Joseph Robinson Becomes President of New iHeartMedia Ventures Group
NEW YORK, NY - March 24, 2015 - iHeartMedia today announced that Joseph Robinson has been promoted to President of iHeartMedia Ventures, working to develop high-value strategic opportunities with media, technology, and content companies. Robinson, who has over 20 years of investment and management experience, will be reporting to Rich Bressler, President, COO and CFO of iHeartMedia, Inc.
As the company's Executive Vice President of Strategic Development, Robinson was instrumental in both evaluating and executing strategic acquisitions and equity partnerships and alliances in emerging, high-growth digital and technology companies that had important strategic links to iHeartMedia.
"Joe has played an invaluable role in helping iHeartMedia explore new digital and technology opportunities for both consumer-facing and internal initiatives," said Bressler. "I'm delighted that Joe is expanding his role with us; his new leadership position will be instrumental in our continued success as a 21st century media company one that is both relentlessly forward-looking on the technology front and focused on using iHeartMedia's cross-platform assets in creative ways that help redefine the future of consumer media and entertainment."
"As iHeartMedia pushes new technology and data-driven initiatives, I'm excited to be the bridge between our company and others that can provide solutions to these continuing needs," said Robinson. "iHeartMedia appreciates and values innovation, not only in our own company but in partners as well. I'm excited to expand my outreach to all of those who are building the future."
iHeartMedia Ventures will enable iHeartMedia to be nimble and to choose best in class solutions and technologies while retaining and supporting core teams and knowledge. Additionally, because of its size and multi-platform asset base, iHeartMedia can help accelerate the companies it invests in and partners with by promoting and deploying portfolio company products across its vast network making a significant difference to young companies trying to break into established markets.
"Joe has a proven track record of spotting innovators and cutting-edge products that can enable our vision of the future," said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, Inc. "I've worked with Joe for almost ten years, and I'm excited about his expanded role and the impact it can have on accelerating our new products, technologies and our entrance into data-driven solutions for our consumers and marketing partners."
Prior to joining iHeartMedia, Robinson founded Halo Venture Partners, a venture investment company focused on digital media, advertising and media-related technology companies. Robinson's investments include Scout Media, a sports social network sold to Fox in 2005, UGO Networks, a male targeted advertising network, which was sold to Hearst in 2007 and InterWorld, Inc., a publicly traded e-commerce solutions provider.