Commercial Radio Australia’s long-serving Chief Executive Officer, Joan Warner, is to step down early next year.

Ms Warner advised the CRA board that she would leave at the end of March 2022.

CRA is the national body representing the interests of Australia’s commercial radio broadcasters.

The search for a replacement CEO will start immediately with the aim of a new CEO taking up the position during the first quarter of 2022.

“While I informed the CRA board some time ago of my intention to step down at 31 December 2021, the board requested, and I agreed, to remain as CEO to 31 March 2022 to allow the company to undertake a comprehensive and far-reaching search for a replacement,” Ms Warner said.

“There are also major projects with which the board has asked I continue to assist in the early implementation stages and to ensure a smooth and seamless handover to the incoming CEO.”

The board has thanked Ms Warner for her commitment to CRA over the past 20 years.

The Chair of CRA, Grant Blackley, said: “We have been fortunate to have Joan leading our industry as CEO of Commercial Radio Australia and we are very pleased that she has agreed to extend her time with CRA to allow for an orderly transition to a new CEO.

“Joan has had a substantial and meaningful impact on CRA and the industry over the past two decades and has worked tirelessly to advance the strategic imperatives for a healthy and vibrant radio industry.

“This has included expert policy and regulatory management, a drive to innovate trading and advance the sector’s digital posture, while continually maintaining a focus on the marketing and promotion of the industry to the benefit of members and key stakeholders.

“The radio industry has recovered well from the Covid impact and is gaining further momentum with a renewed commercial approach at industry level to drive increased share of advertising to radio.”