Drew Horowitz

Veteran Chicago-based radio executive Drew Horowitz has been named president and chief operating officer of Hubbard Radio, parent company of three top stations here and 25 stations nationwide.

His promotion from executive vice president and chief operating officer follows the departure of Bruce Reese, who stepped down as president and chief executive officer July 7. Reese will serve as special advisor to Hubbard Radio.

“For the past few years I have had the privilege to work with Drew and see first-hand what a gifted broadcaster he is,” Ginny Morris, chairman and chief executive officer of Hubbard Radio, said in a statement Friday. “Drew’s passion for the radio business and for the people with whom he works is evident in how he approaches every opportunity and every challenge. I look forward to further partnering with him as we continue to move our business forward.”

Reese and Horowitz previously ran Bonneville International before most of its stations were acquired by Hubbard Radio in 2011. In Chicago, Hubbard owns hot adult-contemporary WTMX FM 101.9, classic hits WDRV FM 97.1 and adult contemporary WILV FM 100.3.

Horowitz, 62, served as vice president and general manager of two Chicago stations — country WUSN FM 99.5 and the former WFYR — and headed Chicago-based Lakeshore Communications before he joined The Mix as general sales manager in 1992. He moved up to president and general manager of the station and helped guide the expansion of Bonneville International’s holdings in Chicago and nationwide.

“I am honored to have this wonderful opportunity to work more closely with Ginny and to be part of this extraordinary family-owned company,” Horowitz said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to continuing my work with the rest of the leadership team to further Hubbard Radio’s success across our seven nationwide markets.”