Former Audacy COO Takes Top RCS Worldwide Role

Why It Matters

Larkin’s leadership positions RCS at the forefront of audio creation, data analytics, and broadcast technology, enhancing its competitive edge in a consolidating market. The appointment underscores iHeartMedia’s strategy to deepen its foothold in media‑intelligence services for advertisers and broadcasters.

Key Takeaways

• Susan Larkin appointed President/CEO of RCS Worldwide
• Larkin previously COO of Audacy and Cox Media VP
• RCS aims to accelerate cloud‑first audio tools
• Focus on shared measurement, client growth, analytics
• Leadership change follows retirement of Philippe Generali

Pulse Analysis

RCS Worldwide, a subsidiary of iHeartMedia, has long been a cornerstone of radio programming software, providing tools that power everything from station automation to music analytics. In recent years, the convergence of audio, data, and broadcast technology has intensified competition, prompting RCS to broaden its portfolio with Media Monitors, Mediabase, and Florical Systems. By integrating these capabilities, RCS offers a unified platform that helps broadcasters and advertisers make data‑driven decisions, a critical advantage as audiences fragment across streaming services and podcasts.

The appointment of Susan Larkin brings a seasoned operator with deep experience at Audacy and Cox Media Group, where she oversaw complex, multi‑market operations. Known for championing cloud‑first development and shared measurement frameworks, Larkin is poised to streamline RCS’s product roadmap, emphasizing scalability and faster time‑to‑market for new features. Her focus on data‑centric decision‑making aligns with industry trends toward real‑time audience insights, enabling clients to optimize ad spend and content strategies with greater confidence.

For the broader media landscape, Larkin’s leadership could accelerate consolidation of audio creation and intelligence tools under a single umbrella, raising the bar for competitors. Advertisers stand to benefit from more granular analytics and streamlined workflows, while broadcasters may see enhanced operational efficiency and innovative revenue streams. As iHeartMedia continues to leverage RCS’s technology stack, the company is well‑positioned to shape the future of audio measurement, content personalization, and cross‑platform advertising, reinforcing its role as a pivotal player in the evolving media ecosystem.