Veteran Media Executive Fran Wills Named CEO of Local Media Consortium

By PRNewswire On Jun 29, 2018

Fran Wills, Former VP and General Manager for Cox Media Group, Starts July 16

The Local Media Consortium (LMC), a strategic alliance of leading local media companies, announced that Fran Wills, a veteran marketing and digital executive for media, technology and retail companies, has been appointed the organization’s Chief Executive Officer.

Chris Loretto

“We are pleased to welcome Fran to the Local Media Consortium and look forward to tapping her track record in digital media and innovation,” said Chris Loretto, chairman of the board for the LMC. “She is uniquely qualified to help us expand member growth and benefits, diversify revenue, and lead the LMC – and local journalism collectively – into the future.”

As CEO, Wills will be responsible for guiding LMC’s vision, including leveraging the latest technology and partnerships to increase revenue and audience growth for its 75 members, which represent more than 1,700 digital properties across North America.

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Throughout her career, Wills has pioneered digital innovation and emerging technologies to successfully increase revenue and bottom line results. As the vice president/general manager for Cox Media Group, Wills led digital and marketing strategy to generate revenue and reduce operational costs across 20 markets. She also led Kudzu.com, a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises that is a rating and review site for local SMB services, to achieved double-digit revenue growth during her tenure as general manager. Wills also served as chief marketing officer/senior vice president interactive of two major metro media companies, The Dallas Morning News and The Denver Post.

“As a longtime champion of local media, I am thrilled to take on this dedicated role at the LMC and am 100 percent committed to sustaining journalism and helping local media companies thrive in this rapidly evolving media landscape,” said Wills. “The LMC’s membership strength, breadth and diversity enable it to play a significant role in shaping the future of the industry while strengthening audience reach and value for members.”

Currently, Wills owns a consulting practice that helps companies develop marketing and digital strategies to accelerate growth and implement technology solutions to realize operational efficiencies.