SiriusXM has announced that its CEO Jim Meyer intends to retire on December 31, 2020.
In a press statement announcing the news, Meyer said that “My decision to retire has long been in the works, and now is the right time to begin this transition”.
The company also announced today that Sean S. Sullivan has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective October 26, 2020.
Sullivan succeeds David Frear, who, according to a press release announcing the changes, “will be pursuing other opportunities”, effective immediately.
Upon Meyer’s retirement, Jennifer C. Witz, who is currently President, Sales, Marketing and Operations, will become the company’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Following his retirement, Meyer will remain on SiriusXM’s Board of Directors and will serve as Vice Chairman.
Upon assuming the role of CEO, Witz will be appointed as a member of the Board.
Witz has been with SiriusXM for over 18 years, most recently serving as President, Sales, Marketing and Operations of SiriusXM since March 2019.
Prior to that, she served as the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer from August 2017 until March 2019.
In her time at the company, Witz has served in a variety of senior financial and operating roles including Senior Vice President of Finance and Vice President of Finance.
Before joining SiriusXM, Witz was Vice President of Planning and Development at Viacom and prior to that she was Vice President of Finance and Corporate Development at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
“I could not be handing the reins over to a stronger leader than Jennifer. I know firsthand how talented and innovative she is, and I believe she will drive SiriusXM to new heights.”
Jim Meyer
“It has been a privilege to lead SiriusXM, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the last eight years,” said Meyer.
“This company has never been in a better position. We have transformed our business, growing SiriusXM and its offerings, welcoming the team from Pandora through our game changing combination and increasing our scale in podcasting with Simplecast and the pending acquisition of Stitcher.
“Today, we deliver the best content with a consumer reach that is unmatched in audio entertainment in North America.
Added Meyer: “My decision to retire has long been in the works, and now is the right time to begin this transition.
“I could not be handing the reins over to a stronger leader than Jennifer. I know firsthand how talented and innovative she is, and I believe she will drive SiriusXM to new heights.
“This is a key time for SiriusXM, and I look forward to working with Jennifer to ensure a smooth transition as we execute on our near-term priorities.”
“It has been an extraordinary privilege working with Jim and learning from him over the years. SiriusXM has tremendous opportunities ahead.”
Jennifer C. Witz
Witz added: “I am honored to take on the role of CEO and lead SiriusXM at this exciting time. We have the best audio content available anywhere and incredible growth platforms.
“At SiriusXM, we are rolling out new programming, introducing new technology and expanding our OEM relationships, while pursuing new avenues of growth at Pandora and strengthening our position in the podcasting space.
“It has been an extraordinary privilege working with Jim and learning from him over the years. SiriusXM has tremendous opportunities ahead.
“I look forward to working closely with Scott Greenstein, Sean Sullivan and the rest of our talented management team and our incredible employees to capture those opportunities, drive growth and enhance stockholder value.”
“Our Board of Directors is thrilled to unanimously appoint Jennifer as the next CEO. With nearly two decades of success at the Company, no one is better suited for this position.”
Gregory B. Maffei, Sirius XM
Gregory B. Maffei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sirius XM Holdings Inc. said: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Jim for his outstanding service, helping to create the leader in audio entertainment in North America.
“During his tenure as CEO, SiriusXM has grown to become a diversified audio entertainment provider that is poised to reach more than 150 million people, the largest addressable digital audio audience in North America.
“We are a better company for his stewardship. We look forward to continuing to work with him on the Board and to build on SiriusXM’s strong momentum.”
Added Maffei: “Our Board of Directors is thrilled to unanimously appoint Jennifer as the next CEO. With nearly two decades of success at the company, no one is better suited for this position.
“Jennifer brings the thorough understanding of our business from every angle. She has played a key role in significantly growing SiriusXM’s subscriber base.
“Jennifer will lead the Company’s strong executive team as it continues building out its platforms and executes on its growth strategies.”Music Business Worldwide
