WFLD senior vice president and general manager Dennis Welsh has announced he will retire at the end of June.
Welsh has been in this role at the Chicago Fox owned station since January 2013. He’s worked with the Fox Television Stations for 26 years.
“After 40 years in television, it is time for my next journey, which will include lots of traveling with my wife, Kellie. Spending the last 26-years in five different leadership roles at Fox Television Stations (FTS) has been the thrill of a lifetime,” said Welsh. “I’m thankful to Jack Abernethy who offered me the amazing opportunity to lead two different Fox TV Stations and for all his support over the years. Spending the last ten years working with such a passionate and talented group focused on serving the Chicago community has been a true privilege. Although I look forward to the road ahead, I will sincerely miss all of the incredible relationships formed over a wonderful 26-year career with FTS.”
“We would like to thank Dennis for his hard work and dedication to Fox Television Stations over the past 26 years,” said Jack Abernethy, chief executive officer of Fox Television Stations. “His extensive knowledge of the broadcast industry and strategic approach to our business made him a valuable asset to FTS and he will be greatly missed. We wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Welsh began his broadcast television career as a Sales Account Executive for KDKA in Pittsburgh followed by National Sales Representative position at MMT Sales in Philadelphia. He then held various Sales Management roles at WPGH-WPTT in Pittsburgh, WLWT in Cincinnati, WPRI in Providence.
His 26-year career at Fox Television Stations began as vp general sales manager at WJW in Cleveland, as well as director of sales for Fox Sports Net Pittsburgh. He then moved to FTS National Sales Organization, Fox Stations Sales in New York City as a vp director of sales. He then worked at KDFW-KDFI in Dallas as vp director of sales, as well as director of sales for Fox Sports Net Southwest which was the largest Sports Net in the country. He was then promoted to vp and general manager of WOFL-WRBW in Orlando before joining WFLD.
Fox said an internal and external search will take place for his successor.