WEEI/Boston Ups Ken Laird to Brand Manager, Adds Jones

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 13, 2023 | 11:26am CT

Ken Laird

Audacy elevates Ken Laird from Operations Manager to Brand Manager of Sports WEEI-FM/Boston, effective immediately. In this role, Laird will oversee content strategy, talent, operations and branding for the station. Laird began his radio career as a producer at WEEI in 2002 before moving back to his hometown of Pittsburgh in 2002, starting out as a midday producer for WEAE (ESPN Radio 1250) and becoming a Steelers beat reporter and night host, a position he held through 2011.

From 2011 through 2015, Laird hosted web radio for the Pittsburgh Tribune Review's "TribLIVE Radio" in addition to covering and reporting on the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, and University of Pittsburgh athletics. He rejoined WEEI in 2015 as morning producer, a role he served through various iterations of the show through January, 2022 in addition to hosting on weekends.

"Working at WEEI, an iconic and influential brand, has been an honor dating back to my start here in 2002," said Laird. "To take on a Brand Manager role some twenty years later is both incredibly humbling and exciting. I can't thank Mark Hannon and Mike Thomas enough for the guidance and opportunity they've given me. The sports radio ratings share in Boston is proof that the nation's most passionate fans live here, and I'm ready for the challenge to work with this great staff to deliver the daily entertainment those fans crave."

WEEI also welcomes Adam Jones as afternoon co-host. Jones will join co-hosts Meghan Ottolini and Christian Arcand weekdays from 2-6pm as "Jones & Mego" with Christian Arcand on January 30. Jones joins WEEI from 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston, where he hosted the night show since 2013 and co-hosted "The Dan Shaughnessy Show" from 2009-10. Other previous roles include host for ESPN Boston.com Radio and ESPN Radio (2011-12) and updates anchor for 890 ESPN Boston (2006-2008).

"This is the 3rd run for Adam and I working together. He's talented, opinionated, informed and funny. Miss a day and miss a lot. Afternoons on WEEI will be can't miss entertainment," said Audacy Boston Senior Vice President and Market Manager Mike Thomas. "Ken has stepped up and really proven himself as a leader this past year, and I'm very happy to elevate him in this new role. I know the best is yet to come."

"Joining the team at WEEI is a lifelong dream come true," added Jones. "For 10 years, I have approached nights like afternoon drive. I can't wait to get started with Meghan and Christian."