NAB'S NEW CEO TAKES HELM DEC. 5 Tony Sanders – Billboard The NAB made it official this afternoon: David K. Rehr, 46, will succeed Eddie Fritts as the organization’s president and CEO. Rehr has signed a multi-year contract with the NAB and, prior to this, has been the president of the National Beer Wholesalers Association.
He takes over as president/CEO on Dec. 5. Longtime CEO and former radio broadcaster Fritts will hold a consultant position with the NAB through April 2008.
The NAB said in a prepared statement that about 80 potential candidates were considered in the search for Fritts' successor. “Rehr's selection comes with the endorsement of an NAB Presidential Search Committee chaired by Philip Lombardo, CEO of Citadel Communications, and David Kennedy, president and CEO, Susquehanna Media Co.”
"David's track record of success is well-documented, and we are confident that he has the talent to represent over-the-air broadcasting inside the Beltway and around the world with distinction," said Kennedy. "Just as the Search Committee rallied around this selection, I'm convinced that all of our industry colleagues will also find David Rehr the right person to lead NAB."
Bruce Reese, president and CEO of Bonneville International and NAB joint board chairman, called Rehr "a highly skilled advocate with a passion for policy and a deep understanding of how Washington works. I am delighted that we have identified someone I truly believe will be an outstanding advocate for broadcasters for many, many years."
Rehr has more than 20 years of experience on Capitol Hill and in the lobbying community. He also has a doctorate in economics from George Mason University, and has been named a "Top Association Lobbyist" by The Hill multiple times, and has been featured in Beachum's Guide to Key Lobbyists. |