Cox Media Group Executive-VP Bob Neil to Retire

Cox Media Group Executive Vice President Bob Neil will retire on May 31 after serving the company for 25 years.

Neil was instrumental in the creation of CMG when Cox Enterprises integrated its direct marketing, newspaper, radio, and TV businesses in 2009.  Neil’s replacement will be announced in the coming weeks, and he has agreed to consult with CMG in a multi-year agreement.

“Bob has contributed enormously to the success of our CMG properties with his brilliant programming, research and content skills,” said CMG President Doug Franklin.  “His leadership over radio for 19 years is evident in the quality stations and employees we have across our network.”

For the past two years as executive vice president, Neil has overseen various radio, television, newspaper, digital and research operations within CMG.  In addition, he served as president of Cox Radio and also had responsibility for CMG Research, which under his leadership began supporting CMG’s newspaper and TV properties.

“Cox is an amazing company, and it starts at the top with Jim Kennedy, Jimmy Hayes and Doug Franklin,” said Neil.  “Being part of the CMG start-up has been a once in a lifetime experience.  It’s been a privilege to work with our folks at the best radio stations, television stations and newspapers in America.   I look forward to continuing to contribute.”

Prior to his current position, Neil served as president and chief executive officer of Cox Radio, Inc. from 1996 to 2009. He joined Cox in 1986 as station manager of Atlanta’s WSB-AM/FM, and in 1988 was named vice president and general manager of Tampa’s WWRM-FM.  From 1989 to 1992 he was vice president and general manager of WSB-AM/FM, and from 1992 to 1996 served as executive vice president-radio of Cox Broadcasting.  He was named president and chief executive officer of Cox Radio, Inc. in 1996, when it became a public company, and served until 2009, when he began serving in his current position.