Beasley rival WBZ-FM (98.5 The Sports Hub), where he spent a decade in nights, and earlier co-hosted The Dan Shaughnessy Show from 2009-10. Other market stops include ESPN Boston.com Radio and ESPN Radio (2011-12) and 890 ESPN Boston from 2006-2008.

SVP/Market Manager Mike Thomas said of Jones, “This is the 3rd run for Adam and I working together. He’s talented, opinionated, informed and funny. Miss a day and miss a lot. Afternoons on WEEI will be can’t-miss entertainment. Ken has stepped up and really proven himself as a leader this past year, and I’m very happy to elevate him in this new role. I know the best is yet to come.” Jones said, “Joining the team at WEEI is a lifelong dream come true. For 10 years, I have approached nights like afternoon drive. I can’t wait to get started with Meghan and Christian.”

Laird (right) launched his radio career as a producer at WEEI in 2002 while completing his degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University. He moved back to his hometown of Pittsburgh in 2002, starting as a midday producer for WEAE (ESPN Radio 1250) before ascending to Steelers’ beat reporter and night host until 2011. From 2011 through 2015, Laird hosted the Pittsburgh Tribune Review‘s TribLIVE Radio. Laird rejoined WEEI in 2015 as morning show producer, and in January 2022 was upped from Asst. Brand Manager to OM.

“Working at WEEI, an iconic and influential brand, has been an honor dating back to my start here in 2002,” said Laird. “To take on a Brand Manager role some 20 years later is both incredibly humbling and exciting. I can’t thank Mark Hannon and Mike Thomas enough for the guidance and opportunity they’ve given me. The sports radio ratings share in Boston is proof that the nation’s most passionate fans live here, and I’m ready for the challenge to work with this great staff to deliver the daily entertainment those fans crave.”