Leading independent audiobook publisher Podium Publishing announced the appointment of Scott P. Dickey as chief executive officer. Former CEO and co-founder, Greg Lawrence, remains as Podium’s publisher and a key member of the board of directors. As CEO Dickey will set and implement the day-to-day and long-term marketing, production and business strategy for the company as Podium looks to expand its support for self-published authors and leading industry narrators.
Dickey brings a 25-year career of managing high-profile global businesses to Podium Publishing. Most recently, Dickey was CEO of TEN, The Enthusiast Network (renamed Motor Trend Group) where he transformed the company to become the world’s #1 automotive media company and #1 Action/Outdoor Sports media platform. In 2017, he led the strategic investment and majority control sale of the business to Discovery Communications. Prior to joining TEN, Dickey was the President & CEO of Competitor Group, a leading live event & media enterprise focused on the endurance sports of running, cycling and triathlon. At Competitor, Dickey led the development of the company’s digital media businesses as well as the company’s flagship Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, which grew from 5 events in 2007 to over 30 events around the world in 2012.
“Scott has a tremendous depth of experience in building and developing complex content led organizations,” said Greg Lawrence, founder of Podium Publishing. “His leadership and organizational expertise will be an invaluable addition to our efforts as we look to expand our reach in support of independent self-published authors around the globe.”
In addition to hiring Dickey, Podium announced the appointment of Mark Goldman as Chairman of the Board. Mark is currently the Co-Founder & CEO of Happs, a curated, community-driven platform for live news where anyone can participate. Mark is also a board member, co-founder and former CEO of ZypMedia, the former COO of Current TV, and the former COO & President of Sky Latin America.
“Finding the right executive to partner with a successful founder and private investors and lead this very exciting company in the next stage of its development was no small challenge. Scott has the perfect background, skill set and leadership style to help Podium and its talented team realize their full potential,” said Mark Goldman, Chairman of the Board.
“I’m thrilled and honored to partner with Greg, Mark and the entire team at Podium. This is a talented group of people dedicated to the discovery and development of independent authors and storytellers. The opportunity for Podium to expand its impact in both scope and scale is tremendous,” said Dickey. “Options for self-published IP are opening up rapidly, and Podium is at the forefront of realizing this potential effectively and relevantly in partnership with content creators.”
