Cumulus Media Promotes Kriston Aitken to Chief Human Resources Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) announced that Kriston Aitken will be promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer, effective July 1, 2024. Aitken will report directly to President and CEO Mary G. Berner and will oversee HR strategy and operations, talent management, and compensation and benefits, while fostering company culture. She succeeds Todd McCarty, who is retiring after nearly nine years with the company. Aitken has been with Cumulus Media since 2016 and has served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources for the past two years. She brings nearly two decades of HR experience, including roles at Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Berner praised Aitken's dedication and operational skills, emphasizing her readiness for the role and her commitment to maintaining and enhancing the company's culture.

Positive

• Promotion of an experienced internal candidate, Kriston Aitken, to Chief Human Resources Officer.
• Aitken has nearly two decades of HR experience, enhancing her capability to manage the HR strategy effectively.
• Strong endorsement from CEO Mary G. Berner, highlighting Aitken's commitment and operational skills.
• 94% of surveyed employees express pride in working at Cumulus, indicating a positive corporate culture.
• Todd McCarty's successful tenure in shaping a positive and inclusive culture and building a robust HR department.

Negative

• Potential uncertainty or disruption during the transition period as Todd McCarty retires.
• No new external perspectives introduced at the executive HR level with the internal promotion.

ATLANTA, June 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) today announced the appointment of Kriston Aitken to Chief Human Resources Officer, effective July 1, 2024. Reporting to Mary G. Berner, President and CEO, Aitken will be responsible for Human Resources strategy and operations, talent management, compensation and benefits, and supporting the advancement of the company culture. She succeeds Todd McCarty, who will be retiring after nearly nine years with the company.

Aitken joined Cumulus Media in 2016 and has held the position of Senior Vice President of Human Resources for the past two years. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Aitken has a wealth of experience in leading HR teams. Before Cumulus, Aitken held several HR roles across various properties of Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

Mary G. Berner said, “For the past nearly eight years, Kriston has been a stand-out HR executive, and I’m delighted that she is fully ready and able to step into this important role. Given our significant focus on culture and the fact that 94% of our surveyed employees express pride in working at Cumulus, it’s crucial to have a leader genuinely invested in cultivating our culture. Kriston’s commitment to this aspect and her proven operational skills give me full confidence that she will continue to enhance the legacy that Todd leaves behind.”

Berner added, “I want to express my deepest gratitude to Todd for his invaluable contributions to Cumulus. Not only was Todd instrumental in shaping the positive and inclusive culture that defines Cumulus today, but he also built our top-notch HR Department from the ground up. His visionary leadership, strategic insights, and unwavering commitment have played a pivotal role in transforming our organization. I know his influence will continue to be felt in the thriving culture and terrific HR organization he leaves behind.”

About Cumulus Media

Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) is an audio-first media company delivering premium content to over a quarter billion people every month — wherever and whenever they want it. Cumulus Media engages listeners with high-quality local programming through 401 owned-and-operated radio stations across 85 markets; delivers nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming from iconic brands including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, CNN, AP News, the Academy of Country Music Awards, and many other world-class partners across more than 9,800 affiliated stations through Westwood One, the largest audio network in America; and inspires listeners through the Cumulus Podcast Network, its rapidly growing network of original podcasts that are smart, entertaining and thought-provoking. Cumulus Media provides advertisers with personal connections, local impact and national reach through broadcast and on-demand digital, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms, as well as integrated digital marketing services, powerful influencers, full-service audio solutions, industry-leading research and insights, and live event experiences. Cumulus Media is the only audio media company to provide marketers with local and national advertising performance guarantees. For more information visit www.cumulusmedia.com.

Contact:
Shoshana Shapiro | Cumulus Media | Shoshana.Shapiro@cumulus.com

FAQ

When will Kriston Aitken assume the role of Chief Human Resources Officer at Cumulus Media?

Kriston Aitken will assume the role on July 1, 2024.

Who did Kriston Aitken succeed as Chief Human Resources Officer at Cumulus Media?

Kriston Aitken succeeded Todd McCarty, who is retiring after nearly nine years with the company.

What is Kriston Aitken's current position at Cumulus Media before being promoted?

Kriston Aitken is currently the Senior Vice President of Human Resources.

How long has Kriston Aitken been with Cumulus Media?

Kriston Aitken has been with Cumulus Media since 2016.

What percentage of Cumulus Media employees express pride in working at the company?

94% of surveyed employees express pride in working at Cumulus Media.