Veteran broadcaster Denise Donlon will take the reins at CBC Radio as its new executive director, the pubcaster announced on Wednesday. The appointment takes effect Sept. 29.

A respected journalist, producer and former president of Sony Music Canada, Donlon replaces Jennifer McGuire, who left English-language radio in May.

Donlon’s appointment follows the recent overhaul of CBC Radio 2, which dropped much of its classical fare in favor of other genres.

‘Denise is one of the broadcasting industry’s most talented and dynamic organizational leaders,’ commented CBC EVP of English services Richard Stursberg in a release.

Donlon’s career took off in 1985, when she joined CHUM Television’s MuchMusic as a host and producer. She became VP and GM of MuchMusic and MuchMoreMusic in 1997 and later was appointed to CHUM’s board of directors.

She has recently focused on live event programming and had a hand in the Live 8 concert, the inaugural Green Living conference and a recent charity fundraiser in Toronto marking the birthday of former US president Bill Clinton.

Donlon, 52, has garnered numerous awards for her work and was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2005.

‘These are exciting times, and I believe CBC Radio is well positioned to enhance its reputation as the country’s best and most vital radio service,’ she says.

From Playback Daily