Newstalk has announced the appointment of Gerard Whelan as its new Chief Executive.

With extensive business experience – most notably, a 15-year career with Kingspan plc where he held the position of Senior International Manager and Director – Gerard will begin his new role with Newstalk on September 2nd, 2013.

Commenting on the appointment, Gervaise Slowey, Chief Executive of Comunicorp Group, said: “I am delighted that Gerard is in a position to join Newstalk at an exciting time in our business. Gerard has considerable experience in developing businesses around the world – this will be invaluable as the station continues to revolutionise the way in which content is delivered to a national audience. Gerard also has a strong track record in building businesses across a number of sectors. With our focus firmly on maintaining Newstalk’s strong growth, Gerard’s wide ranging expertise will be extremely beneficial to the station. I wish him every success in his new role.”

Whilst working with Kingspan, Gerard held a number of roles, throughout the US, Europe and Asia, including, Export Sales Director, Germany, Managing Director of Kingspan Renewables, Armagh, North America Director of Kingspan Environmental, and Managing Director of Kingspan Environmental, Poland.

Gerard also has extensive experience in commodity brokering, trading and media planning.