Virgin Radio boss John Pearson has resigned after twelve years with the company. Having been with the station since its launch in 1992, initially as Sales Director, then MD, then Chief Exec, Pearson said he was leaving simply so he could spend more time with his family.
Pearson was a key player in the development of Virgin Radio, which, despite years of struggling and an embarrassing run of problematic breakfast show formats, is now seemingly gaining some ground on its competitors, especially in the webcasting arena.
However much of Pearson's time at the station was spent dealing with antics behind the scenes - the sale of the station from the Virgin Group to Chris Evans' Ginger Media Group, the subsequent sale of Ginger to the Scottish Media Group, the high profile falling out between management and the station's former owner and flagship presenter Mr Evans, and the resulting long drawn out court case.
The behind the scenes events all ensured that Pearson's time with Virgin Radio was never uneventful - although he himself admitted the various dramas - and especially the SMG / Evans court case - meant less time could be spent on programming development - something he blames for the station's recent struggles.
Pearson leaves the station as rumours grow that a takeover is pending. While Scottish Media Group maintain the radio station is not for sale, that has not stopped some making plans to bid - including Chris Evan's former agent Michael Foster.
Confirming his departure, Pearson told reporters: "This is a lifestyle choice, I'd like a more flexible work/life balance and the ability to take more time off", adding that the station had a "strong management team" and was well-positioned in the digital radio era.
Andrew Flanagan, the chief exec of parent company SMG, described Pearson as "an excellent businessman and a dynamic leader", adding: "I'd love him to stay but respect his reasons for leaving".