As the Former EVP of iHeartRadio Products and User Experience, Knablein Brings Over Two Decades of Experience to the Role
NEW YORK – September 9, 2022 – Today, iHeartMedia announced Uta Knablein as the company’s new Chief Product Officer for iHeartRadio. Knablein steps into the position with more than two decades of work in user experience and product innovation, most recently as iHeartMedia’s Executive Vice President of iHeartRadio’s Flagship Products and User Experience. In her new role, Knablein will report directly to Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group.
“At iHeartMedia, we’re committed to innovation and being on the forefront of this fast paced industry,” said Byrne. “Since joining the team, Uta has played a critical role in elevating the user experience through groundbreaking products and features. With her decades of experience and shared values, there is no doubt she is the right leader for our product team. As we look toward the future, we’re thrilled to have Uta’s depth of industry knowledge to keep us on the cutting edge.”
Prior to joining iHeartMedia in 2018, Knablein worked for Nickelodeon Digital, Outbrain, JPMorgan and CNBC. She brings a deep expertise in leading teams to create behavior-driven and data-informed products that drive audience growth, user engagement, increased loyalty and revenue. In her role as iHeartRadio's EVP of Flagship Products, Knablein led user experience, customer experience and research across more than 250 platforms. Knablein steps into this role following former Chief Product Officer, Chris Williams’ 17-year tenure at iHeartMedia.
“My time at iHeartMedia, working alongside Chris Williams, has been impactful and inspirational – to say the very least. We have built an incredibly talented team that continuously strives to deliver a best-in-class experience and industry-leading products, and I am elated to step into this new role,” said Knablein. “Looking ahead, we have an ambitious roadmap of new innovations that will continue to build on our robust offering, increase market share and drive growth for the iHeartRadio platform.”
iHeartRadio, the free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service, offers users thousands of Live Radio stations from across the country, personalized custom Artist Radio stations and the top podcasts and on-air personalities available everywhere listeners are. This news follows an extraordinary year of product innovation for iHeartRadio, with the introduction of new offerings such as PodGuides, an interactive platform that encourages travel and exploration through destination-specific podcast episodes; Talk Back, a tool that enables listeners to engage in on-air conversations with their favorite iHeartRadio stations and podcasts; as well as the company's foray into the Metaverse with iHeartLand. Under Knablein’s guidance, iHeartRadio will continue to revolutionize the audio industry.
Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.