Cumulus Chicago Ups Troy Hanson to VP/Operations

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 12, 2017 | 2:01pm CT

Troy Hanson

Cumulus Media promotes Alternative WKQX-FM Program Director Troy Hanson, who also serves as VP/Programming Rock formats, to the newly created post of VP/Operations for its four-station group in Chicago. Hanson, a 27-year programming vet, will continue to program WKQX and to oversee Rock formats for Cumulus. He joined the company in 2013 as Corporate Program Director, Rock Formats and as Program Director for WNNX-FM (Rock 100.5) in Atlanta. Prior to Cumulus, Hanson was Operations Manager for Cromwell Radio Group in Nashville.

Concurrently, Cumulus Media signs Classic Hits WLS-FM/Chicago Program Director Brian Thomas to a multi-year contract extension. Thomas has been PD for WLS-FM since July, 2015. He also serves Cumulus as Corporate Program Director for the Country format, and is VP/Programming, Classic Hits. Thomas was previously PD co-owned WNSH-FM (NASH FM 94.7)/New York. Prior to joining Cumulus, he was National VP/Classic Hits programming for CBS Radio. He was also PD for Country WQYK-FM and Classic Hits WRBQ-FM, and VP/Programming for CBS Radio in Tampa.

Cumulus Media Chicago VP/Market Manager Peter Bowen said, "I am thrilled to have Troy and Brian returning to Cumulus Chicago for years to come. They have both proven time and time again to be leaders and winners in our industry."

Hanson added, "To be around these storied, iconic brands and the incredibly talented staffs that make each station hum is just awe inspiring. Many thanks to Dave Milner, Mike McVay and Peter Bowen for the tremendous opportunity."

Thomas said, "I'm loving my hometown of Chicago and proud we've turned WLS-FM into a top 10 radio station. I'm now looking forward to growing it even more in the years ahead. I appreciate the continued support from Cumulus leadership."