Veteran programmers Tim Richards and Jimmy Steal are teaming with digital marketer Heidi McIvor-Allen to launch consultancy Collective Heads.
Richards and McIvor-Allen had most recently been partners in the Smith/Richards Collective with the late Steve Smith. The new company adds the former WTMX/WTBC-FM Chicago Vice President of Branding & Content following his departure to focus on consulting at the end of 2024.
Steal had been with WTMX since January 2019 after 20 years in Los Angeles overseeing Rhythmic CHR “Power 106” 105.9 KPWR and later Classic Hip-Hop 93.5 KDAY for Emmis and then Meruelo Media. He also served as Vice President of Programming and National Digital Program Director for Emmis until KPWR’s sale in 2017 as well as Vice President of Programming for Clear Channel Dallas and Program Director of “Q102” 101.9 WKRQ Cincinnati during his career. He will focus on talent coaching within the collective.
Richards moved into consulting in 2022 after holding roles as Operations Manager of Entercom Phoenix and PD of Country 107.9 KMLE and Classic Hits 94.5 KOOL-FM. He has programmed CHR “104.7 Kiss-FM” KZZP Phoenix, 93.7 KKRQ Tucson, “Q95.5” WKQI Detroit, and Alternative “Q101” WKQX Chicago, was Regional VP/Programming for Clear Channel, Show Director for the syndicated “John Jay & Rich” and APD/MD of WBMX Boston in his career. He also currently serves as Content Director for Alpha Media’s “98.7 The Bull” KUPL Portland and “Free Country” WCCQ/WXLC in suburban Chicago through the consultancy.
Heidi McIvor-Allen was part of the Smith/Richards Collective working in digital marketing including stints in radio in Saginaw MI and Atlanta as well as at agencies.
Richards commented, ““At Collective Heads, we amplify attention, optimize impact, and use words like ‘synergy’ with a straight face. But seriously, we’re all about collaboration.” Steal added, “No one wins without great talent. And no one coaches talent better than me.” McIvor-Allen followed, “We’re not just grabbing attention; we’re creating meaningful moments. And maybe a few memes.”
The group says their group will work with connecting brands with local influencers to create authentic content, podcast curation and coaching, creative talent coaching, and creating digital ads that work within radio, artist development, custom events, and other platforms.
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com