iHeartMedia/Florida Division President Linda Byrd to Retire

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, April 15, 2022 | 11:31am CT

Linda Byrd

iHeartMedia/Florida Division President Linda Byrd has announced her retirement. As a company leader for four decades at iHM, Byrd has contributed to the success of nearly 50 different markets and countless employees. She'll transition out of her current post into an advisory role on July 15 and will continue to report to iHeartMedia Markets Group President Hartley Adkins. One of the duties in her advisory capacity will be the continued involvement in iHeartMedia's Hispanic footprint, where the company says she's made significant contributions.

"Having worked with Linda for 25 years, I can testify she is a once-in-a-generation leader: Incredibly thoughtful, passionate and courageous," said Adkins. "I am delighted Linda will get more quality time in retirement -- and very pleased we will have the advantage of three more years of her guidance as a consultant."

Byrd has been in the industry for 45 years, the last 40 with iHeartMedia, including its predecessor companies. During this time, she has overseen 46 different markets. In addition, she was the first female state chair for any Broadcast Association in the country and the winner of the RAB General Manager of the Year Award. The American Advertising Federation gave her the Silver Medal Award recognizing her work as an outstanding advertising professional in Florida. In addition, she has received the prestigious Florida Broadcaster of the Year Award.

"Linda has built and grown iHeartMedia in the Florida region for more than four decades, and we're grateful for her many years of strong leadership and teambuilding," said iHeartMedia CEO and Chairman Bob Pittman. "She has also been a good friend and advisor-and as she embarks on this new chapter and gives up her operating responsibilities, we are fortunate that she'll continue on with us as an important and valued advisor."

"Every company would benefit from having more Linda's on their team," added iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group CEO Greg Ashlock. "Linda has made a career of investing in people: From mentoring and developing to challenging, collaborating, and ultimately empowering. She is intelligent, invested, decisive and uncompromisingly authentic. We are better as a company because of her contributions."

"It's hard even to say the word retire," said Byrd. "I have had the most fantastic career working in an industry that I absolutely love. I've never even thought about doing anything else. And I am so fortunate to have been on this iHeart train, and previous companies, for the last 40 years. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am thankful and excited to have the opportunity to transition into an advisory role for the next stage of my life. And I'm truly appreciative of the support and partnership I have had for so many years with Bob, Rich, Greg and Hartley. I couldn't have asked for a better team to learn from and work with."