Media Prima's RIPPLE poaches Astro Radio talent in leadership shuffle

Media Prima’s radio platform RIPPLE has appointed Jake Abdullah (pictured centre) as a consultant to accelerate the unit’s business turnaround. The former CEO of Astro Radio and former Fave Malaysia MD will assist in content, branding and audience strategies. He has over 20 years experience in setting up radio stations around Asia and has helmed roles including CEO of Pyjama Media. At the same time, Nazri Noran (pictured left) will take on the role of CEO, effective 1 June, replacing Seelan Paul who is now CEO of ntv7. Nazri is in charge of the overall strategy and operations of RIPPLE to further strengthen its position in the radio industry.

Nazri was most recently senior AVP of Astro Radio Malay and Tamil where he headed its radio brands ERA, Sinar, Gegar, ZAYAN, and Raaga. He has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry and according to Media Prima, is known for specialising in creating content that resonates with the local audience. Nazri began his career with Astro Radio in 2002 where he served various roles with hitz FM, Xfresh FM and Sinar FM.

Meanwhile, Aaron Pinto (pictured right) has been named chief content officer of RIPPLE. He officially assumes the position on 1 June and reports to Nazri. Pinto was previously head of content for Astro Radio where he led the development of content and talent strategies for 12 Astro Radio brands.

He also led the Astro Radio team in its digital transformation initiatives which involved revamping its entire content ecosystem to develop a new suite of audio products and services to grow its digital listening. Pinto has over 26 years in the radio industry where he was involved in transforming radio brands and products to revive listenership and revenue growth.

Media Prima’s group executive director Rafiq Razali said these new appointments are highly-accomplished figures in the radio broadcast industry. “We are confident that they will accelerate progress against key strategic priorities and help transform RIPPLE’s operations within the evolving radio broadcast industry.”

Separately, Rafiq was appointed to his current role in February this year. He was later assigned to lead group operations for Media Prima in mid-May when former group MD Iskandar Mizal Bin Mahmood stepped down to focus on his other commitments. Iskandar took on the role last year effective 1 April 2020 to replace Kamal Khalid who ended his tenure on 31 March 2020.

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