1. In 2014, I was nominated, recognised and awarded a Radio Academy 30 Under 30 Award. Below is the
nomination that I received from my Group Commercial Director of Orion Media, Adrian Serle (now CEO).
On 10 July 2014 08:11, Adrian Serle <adrian.serle@orionmedia.com>wrote:
Richard demonstrates exemplary leadership skills, fantastic sales capability, and high levels of strategic
thinking, that are way beyond his years.
Richard started his radio career in 2006 as an Account Manager at the then named Wyvern FM. After very
quickly asserting himself as the top billing Account Manager, Richard had four very successful years
building strong new business relationships with many of the clients that are still on air today.
In 2011 at 25, Richard was appointed Sales Manager of Wyvern FM, after demonstrating to his seniors that
he had the right level of drive and determination, to help re-position the station, in order that the
desired level of growth could be achieved.
Richard demonstrated maturity and strong leadership, combined with effective strategic decision
making, through a period when the station rebranded to Free Radio, and the senior management
structure changed above him. This pushed Richard further into the spot light, as he was required to 'hold
customers hands' through the transition, and assume the most senior position at the station on a day-to-
day basis.
He achieved great success in doing this, bringing the stations broader team together, focusing them on a
common goal, whilst helping each individual to reach their full potential. He is now very highly regarded
by all, whether from the presenting team, or one of his own sales team, and is seen as a dedicated, hard-
working, balanced and committed leader.
Richard remains customer focused, and is constantly suggesting new and innovative ways to organise the
business, or present itself to the market, to ensure the stations full potential can be reached across
sales, programming and marketing functions.
Below are a few of the key performance indicators which highlight the transition that has been made in
such a short period of time;
- Client retention has gone from 52% in 2010 to 98% of all clients retained YOY in 2013.
- 199% revenue growth from 2011 to 2013.
- 2014 local revenue is 17% up YOY
- Lowest level of people churn in Orion Media Group
- Winner of The Arqiva Awards, Radio Station of the Year 2014
Thanks
Adrian Serle
Group Commercial Director