TONY COLES
Chicago,IL
Summary
Results-oriented media executive with a proven track record in building and mentoring diverse, high-performing teams, driving profit growth, and fostering product innovation. Decisive leader championing operational improvements, market expansion, and a positive corporate culture as the pillars of success.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
President, Multicultural Business and Development
iHeartMedia
12.2023 - Current
- Managed and exceeded annual revenue budget of over $350 million.
- Responsible for expanding and enhancing revenue in the multicultural division through effective business development
- Oversaw the growth strategy for iHeartMedia assets encompassing digital, social, events, podcasting, network syndication, and broadcast radio.
- Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to foster collaboration and maximize resources.
- Developed strong partnerships with cross-functional teams for improved collaboration and efficiency.
- Recruited, developed, and retained inclusive sales team for monetizing Black, Latino, AANHPI, and LGBTQ+ content and programming.
President - Black Information Network
iHeartMedia
06.2020 - Current
- Founded and led America's largest Black news network, prioritizing revenue generation, audience growth, and content development.
- Developed and executed revenue growth strategies.
- Developed innovative content strategies and collaborated with marketplace to expand network in 35+ markets, reaching over 150 broadcast radio stations.
- Established strong connections with Government Affairs and strategic community partners, contributing significantly to the advancement of Black journalism.
Division President - Markets Group
iHeartMedia
01.2020 - 12.2023
- Successfully oversaw operational leadership and revenue generation in 22 Metro Markets Division across diverse locations such as Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, St. Louis, Hawaii, and New Orleans.
- Directed P&L responsibilities for a $400M broadcast radio division.
- Directed and managed market-level COVID-19 revenue recovery strategies.
Executive Vice President of Programming
iHeartMedia
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Led executive team in driving audience growth, developing content, and managing talent across over 20 markets including as Dallas, Houston, and Miami.
- Achieved and surpassed audience growth targets on a consistent basis.
Senior Vice President/Programming
iHeartMedia
03.2013 - 01.2016
- Leveraged experience in audience growth, content development, marketing, and talent management to oversee operations of six station cluster in Chicago.
- Track record of surpassing audience performance metrics.
Education
Master of Business Administration - MBA -
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah12.2020
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Communications -
Marylhurst University
Portland, Oregon12.2012
Telecommunications Management -
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio12.1990
Skills
- Leadership Team Building
- Organizational Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Revenue Generation
Boardexperience
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Tampa, Co-Chair, National Board of Directors, 01/2021, Present
- National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation, Washington, DC, Board Member, 01/2021, Present
- Radio Advertising Bureau, New York, Board Member, 01/2021, Present, Chair of Multicultural Marketing Committee
Certification
Corporate Governance: Maximize Your Effectiveness in the Boardroom, Wharton Executive Education
Timeline
President, Multicultural Business and Development
iHeartMedia
12.2023 - Current
President - Black Information Network
iHeartMedia
06.2020 - Current
Division President - Markets Group
iHeartMedia
01.2020 - 12.2023
Executive Vice President of Programming
iHeartMedia
01.2016 - 01.2020
Senior Vice President/Programming
iHeartMedia
03.2013 - 01.2016
Master of Business Administration - MBA -
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Communications -
Marylhurst University
Telecommunications Management -
Ohio University
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