Clear Channel Outdoor Appoints Eric Hamme as Market President
19-Year Ad Sales Veteran Will Drive Strategic Business Growth and Out-of-Home Innovation
Clear Channel Outdoor Americas (CCOA), (NYSE: CCO), has made a significant move by appointing Eric Hamme as the president of its Chicago market, the third largest media market in the U.S. In this role, he is set to manage the entire operational framework, including sales, marketing, real estate, public affairs, operations, and finance.
The Vision Ahead
Hamme, with a wealth of experience in advertising and sales spanning more than 19 years, is known for crafting customer-focused strategies that effectively generate revenue. Throughout his seven-year journey at CCOA, Hamme has skillfully combined technology, data, and out-of-home (OOH) media to offer significant value to advertisers and partners, enhancing visibility across the company's extensive network of roadside, transit, and airport media displays.
Building Relationships for Success
As the newly appointed market president, he aims to foster long-lasting partnerships with clients, landlords, and local stakeholders. Hamme's leadership style comes with a vision to drive business development initiatives that elevate not only CCOA's customer experience but also contribute positively to the broader Chicago community.
Diane Veres, regional president at CCOA for the Midwest and Southwest, remarked, "As the advertising landscape evolves, CCOA stays committed to investing in growth strategies propelling the OOH industry forward. Eric's proven skills in building sales teams and forging strategic partnerships are crucial for accelerating our momentum and ensuring our effectiveness in the Chicago market."
Market Potential and Consumer Engagement
Hamme will oversee one of CCOA's most significant markets, where their OOH media reach is impressive, engaging up to 92 percent of the DMA 18+ population weekly. Hamme's efforts will focus significantly on creating strategic campaign alignments for brands to connect with consumers effectively in locations where they drive, walk, or fly.
He will be leveraging CCOA's exclusive advertising agreements in several key airports such as at Chicago Midway and O'Hare International Airports, where the reach encompasses over 1.8 million and 6.7 million monthly passengers respectively.
Passionate About Advertising Innovation
Reflecting on his career journey, Hamme shared, "Since joining CCOA, I have deeply appreciated the rapid evolution of the OOH advertising landscape. Clear Channel Outdoor continues to lead the way with innovations that enhance its role in today's media mix. I'm enthralled by the unique dynamics of Chicago and look forward to uniting our comprehensive suite of solutions to make a meaningful impact for our partners and the local community."
In his illustrious career, Hamme has consistently demonstrated a knack for achieving impressive revenue growth year after year. Starting at CCOA as a local sales manager in Milwaukee, his career progression led him to vice president of sales in 2020 and later to market manager, highlighting his aptitude in managing sales and business operations.
Career Background and Community Involvement
Before his successful tenure with CCOA, Hamme held various sales executive positions in the radio, television, and digital advertising sectors, working with numerous reputed companies such as Hearst Television and Entercom Milwaukee. His background enhances his strategic insight and industry knowledge, which he applies in his current position.
He is a proud resident of the Midwest, having attended both the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he focused on journalism and communications. Notably, he contributes to the industry by serving as the board treasurer of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Wisconsin and is an active board member of the Florentine Opera Company. His personal life reflects a commitment to public service, with his son Brayson serving as a U.S. Marine Corps reservist.
About Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.
Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCO) stands at the forefront of innovation within the out-of-home advertising sector. By continually expanding its digital billboards and integrating advanced data-driven analytics, CCOA creates measurable advertising campaigns that bring significant value to both clients and consumers. Through its extensive and flexible portfolio, the organization successfully connects with millions of consumers each month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Eric Hamme?
Eric Hamme is the newly appointed Market President of Clear Channel Outdoor in Chicago with over 19 years of experience in advertising and sales.
What are Eric Hamme's primary responsibilities?
He will oversee all aspects of Chicago's market operations, which include sales, marketing, public affairs, and financial management.
How long has Eric Hamme been with Clear Channel Outdoor?
Eric Hamme has been with CCOA for over seven years, where he has held various leadership roles.
What is Clear Channel Outdoor known for?
CCOA is a leading firm in the out-of-home advertising industry, known for driving innovation and expanding its digital advertising capabilities.
Where did Eric Hamme study?
Hamme studied at the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, majoring in journalism.
