dmg Radio’s popular Queensland General Manager, Sean Ryan, has left the network, after being appointed News Limited’s new State Director for Queensland.
Sean has held the GM role at dmg Brisbane since the 2004 launch of Brisbane’s first Nova station, Nova 106.9. With Sean at the helm, the station debuted second in its first ever Brisbane ratings cycle.
Sean Ryan has been awarded the ‘Most Popular Station Manager’ ACRA several times, including picking it up again this year for his work at Nova in Brisbane.
He will take on a broad commercial role at News Corp, assuming responsibility for all News Corp’s Queensland businesses (excluding editorial) with all Queensland General Managers reporting to Ryan. His remit includes Qld Newspapers, regional community papers, online businesses and standalone digital interests, as well as the state operational requirements for News’ national brands such as Fox Sports and the company’s premium magazines.
dmg CEO Cathy O’Connor said the News Limited appointment is a sad day for dmg Radio but a fantastic opportunity for Ryan:
“Sean will be sorely missed at dmg Radio but this is a fantastic opportunity and one that is well deserved. From his first day at dmg Radio to now, Sean has over delivered on every goal, led a professional and world class team, fostered a culture of success and is known throughout the industry for his undying energy, commitment and passion toward everything he does… I believe his appointment will only strengthen the fantastic working partnership we have with Sean and News Corp.”
From his early role as General Manager of dmg Regional in Queensland, Ryan led a rapid turnaround of the then, regional radio business and was quickly promoted to General Manager Brisbane once dmg was successful in securing the FM licence at auction in April 2004. He then launched Nova 106.9, and was instrumental in ensuring the station became and remains, one of the great success stories of dmg Radio and the Brisbane radio market.
Sean Ryan will transition out of the business over the next three weeks and his final day with dmg will be Friday December 6th. In this interim period and until early 2014, the Brisbane executive team, will work closely with Cathy O’Connor and Group GM Manager and CFO Lou Higgins to fulfill the responsibilities of the General Manager’s role.