Colleen Louw to head 567mw CapeTalk

Twenty-eight-year-old Louw, who has been with the station for five years, takes up the post left vacant after the tragic death of Lucia Venter in a road accident in March this year.

Ms Terry Volkwyn, the CEO of Primedia Broadcasting, which is a shareholder and has management control of CapeTalk, made the announcement in Cape Town today, June 19.

Volkwyn said she was pleased to announce Louw's appointment: "Colleen has earned the respect and support of her colleagues through her commitment, dedication, enthusiasm and leadership qualities".

Volkwyn said while the station was endowed with talent and leadership potential, Colleen had emerged as a natural choice to lead the dynamic team put in place by her predecessor.

"I am confident Colleen will do a great job. Colleen has been a cornerstone at the station since Lucia's death, working together with a great team of managers. Her leadership abilities have come wonderfully to the fore and it is the right time for her to lead the team now."

Louw will be "responsible for the day-to-day running of the radio station, which will largely involve the operational side of the business and ensure that all that we do supports the company's strategic objectives", Volkwyn added.

Louw said her immediate priority would be to work with the team on growing the station's listenership and revenue through excellence.

"I consider it an honour to have been chosen to head up a team that's already behind a very successful and creative radio station, known for its originality and trend setting. Together we will continue on the winning path that Lucia has left as her legacy and we will take it to even higher levels by working closely as a team with the Cape Talk staff and Primedia Broadcasting management."

The Chairman of the CapeTalk board, Danny Bailey, said: "It's a great move especially because a leader has emerged from within the station itself. We believe it is a wonderful opportunity for Colleen and hopefully sends a clear message that we are committed to the growth and development of our people, particularly our young talent. We wish Colleen all the best in her new role."