Emmis Ups Walsh to President, Hornaday Named CFO

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 27, 2015

Patrick Walsh and Ryan Hornaday

In a series of promotions, Emmis Communications elevates Patrick Walsh (far left) to President/COO, while Ryan Hornaday is named Executive VP/Chief Financial Officer, effective August 1. Company founder Jeff Smulyan remains Chairman/CEO. Walsh joined Emmis in 2006 as CFO and most recently served as Executive VP, CFO and COO. Hornaday joined Emmis in 1999 and most recently served as Senior VP/Finance and Treasurer.

"We have an outstanding team of senior leaders at Emmis. These moves are a natural evolution in our leadership process, allowing Ryan to take on additional responsibility for leading our finance team thereby enabling Pat to build on his impressive track record operating our business," said Smulyan. "We're blessed to have a great team that makes such a difference in our performance and ability to innovate on behalf of Emmis and our industries."

"Ryan is one of the most talented finance executives I've encountered in my career and I'm thrilled to see him take on the CFO role," said Walsh. "In my new role, I look forward to working with my colleagues at Emmis and throughout the radio industry to find innovative ways to deliver growth in the coming years."

"Throughout my sixteen years at Emmis, I have been impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit that permeates all levels of this organization," added Hornaday. "I am excited about the opportunity to join the executive ranks at Emmis and help deliver long-term value for our shareholders and employees."

Before joining Emmis, Walsh was CFO at iBiquity Digital, the developer and licenser of HD Radio, served as a management consultant for McKinsey & Company, and served in a variety of finance roles at General Motors and Deloitte LLP.

Walsh currently serves on the Board of Directors of Emmis Communications, National Association of Broadcasters where he serves on the Executive Committee as Major Group Representative, Radio Advertising Bureau, Radio Music License Committee, Indianapolis 500 Festival and the Center for Leadership Development.

Prior to joining Emmis in 1999, Hornaday spent three years in the audit practice of Arthur Andersen LLP in Indianapolis. He is a board member of Choices, a not-for-profit organization that provides cross system coordination services for youth and their families. He is also a member of the Finance Committee for The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the world's largest children's museum.

Additionally, Emmis has announced that Christopher Rickenbach has been promoted to VP/Finance and Assistant Treasurer.