Gray Media Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Gray Media has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, and marketing.

Focused on expanding multimedia reach across the United States, Gray Media delivers high-quality local news and digital content while investing in advanced production facilities to maintain market leadership.

Leadership Roles at Gray Media

  • President & Co-Chief Executive Officer - Pat LaPlatney
  • Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman - Leslie Lubell
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Hilton Howell Jr.
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sandy Breland
  • Vice President(Executive) and Chief Operating Officer - Robert Smith
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer - Bob Kroeger
  • Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Operating Officer - Mike King
  • Pat LaPlatney - President & Co-Chief Executive Officer

    Pat LaPlatney, the President & Co-Chief Executive Officer at Gray Media, directs the overarching corporate strategy and daily business execution. Overseeing the integration of recent acquisitions, LaPlatney ensures that the portfolio of television stations and digital assets remains competitive across 113 markets. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine long-term growth objectives and capital allocation. By prioritizing operational efficiency, Pat LaPlatney drives the expansion of the company's footprint in both traditional broadcasting and emerging digital sectors. The President & Co-Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on maximizing shareholder value through disciplined management of the diverse media properties. Through strategic oversight of the national station group, LaPlatney secures the company's position as a dominant force in local media, ensuring that all broadcast and digital operations align with the broader mission of providing essential community information.
    Pat LaPlatney

    Leslie Lubell - Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman

    Leslie Lubell, the Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman at Gray Media, manages the internal governance structures and high-level operational frameworks. Coordinating with the executive leadership team, Lubell architectures the administrative policies that support the company's vast network of television stations and production studios. This role requires deep engagement with the organizational hierarchy to ensure that corporate objectives translate into actionable results across all regional markets. Leslie Lubell monitors the performance of the Office of the Chief Executive to maintain alignment with the company's long-term vision. By streamlining internal processes, the Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman optimizes the flow of resources between the corporate headquarters and the various media properties. Lubell provides the necessary oversight to sustain the company's growth trajectory, ensuring that every operational decision supports the overarching goal of delivering high-quality multimedia content to diverse audiences nationwide.

    Hilton Howell Jr. - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Hilton Howell Jr., the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Gray Media, defines the strategic vision and long-term direction for the entire organization. Overseeing the company's evolution from a traditional broadcaster into a diversified multimedia powerhouse, Howell Jr. champions investments in new technologies and studio production facilities. This leadership role involves navigating the complexities of the national media landscape while fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Hilton Howell Jr. engages directly with the Board to ensure that the company's growth strategy remains robust and adaptable to changing market conditions. By guiding the acquisition of major media groups, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer secures the company's status as a leader in local television and digital services. Through consistent focus on market expansion and operational excellence, Howell Jr. drives the company toward sustained success, ensuring that all business units contribute to the overarching mission of providing top-rated content to communities across the United States.
    Hilton Howell Jr.

    Sandy Breland - Chief Operating Officer

    Sandy Breland, the Chief Operating Officer at Gray Media, manages the day-to-day performance of the company's extensive television station portfolio. Focusing on internal scaling and station-level efficiency, Breland ensures that each local market maintains high ratings and strong community engagement. This role involves coordinating with station managers to implement best practices in news production and advertising sales across the national footprint. Sandy Breland oversees the operational integration of newly acquired assets, ensuring that all stations adhere to the company's high standards of quality and service. By optimizing workflows and resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer supports the company's broader goal of delivering superior multimedia experiences. Breland works closely with other C-suite leaders to align operational output with the company's strategic growth initiatives. Through rigorous management of the broadcast operations, the Chief Operating Officer secures the company's competitive advantage in the local media sector, driving consistent performance across all regional markets.
    Sandy Breland

    Robert Smith - Vice President(Executive) and Chief Operating Officer

    Robert Smith, the Vice President(Executive) and Chief Operating Officer at Gray Media, focuses on the logistics and supply chain management of the company's production facilities and studio assets. Overseeing the operational health of entities like Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios, Smith ensures that these facilities meet the demands of high-end video production. This role involves coordinating with production teams to maintain efficient workflows and resource utilization across the company's studio portfolio. Robert Smith collaborates with the executive leadership to align studio operations with the company's broader multimedia strategy. By managing the physical and technical requirements of the production studios, the Vice President(Executive) and Chief Operating Officer supports the company's ability to deliver premium content. Smith maintains a focus on operational excellence within the production division, ensuring that all facilities contribute to the company's growth and market impact. Through disciplined management of these assets, the Vice President(Executive) and Chief Operating Officer secures the company's position as a premier provider of studio production services.

    Bob Kroeger - Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer

    Bob Kroeger, the Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer at Gray Media, architects the digital infrastructure and technological systems that power the company's multimedia operations. Overseeing the deployment of advanced broadcast technologies and digital platforms, Kroeger ensures that the company remains at the forefront of media innovation. This role involves managing the technical requirements for the company's 113 markets, including the integration of digital marketing tools and studio production systems. Bob Kroeger collaborates with the executive team to identify emerging technologies that enhance content delivery and audience engagement. By modernizing the technical stack, the Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer supports the company's transition into a more diversified digital media entity. Kroeger maintains a focus on system reliability and scalability, ensuring that all digital assets perform optimally for national and local clients. Through strategic technology investments, the Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer drives the company's ability to adapt to the evolving media landscape.
    Bob Kroeger

    Mike King - Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Operating Officer

    Mike King, the Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Operating Officer at Gray Media, directs the company's brand strategy and revenue-generating marketing initiatives. Overseeing the development of digital marketing strategies for national and local clients, King ensures that the company's digital agency services remain highly competitive. This role involves aligning marketing efforts with the company's broader operational goals to maximize audience reach and advertising revenue. Mike King works with the leadership team to promote the company's diverse portfolio, including video production companies and studio facilities. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Operating Officer optimizes the company's market presence across all platforms. Through the execution of targeted campaigns, King drives growth in the digital media sector, ensuring that the company's brand remains synonymous with quality and innovation. The Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Operating Officer plays a vital role in connecting the company's content with audiences and advertisers, supporting the overall mission of multimedia excellence.
    Mike King

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gray Media Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Gray Media?
    Gray Media is led by Pat LaPlatney (President & Co-Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Leslie Lubell (Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman) and Hilton Howell Jr. (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Gray Media’s executive team?
    The executive team of Gray Media includes leaders such as Pat LaPlatney (President & Co-Chief Executive Officer), Leslie Lubell (Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman), Hilton Howell Jr. (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Gray Media have?
    Gray Media has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Gray Media’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Gray Media includes roles such as President & Co-Chief Executive Officer, Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Vice President(Executive) and Chief Operating Officer.