GWR Loses Chief Executive In Board Reshuffle

Patrick Taylor is to step down as chief executive of GWR as part of a major overhaul of the radio group’s board.

Taylor, who joined GWR as finance director and deputy chief executive in 1996, is to take up a part time consultancy role as non-executive chairman of Livetime, the division of GWR that focuses on delivering digital radio to mobile devices.

The move follows a slimming down of GWR’s board to reflect its smaller radio portfolio after the sale of its overseas interests. Following the completion of this programme the group said it no longer requires six executive directors.

New media and marketing director, Simon Ward, will join Taylor in stepping down from the board after GWR’s annual general meeting on 31 July.

Commenting on the shake-up, Taylor, said: “We have positioned our UK business as a more focused company with a strong management team, and it is entirely appropriate that I now move on. GWR has great opportunities for creating value for shareholders through the uptake of digital radio. I am delighted to continue my association with the Group through the Livetime project.”

Earlier this year GWR sold its stake in Vibe Radio Services to Scottish Radio Holdings after having its acquisition of Chrysalis-owned Galaxy 101 blocked by the Competition Commission (see GWR Sells Vibe Following Competition Rebuttal).

GWR Group: 020 7284 3000 www.gwrgroup.com

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