Mike Walsh, Head of Music at UK-based Radio X, is leaving the station after 18 years with parent company Global.
The respected exec has been part of managing the XFM / Radio X brand since 2005.
Under Walsh’s direction, the station has been an early backer of breakout UK talent like The 1975, Florence + The Machine, Gerry Cinnamon, Hozier, Mumford & Sons, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Sam Fender, James Bay, Biffy Clyro and The Courteeners.
Walsh’s last day at Radio X will be Friday, September 20.
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege working with some of the best people I know, but after 18 years it is definitely time for a break and something new,” said Walsh in a note to industry friends and partners today (September 6).
“XFM and Radio X have been the most amount of fun and I am so proud to say that I’ll be leaving it in great shape with some record numbers and an excellent team in place.”
He added: “Thank you to all the artists, industry and friends for always being an inspiration, and see you soon for the next chapter.”
A Global spokesperson said: “Mike has been a core part of Radio X, and before that Xfm, and he leaves us by mutual agreement. We’d like to thank him for his amazing work over his time at Global and wish him the very best for the future.”
Walsh is a Mercury Prize judge, and prior to joining the world of radio, worked with the likes of Coldplay and Blur in the promotions department of Parlophone Records.
The Radio X network reaches 1.62m listeners, according to the latest RAJAR results.Music Business Worldwide
