MUMBAI: Media conglomerate Viacom has announced that Joel Hollander will be the president and COO of its radio network Infinity Broadcasting. The announcement was made by Infinity Broadcasting chairman and CEO John Sykes.

Hollander who recently served as Westwood One president and CEO will now oversee day-to-day operations of Infinity's 183 radio stations across the US. He will report to Sykes and begin his new role from 16 June 2005.

Sykes said, "Joel is one of the most gifted executives working in radio today and has built Westwood One into an exceptionally successful radio operation. Because of Infinity’s relationship with Westwood One, Joel has become one of my closest colleagues in the industry and was my only choice for this important position. I am very pleased to welcome Joel back to Infinity, and I am confident that his presence will make an immediate impact on our business."

Hollander said, "Infinity Broadcasting is the foremost radio group in the industry with an unrivalled portfolio of stations. I look forward to building our business and growing our local operations and competitive positions in the markets and communities that we serve."

Infinity Broadcasting claims to be one of the largest major-market radio operators in the US. Its stations cover the news, modern rock, oldies, country, FM talk, classic rock and urban formats. Infinity owns 185 radio stations, the majority of which are in the nation’s top 50 markets and reach more than 76 million listeners a week and is also home to 29 of the country’s leading sports franchises amongst the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL.