Gray Media Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to excellence in local broadcasting and digital innovation, Gray Media delivers high-quality content across 113 markets while expanding its reach through advanced media production and digital agency services.

Leadership Roles at Gray Media

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Hilton Howell Jr.
  • President & Co-Chief Executive Officer - Pat LaPlatney
  • Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman - Leslie Lubell
  • 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. Howell Jr. manages the expansion of the company's portfolio, overseeing the integration of major acquisitions like Raycom Media and Quincy Media to solidify market dominance. By aligning the board of directors with operational goals, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent growth across 113 television markets. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while maintaining the company's status as a premier owner of NBC and ABC affiliates. Through rigorous oversight of capital allocation and asset management, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer drives the transition toward a diversified multimedia future. Ultimately, Howell Jr. secures the competitive positioning of the firm within the evolving national media landscape.
    Hilton Howell Jr.

    Pat LaPlatney - President & Co-Chief Executive Officer

    Pat LaPlatney, the President & Co-Chief Executive Officer at Gray Media, executes daily operational mandates and coordinates cross-departmental initiatives. LaPlatney supervises the performance of local television stations, ensuring that each property maintains top-rated status within its respective community. By fostering collaboration between the corporate office and regional station managers, the President & Co-Chief Executive Officer optimizes broadcast workflows and content delivery systems. This role requires constant monitoring of industry trends to adapt programming strategies for diverse audiences across the United States. Pat LaPlatney directly influences the efficiency of the company's vast network of stations, driving revenue through improved operational standards. Through the implementation of scalable management practices, the President & Co-Chief Executive Officer sustains the company's reputation for excellence in local news and entertainment broadcasting.
    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, coordinates the administrative functions and strategic alignment of the executive office. Lubell oversees the internal governance structures that support the company's expansive multimedia operations. By streamlining communication between the executive leadership and the board, the Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman ensures that corporate objectives remain synchronized with daily business activities. This role involves managing high-level projects that span across the company's diverse portfolio, including studio production facilities and digital agencies. Leslie Lubell maintains the integrity of organizational processes, facilitating efficient decision-making across all departments. Through the rigorous management of the executive office, the Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman supports the long-term stability and growth of the entire enterprise.

    James Ryan - Chief Financial Officer

    James Ryan, the Chief Financial Officer at Gray Media, manages the financial health and capital structure of the organization. Ryan oversees all accounting, treasury, and investor relations functions, ensuring transparency for shareholders on the New York Stock Exchange. By analyzing market data and financial performance, the Chief Financial Officer provides the strategic insights necessary for major acquisitions and ongoing investments in new technologies. This role involves coordinating with the executive team to balance debt management with the pursuit of growth opportunities in digital media and studio production. James Ryan directs the budgeting process to ensure that resources align with the company's long-term objectives. Through the rigorous oversight of financial reporting and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal stability required to support the company's expansive multimedia operations.

    Sandy Breland - Chief Operating Officer

    Sandy Breland, the Chief Operating Officer at Gray Media, directs the day-to-day operations of the company's extensive television station group. Breland manages the implementation of standardized operational procedures across 113 markets to ensure consistent quality and performance. By overseeing the integration of new station acquisitions, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes resource allocation and technical infrastructure. This role involves close collaboration with regional managers to enhance local news production and community engagement strategies. Sandy Breland drives operational excellence by identifying efficiencies in broadcast workflows and digital asset management. Through the continuous evaluation of station performance metrics, the Chief Operating Officer supports the company's goal of maintaining top-rated status in every market. This leadership position remains vital to the successful execution of the company's broad-reaching broadcasting mission.
    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 logistical scaling of the company's production facilities and studio assets. Smith oversees the operational requirements of Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios, ensuring that these facilities meet the demands of national and local clients. By managing the infrastructure and technical capabilities of these production hubs, the Vice President(Executive) and Chief Operating Officer supports the company's diversification into content creation. This role involves coordinating with production teams to maximize the utility of studio space and equipment. Robert Smith drives the expansion of the company's production footprint, ensuring that all facilities operate at peak efficiency. Through the strategic management of these physical assets, the Vice President(Executive) and Chief Operating Officer contributes to the overall growth and market impact of the organization.

    Ronna Steber - Chief Revenue Officer & Senior Operating Officer

    Ronna Steber, the Chief Revenue Officer & Senior Operating Officer at Gray Media, directs the sales strategies and revenue generation efforts across the company's television and digital platforms. Steber manages the national and local advertising sales teams, ensuring that the company maximizes its market share in all 113 regions. By developing innovative advertising solutions and leveraging the company's digital agency capabilities, the Chief Revenue Officer & Senior Operating Officer drives growth in non-traditional revenue streams. This role involves building strong relationships with national advertisers and local business partners to secure long-term contracts. Ronna Steber optimizes the sales funnel through data-driven insights and targeted marketing campaigns. Through the strategic oversight of revenue operations, the Chief Revenue Officer & Senior Operating Officer ensures the financial success of the company's diverse media portfolio.
    Ronna Steber

    Mike King - Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Operating Officer

    Mike King, the Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Operating Officer at Gray Media, architects the brand identity and promotional strategies for the company's extensive network of stations. King manages the marketing initiatives that elevate the company's profile in both major metropolitan areas and smaller markets. By overseeing the development of digital marketing products and services, the Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Operating Officer ensures that the company remains competitive in the digital landscape. This role involves coordinating with station managers to implement consistent branding and audience engagement programs. Mike King drives the adoption of advanced marketing technologies to reach broader demographics and increase viewer loyalty. Through the strategic management of promotional assets, the Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Operating Officer strengthens the company's market position and supports its ongoing growth.
    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 of the company. Kroeger manages the implementation of advanced broadcast technologies and digital platforms that support the company's 113 television stations. By overseeing the integration of new software and hardware solutions, the Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer ensures that the company remains at the forefront of media innovation. This role involves coordinating with engineering teams to maintain the reliability and security of the company's digital assets. Bob Kroeger drives the development of scalable cloud infrastructure and streaming capabilities to enhance viewer experiences. Through the strategic management of the company's technical roadmap, the Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer supports the ongoing evolution of the business model and its technological capabilities.
    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 Pat LaPlatney (President & Co-Chief Executive Officer) and Leslie Lubell (Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman).
    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), Pat LaPlatney (President & Co-Chief Executive Officer), Leslie Lubell (Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman) 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, President & Co-Chief Executive Officer, Director, Operations & Chief Executive Officer, Office of & Executive Chairman, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.