Radio

Maisie McCabe, mediaweek.co.uk, 26 October 2009, 4:08pm

Surrell to quit Bauer Media's North West radio division

LONDON - Michelle Surrell, Bauer Media's regional radio managing director for the North West, is leaving the company after 22 years to pursue opportunities outside the industry.

Surrell: leaving Bauer Media

Surrell is understood to be planning to have three months off work before embarking on other projects.

A spokesman from Bauer Media confirmed Surrell will be replaced and in the interim, her duties will be shared among other senior Bauer radio executives.

Before she became regional managing director of the North West, Surrell was managing director of Rock FM, Aire FM and Big City.

Separately, former BBC 6Music boss Ric Blaxill has been appointed to the new role of head of music, Big City Network, Bauer Media.

Blaxill will work with the six regional managing directors and programme directors to improve audience share and develop local programming.

He will develop strategic creative relationships with record labels and promoters, and work with the creative team in London to develop Bauer Media's talent and music credentials.

Blaxill joined Bauer Media as a launch consultant in 2008. He took up his new role today (26 October) and will be based at Mappin House in London and report to Steve Parkinson, managing director, Bauer Radio London.