The renamed Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has tapped music, entertainment and media executive John Sykes as president, Clear Channel Entertainment Enterprises. It’s a newly created position.
Sykes will report to Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman. This is the first major hire by Pittman since he came to Clear Channel last November. The Los Angeles Times reports the pair worked together as core members of the team that launched MTV in 1981.
Sykes has played leadership roles at several brands in the music, entertainment and media spectrum, including as president of VH1, president of Network Development for MTV Networks, chief executive officer of Infinity Broadcasting, now CBS Radio, president of Chrysalis Records and as an agent at the Creative Artists Agency.
According to the broadcaster, Sykes will develop new businesses for the company across a range of media, including television and live events. Sykes’ new group will work with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment CEO John Hogan and his people, as well as Clear Channel Outdoor, both in the United States and internationally.
Sykes has worked with Clear Channel in a consultant role since early 2011 and on several projects, including assisting the National Programming Platforms team that created the iHeartRadio Music Festival.
