Bleav Names Jim Thompson VP of Sales

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 10:33am CT

Jim Thompson

Bleav has named Jim Thompson Vice President of Sales, overseeing the company's advertising sales organization and revenue efforts across its audio, video and social platforms.

Thompson joins Bleav from Gemini XIII, where he served as Vice President of Sales across the company's podcasting, radio and premium audio businesses. Previously, he held sales roles at The Athletic, working across podcasts, digital and newsletters, and at Cadence13, where he specialized in direct-response advertising and large-scale brand activations.

His background also includes sports advertising sales at ESPN New York 98.7 FM, where he handled advertising and sponsorships across ESPN programming and broadcasts of the New York Jets, Knicks and Rangers. Thompson began his career in New York radio at WOR and later served as Sales Manager for Salem Media's New York stations.

"Jim brings exactly the kind of sales leadership and experience we want as Bleav continues to grow," said Bleav Founder and CEO Bron Heussenstamm. "He understands both sports and non-sports, podcasts, creators and advertisers, and has built strong relationships throughout the industry."

In his new role, Thompson will lead Bleav's internal sales team, oversee advertising and sponsorship initiatives and manage relationships with the company's third-party sales partners.

"Bleav has built an incredible network of creators, athletes and content with tremendous opportunity ahead," said Thompson. "I'm excited to join Bron and the Bleav team, work with our sales organization and partners, and build on that foundation to create even more opportunities for advertisers, creators and the company."