Gray Media Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Gray Media has 9 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, financial oversight, operational management, revenue generation, marketing, and technology development.

Focused on expanding its footprint across 113 markets, Gray Media delivers high-quality local news and digital content while driving innovation through diversified media production and advanced digital marketing services.

Leadership Roles at Gray Media

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

    Hilton Howell Jr., the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Gray Media, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Overseeing the expansion of the largest group of local television stations in the United States, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between broadcast assets and emerging digital business models. This leadership role involves managing complex acquisitions and maintaining strong relationships with the Board to sustain market dominance. By prioritizing growth across 113 markets, Hilton Howell Jr. directly impacts the company's ability to serve diverse communities with high-rated programming. Ultimately, Howell secures the financial and operational health of the enterprise through disciplined capital allocation and strategic foresight in the evolving media landscape.
    Hilton Howell Jr.

    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 internal operational workflows and executive governance. Coordinating the activities within the Office of the Chief Executive, the Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman facilitates communication between senior leadership and departmental heads to ensure organizational efficiency. This role involves refining internal processes to support the company's vast network of television stations and production facilities. By optimizing administrative structures, Leslie Lubell directly influences the speed and accuracy of corporate decision-making. Ultimately, Lubell maintains the operational integrity required to support the company's position as a leader in local broadcasting and digital media services across the United States.

    Pat LaPlatney - President & Co-Chief Executive Officer

    Pat LaPlatney, the President & Co-Chief Executive Officer at Gray Media, executes daily business operations and drives the implementation of corporate initiatives across the entire station portfolio. Overseeing the integration of newly acquired media assets, the President & Co-Chief Executive Officer ensures that local stations maintain top-tier ratings and community relevance. This leadership role involves close collaboration with regional managers to standardize performance metrics and enhance content delivery. By streamlining operational procedures, Pat LaPlatney directly supports the company's mission to provide high-quality news and entertainment. Ultimately, LaPlatney strengthens the competitive advantage of the organization by fostering a culture of excellence and operational agility throughout the national network of broadcast and digital properties.
    Pat LaPlatney

    James Ryan - Chief Financial Officer

    James Ryan, the Chief Financial Officer at Gray Media, manages the fiscal health and capital structure of the organization. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and investor relations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and compliance with public market requirements. This leadership role involves evaluating investment opportunities in new technologies and media properties to maximize shareholder value. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, James Ryan directly supports the company's ability to fund large-scale acquisitions and ongoing infrastructure upgrades. Ultimately, Ryan provides the economic foundation necessary for the company to sustain its growth as the largest owner of local television stations in the United States, ensuring long-term stability and profitability for the entire corporate portfolio.

    Sandy Breland - Chief Operating Officer

    Sandy Breland, the Chief Operating Officer at Gray Media, directs the day-to-day performance of the company's extensive television station group. Overseeing station management and content production standards, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that local news operations remain the primary choice for viewers in 113 markets. This leadership role involves implementing operational best practices to improve efficiency and audience engagement across all broadcast platforms. By driving excellence in local programming, Sandy Breland directly impacts the company's market share and advertising revenue potential. Ultimately, Breland maintains the high standards of service that define the organization's reputation, ensuring that every station delivers consistent value to local communities and national advertisers alike.
    Sandy Breland

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

    Robert Smith, the Vice President(Executive) and Chief Operating Officer at Gray Media, manages the logistical and technical operations of the company's production facilities and studio assets. Overseeing the integration of production workflows at sites like Assembly Atlanta, the Vice President(Executive) and Chief Operating Officer ensures that the company's studio capabilities meet the demands of modern content creation. This leadership role involves coordinating with production teams to optimize facility usage and resource allocation. By enhancing the operational capacity of the company's production arm, Robert Smith directly supports the growth of the media portfolio beyond traditional broadcasting. Ultimately, Smith ensures that the company's physical infrastructure remains a competitive asset, facilitating the production of high-quality content for both local and national markets.

    Ronna Steber - Chief Revenue Officer & Senior Operating Officer

    Ronna Steber, the Chief Revenue Officer & Senior Operating Officer at Gray Media, architects the sales strategies and revenue growth initiatives for the company's broadcast and digital assets. Overseeing national and local advertising sales, the Chief Revenue Officer & Senior Operating Officer ensures that the company maximizes monetization across its diverse portfolio of stations and digital agencies. This leadership role involves developing innovative advertising solutions that leverage the company's massive reach to attract premium national clients. By optimizing sales processes and inventory management, Ronna Steber directly contributes to the company's financial performance and market competitiveness. Ultimately, Steber drives the revenue streams necessary to support ongoing investments in new media technologies and content production facilities.
    Ronna Steber

    Mike King - Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Operating Officer

    Mike King, the Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Operating Officer at Gray Media, directs the brand strategy and audience development efforts for the entire media group. Overseeing promotional campaigns and market positioning, the Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Operating Officer ensures that the company's stations maintain strong identities within their respective communities. This leadership role involves coordinating marketing efforts across digital and traditional platforms to increase viewer loyalty and brand awareness. By crafting compelling narratives that highlight the value of local news, Mike King directly impacts the company's ability to attract and retain audiences. Ultimately, King strengthens the market presence of the organization, ensuring that the brand remains synonymous with quality and trust in every region served.
    Mike King

    Bob Kroeger - Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer

    Bob Kroeger, the Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer at Gray Media, directs the technological infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives for the entire organization. Overseeing the deployment of advanced broadcast systems and digital platforms, the Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer ensures that the company remains at the forefront of media technology. This leadership role involves managing the transition to new digital business models and ensuring the security and reliability of the company's technical assets. By implementing scalable cloud and broadcast solutions, Bob Kroeger directly impacts the company's ability to deliver content efficiently across all markets. Ultimately, Kroeger provides the technical foundation that enables the company to innovate and adapt to the rapidly changing media landscape.
    Bob Kroeger

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gray Media Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Gray Media?
    Gray Media is led by Hilton Howell Jr. (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Leslie Lubell (Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman) and Pat LaPlatney (President & Co-Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Gray Media’s executive team?
    The executive team of Gray Media includes leaders such as Hilton Howell Jr. (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Leslie Lubell (Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman), Pat LaPlatney (President & Co-Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Gray Media have?
    Gray Media has 9 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 Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman, President & Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.