CARY, NC, November 8, 2007-Sensing that the time is opportune for a leadership transition, David G. Tucker has announced his intention to step down from his role as chief executive officer of international Christian broadcaster Trans World Radio.
TWR's Board of Directors, after extensive deliberation, has accepted Tucker's decision and appointed a Search Committee to oversee the board's search for the ministry's next leader. Tucker will retain the title of president through April 30, 2008, and will assume the role of providing counsel to the board over the course of the transition.
"We owe a huge debt of gratitude to David for his 11 years of dedicated service to TWR, first as chief operating officer and then in the combined role of CEO and president for the last five years," noted Board Chairman Thomas J. Lowell. "As we look to the future, TWR will be seeking an individual who can continue to build on our organization's strong foundation of ministry while crafting a path that will ensure sustained growth and impact around the world for many years to come."
Tucker, 63, is only the third person to hold TWR's top leadership post in the organization's 53-year history. Lowell, who preceded Tucker as CEO and president, will assume interim CEO responsibilities. Day-to-day operational oversight will be provided by the ministry's 10-member Global Leadership Team. Werner Kroemer, international director for Europe, CIS and the Middle East, has been appointed team leader.
In making the announcement, TWR's board cited a number of accomplishments during Tucker's tenure, including: establishment of a new global vision for ministry, known as the Global Strategic Plan; growth in number of languages aired from 180 to more than 200; implementation of a servant leadership model; and the strengthening of partnerships around the world.
"I have very much appreciated working with our board, especially as our new members have brought great energy, vibrancy and passion to the governance of our ministry," Tucker commented. "And one of my great joys and privileges has been to work with our staff and partners in our regions throughout the world and to sense their profound heartbeat for ministry."
He identified a number of global trends as factoring into his decision and the board's ultimate acceptance of his recommendation. "We live in a world of change and nowhere is change felt more than in the area of communications and technology, creating new mediums, new channels
and new opportunities to communicate God's Word around the world," Tucker said. "This, coupled with the continuing acceleration of globalization, significant shifts in Asia with the growing economic powerhouses of China and India, and the maturing and much-strengthened global reshaping of TWR, place the ministry in a unique position to capitalize on these emerging
trends."
TWR is the world's most far-reaching Christian radio network. Programs in over 200 languages and dialects are aired from more than 2,800 outlets around the world, including 14 international broadcasting locations, as well as local medium wave (AM), shortwave, long wave and FM radio stations, direct-to-listener satellite broadcasts, cable audio systems and the Internet. Every day, TWR's broadcasts reach millions in over 160 countries. TWR has offices, studios, broadcasting facilities or partner organizations in more than 70 countries. The ministry's U.S. base of operations is located in Cary, North Carolina. TWR's Vision Statement: To reach the world for Christ by mass media so that lasting fruit is produced.
(TWR News Release)
(Source: Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India)