Ford Ennals, the chief executive of Digital Radio UK, has been appointed the CEO of Australia's peak industry Commercial Radio Australia.
He replaces Joan Warner who steps down at the end of March. Ennals has Australian family and will move to Sydney from London to start the role on April 4.
Ennals was the founding CEO of Digital UK, a consortium of British commercial and public service broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel Five, working to successfully convert UK homes to digital TV.
At Digital Radio UK, Ennals led the UK radio industry’s transition to digital listening, working with the BBC, Global, Bauer and Arqiva, as well as with the automotive and tech organisations the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and techUK, the UK Government, and media regulator Ofcom.
Digital listening, during his tenure, has trebled to almost two thirds of all radio listening, helping to maintain overall levels of radio listening.
“Australia is one of the most advanced and dynamic radio and audio markets in the world and I am truly excited to be joining the Australian radio sector at what is an inflection point in its history," Ennals says.
"It’s an honour to be appointed to the role of CEO of Commercial Radio Australia and I look forward to working with the radio industry and all stakeholders to ensure radio, podcasting, and the broader audio ecosystem continues to thrive and achieve its potential with both listeners and brands.”
Ennals had a distinguished marketing pedigree working with global brands in C-suite positions in both the UK and the US. He has worked as Brands Director for Mars, Vice-President Worldwide Marketing for Reebok, and President of Global Commerce for Nike’s luxury division in the US. In the UK Ennals was CMO at Lloyds Banking Group and CEO of Universal Music’s direct division.
Commercial Radio Australia Chairman and SCA CEO Grant Blackley says the radio industry has entered a new era where digital platforms are driving audience engagement, increased listening and revenue growth opportunities.
“Ford brings a unique combination of skills and experience to the role having worked with major global brands with a deep understanding of marketing and customers, and leading both the television and radio sectors into the digital age in the UK with great success," Blackley says.
"He is an entrepreneurial change agent and leader in digital transformation, both of which will be valuable skills at CRA as the audio industry is well on its way to digital transformation.
"After a rigorous global search for our new CEO, we are delighted to have someone of Ford’s calibre joining the Australian industry at a very exciting time.
“I would also like to pay tribute to Joan Warner for an outstanding tenure at CRA, her dynamic leadership over the past 21 years has been instrumental in the growth of commercial radio in Australia.
"Joan has guided the organisation through the development of several important projects including the industry-wide ad buying platform RadioMATRIX, the development of podcasting and voice tech initiatives, the launch of DAB broadcasts, the launch of our industry app, and the move to a new audience measurement system. CRA is well positioned to embrace its digital future.”
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