Clear Channel International announces changes to operating structure – including creation of European region

–The move creates  four clear operating regions for Clear Channel International’s holding company, Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings (NYSE:CCO): America, Latin America, China and Europe

-William Eccleshare, newly appointed Worldwide CEO of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, is leading the changes as his first move for the company following its separation from its former parent company iHeartMedia earlier this month

-Justin Cochrane, who has 19 years’ experience with Clear Channel, has been appointed into the newly created role of CEO, Europe  

-Richard Bon and Will Ramage take up new roles within Clear Channel UK, as Joint Managing Directors

Clear Channel International (CCI), the leading innovator in out-of-home advertising, has created a new European region, establishing four clear operating regions for its holding company Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings (NYSE:CCO). The changes to the company’s operating structure are being led by William Eccleshare, Worldwide CEO for Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings and CEO and Chairman of CCI, as part of his wider vision for the newly independent company.

The creation of a new European region within CCI is part of William Eccleshare’s wider strategy for CCOH following the separation from its former parent company, iHeartMedia. The changes see the creation of four clear operating regions for CCOH:  Europe, Latin America and China – which sit within the CCI  division; and Clear Channel Outdoor Americas (CCOA) – the company’s US and Caribbean division.

Justin Cochrane, who holds 19 years’ experience with Clear Channel – most recently as CEO UK and Regional Vice President, UK & Ireland – has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer for the newly-created European region. Justin will have overall responsibility for Europe’s overarching vision, mission and strategy, [building on the considerable success he’s had in leading digital transformation in the UK & Ireland, to scale these efforts across Europe] and will continue to directly oversee the UK & Ireland businesses.

William Eccleshare, Worldwide CEO for Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings (CCOH), said: “We have reached an exciting point in CCOH’s journey. As we emerge an independent organisation with the support of new shareholders and a new independent board, this is the perfect time to make changes to ensure that Clear Channel International’s (CCI) operating structure is right to deliver the next chapter.”

“I am delighted that Justin has accepted the position as the first European CEO. Justin has been paramount in driving digital transformation and innovation in the UK & Ireland, which has led to strong financial growth in the market. I look forward to Justin continuing his success across the continent.”

A number of changes to the UK leadership structure have also been announced as a result of Justin’s significantly expanded responsibilities. Chief Revenue Officer Richard Bon and Chief Investment Officer Will Ramage are newly appointed as Joint Managing Directors. Between them, Richard and Will have nearly 40 years’ experience within Clear Channel.

Additionally, Chief Commercial Officer Chris Pelekanou will extend his remit to include Europe-wide customer engagement. Marketing Director Martin Corke is promoted to become Chief Marketing Officer. All four will report into Justin Cochrane.

Commenting on his appointment, Justin Cochrane said: “With the establishment of a European region, we will be better positioned to harness the power of technology and accelerate our digital transformation. Outdoor is consistently outgrowing all other traditional advertising media, driven heavily by digital OOH1,, and this new structure gives us a strong platform to innovate and maintain our position as an industry leader. I am very much looking forward to taking on this new role and leading a great international team across our European markets, including the newly promoted senior leaders in the UK.”

Justin joined CCI as a group accountant in 2001. By 2007, he had achieved the role of Group Finance Director before moving to Clear Channel UK in 2010 as Chief Financial Officer. In 2013, Justin was appointed its Chief Operating Officer and in 2015 took up the role of Chief Executive Officer. Alongside his role as CEO of Clear Channel UK, Justin also became Chairman of Outsmart, the trade body for UK Out of Home, in 2016.

Under CCI’s new operating structure, Aris De Juan, formerly Regional President for Latin America and Southern Europe, has been confirmed as President of its Latin America region. Scott Wells will continue to hold the position of CEO for CCOA, and in China, Joseph Tcheng remains Chairman of Clear Media.