Auddia Names Jeff Thramann as New CEO Succeeding Lawless

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 9, 2025 | 10:47am CT

Auddia Inc.

Auddia Inc. announced a major leadership transition and a strategic shift that could see the company restructured as a subsidiary of an AI-native holding company. Jeff Thramann, the company's Executive Chairman and founder, has taken over as CEO, succeeding Michael Lawless, who is retiring after 13 years of leadership.

The company also appointed three new independent board members -- Nick Balletta, Emmanuel de Boucaud, and Josh Sroge -- who bring expertise in AI infrastructure and early-stage technology ventures. They replace outgoing directors Steve Deitsch, Tim Hanlon, and Tom Birch.

The reconstituted board has established a special committee to evaluate the merits of a business combination that could result in Auddia becoming part of a larger AI-centric holding company. If pursued, the new entity would aim to centralize AI development and leadership to deliver advanced AI capabilities across its portfolio companies, including a proprietary AI data center intended to reduce the cost of model training and inference.

Thramann, who will lead the evaluation and potential transition, would become CEO of the holding company if the restructuring is approved. A new CEO would be appointed to lead Auddia at that time.

The company said the proposed changes are the result of a nine-month review of strategic alternatives involving management, the board, and outside consultants. The process has already yielded an updated plan for Auddia's flagship app, faidr, which enables ad-free AM/FM listening and podcast features via subscription.

"There can be no assurances" that the special committee will move forward with the restructuring or any other strategic transaction, the company noted in a statement.

Thramann acknowledged Lawless's contributions to the company and its predecessor, Clip Interactive, stating, "We all wish Michael well in his retirement."