Australian Radio Network appoints Tony Kendall CEO

Australian Radio Network announced its new CEO as Tony Kendall, current Director of Sales at Bauer Media.

Kendall replaces Ciaran Davis who was promoted three months ago to the CEO role at ARN’s parent company APN News & Media. He will report to Davis.

As new Chief Executive, Tony Kendall will be responsible for driving ARN’s overall strategic direction, growth and operations of the radio business, as well as overseeing the expansion of the iHeartRadio platform in Australia.

Ciaran Davis said, “Tony’s extensive commercial expertise in developing integrated commercial solutions across multiple platforms means he is very well placed to continue ARN’s growth strategies across its portfolio of brands. Tony is well regarded in the industry and has a deep understanding of the rapidly evolving media landscape in which we operate.

“It is an exciting time for Tony to be joining APN as the Company continues its strategy of growth across its broad range of assets in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.”

Kendall said, “It is a fantastic time to be joining APN as ARN continues to strengthen its proposition for advertisers and consumers. ARN is an innovative media and entertainment company and the market leader with a large and engaged audience base. There is huge opportunity for continued growth and I’m looking forward to working with Ciaran and the ARN management team in continuing the business’ momentum in the market.”

Kendall, well respected for his sales track record and understanding of Australia’s marketing and advertising sector, is said to have also been chosen for the way he grew Bauer’s online advertising after joining in early 2013. Last year digital revenues made up 10-15% of total Bauer ad income.

ARN, which runs the commercial radio networks KISS and Pure Gold, saw revenue rise 29% to $104.6 million in the six months to June. KIIS 1065 is the most listened-to station in Sydney, a market which was up last month 8.58% to $19.642 million, and had 7.2% of Melbourne, the second largest radio ad market.

Before joining Bauer, Kendall spent 23 years at News Corp Australia in senior commercial management roles in Melbourne, Sydney and New York. He spent a year as the CEO of the Australian magazine division.