Hellum Joins GAP West, Weller Group Managing Director

RADIO ONLINE | , , | :am CT

Erik Hellum (pictured) joins GAP West as President and as a member of the company's board, effective May 5. He succeeds Samuel "Skip" Weller, who moves to parent GAP Broadcasting Group as Managing Director, where he will help develop and implement strategic initiatives. Previously, Hellum worked for Bonneville for the past five and half years, most recently as VP/Market Manager in Phoenix.

"Erik is a talented and dynamic leader with a terrific track record, and I'm thrilled that he's joining GAP West as President," said Oaktree Capital Management Senior VP Andrew Salter. "Erik's proven ability to drive strong ratings and revenue performance via creative methodologies, including innovative digital applications, aligns very well with GAP West's philosophy and culture."

"Contrary to what many might think, this is a phenomenal time to be in the radio business," added Hellum. "The value proposition of radio is simple but powerful -- hire the best people, build the best products, form strong bonds with your local community, embrace new forms of distribution, and monetize your cross-platform offering by delivering results for advertisers."

Before his duties in Seattle, Hellum was VP/GM for Bonneville's WIL-FM and WRTH-FM/St. Louis. Prior to joining Bonneville, he served in senior sales positions with Clear Channel Group Sales and AMFM Inc. where he was Executive VP and Regional VP/Sales, respectively. He also spent 10 years with Katz Radio.