Ford Ennals, who has overseen the growth of digital radio in the United Kingdom over the past dozen years, has been named CEO of Commercial Radio Australia.
He succeeds Joan Warner who announced in September 2021 her intention to step down as head of the body that represents Australia’s commercial broadcasters. Ennals is relocating from London to Sydney, New South Wales, and will start as CRA CEO on April 4, 2022.
Ennals previously lead Digital Radio UK since its founding in 2010. Prior to that, headed the British digital television switchover body, Digital UK. On Mar. 11, 2022, Ennals announced his resignation from Digital Radio UK as part of its merger with Radioplayer.
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At Digital Radio UK, Ennals working with the BBC, Global, Bauer and Arqiva, as well as with automotive and technical bodies, the British government, and media regulator Ofcom to advance digital listening.
“Ford brings a unique combination of skills and experience to the role having worked with major global brands with a deep understanding of marketing and customers, and leading both the television and radio sectors into the digital age in the U.K. with great success,” said CRA Chairman Grant Blackley, CEO of Southern Cross Austereo. “He is an entrepreneurial change agent and leader in digital transformation, both of which will be valuable skills at CRA as the audio industry is well on its way to digital transformation.”
Blackley also thanked Warner for her tenure at CRA. “Her dynamic leadership over the past 21 years has been instrumental in the growth of commercial radio in Australia,” he said.
Commenting on his new role, Ennals said, “Australia is one of the most advanced and dynamic radio and audio markets in the world and I am truly excited to be joining the Australian radio sector at what is an inflection point in its history.”
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