• by Gavin O'Malley  @mp_gavin, October 14, 2011

Keeping its eye on the Web, Clear Channel Radio on Thursday named Brian Lakamp as president of Clear Channel Digital.

In this newly created role, Lakamp will be expected to oversee the company’s digital strategy and products, including iHeartRadio, Clear Channel’s free, digital radio product.

Reporting to John Hogan, Clear Channel Radio’s president and CEO, Lakamp will also manage local stations’ branded Web properties, including the integration of new services and social media features.

Since November 2010, Clear Channel’s digital initiatives have been led by Bob Pittman, who served as chairman of Clear Channel’s Media and Entertainment Platforms. Pittman, who was recently named CEO of CC Media Holdings, is expected to remain closely involved in the company’s digital strategy.

Previously executive vice president of digital media at Clear Channel, Lakamp will continue to work with company partners to develop new products for all of Clear Channel’s radio, media and entertainment properties.

Lakamp’s appointment comes on the heels of the launch of the New iHeartRadio, which offers roughly 800 live broadcast and digital-only radio stations, plus user-created Custom Stations featuring additional songs and deeper social integration.  

“The development of the new iHeartRadio was supercharged with our acquisition of Thumbplay in March, and our strong integrated digital team will continue to develop new digital music products and experiences,” Lakamp stated.

Clear Channel already has a formidable digital presence. Indeed, it boasts 55 million listening hours a month from 30 million unique Web visitors across 850 digital sites nationwide; 41 million downloads of iHeartRadio mobile apps; and a 12 million-fan reach through its station and radio personality Facebook pages.  

As before, Lakamp will be expected to work closely with Tom Poleman, Clear Channel’s president of national programming platforms; Michele Laven, EVP of strategic partnerships; and Charlie Rahilly, president of national advertising platforms.

Separately on Thursday, Clear Channel also named Pablo Calamera as chief technology officer of Clear Channel Digital. Calamera formerly led the team that developed Thumbplay’s digital music technology as its chief technology officer.