The non-profit trade association Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB) says its long-time chief executive Steve Lanzano will be retiring at the end of the year.
Lanzano has worked as the CEO of TVB since January 2010, and has helped television and advertising stakeholders navigate the ever-evolving landscape of both industries at times of tremendous, and often very quick, change and influence.
“It has been an incredible honor to lead TVB and work alongside so many talented individuals who share my passion for the local broadcast television industry,” Lanzano said in a statement. “I am deeply proud of the work we’ve done in proving the power of local and championing the positive impact local TV has on communities across the country. I look forward to seeing the continued success of TVB and our industry as a whole.”
During Lanzano’s time at TVB, the organization grew its membership to more than 800 local TV stations. He helped station groups establish national and regional business development teams, expanded the research offerings of TVB, and enhanced advocacy efforts for the TV and advertising industries, among other initiatives.
His contributions also helped further the development of TVB’s annual Forward Conference, with attendance increasing tenfold during his time as CEO.
“Steve has been an invaluable advocate for local broadcast television and advancing its role in the ever-evolving media landscape,” said Antonio Roman, chair of TVB’s Board of Directors and the Executive Vice President of Local Media Sales at Televisa Univision. “Throughout his tenure at TVB, he has championed the importance and effectiveness of local broadcast TV and has helped implement key industry initiatives focused on critical technology advancements and measurement improvements to support business development. His unwavering commitment has helped shape the future of the industry, ensuring that local broadcast remains a vital and effective medium well into the future.”
“Steve is an icon in the industry and has been a transformational leader. TVB, and the broadcast industry, has grown and advanced due to his strategic vision and his dedication to advancing the value of local TV,” said Brad Seitter, the Executive Vice President of Local & National Business Development at TVB. “He has set a high standard for all of us. We will miss his leadership, and we are grateful to continue his incredible work.”
TVB says it is in the process of looking for a successor to the CEO role.
