KPIX general manager Kevin Walsh has announced plans to retire from the San Francisco CBS owned station at the end of February.
In an email obtained by TVSpy, Walsh thanked the station staff and said he felt it was time to retire.
“During my time in the industry and at ViacomCBS I’ve been fortunate to have accomplished many career goals,” he said. “Yet, most fulfilling of all has been working with some of the most talented people in the industry here at KPIX. In spite of all the challenges over these past two years, the resilience and dedication of this group of people has been beyond inspiring. Thank you.”
“I will miss you all,” said Walsh. “Believe me that is not a trite generalization. Yet, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and finally having time to devote to the many diverse interests I have beyond the broadcast world.”
CBS Stations president Jennifer Mitchell followed up on his announcement by saying she wanted to to offer her gratitude for the leadership Walsh has provided during his 17 years with the company.
“We are glad that Kevin will be staying on through the end of the month,” said Mitchell. “Please know that it is a top priority for us to recruit and hire an outstanding leader.”
Walsh replaced outgoing gm Bruno Cohen in May 2017. Between 2017 and 2021, he also oversaw KSTW, the CBS-owned affiliate of The CW in Seattle.
Walsh previously spent nine years as vp and gm of CBS owned KOVR and KMAX in Sacramento. He joined CBS Television Stations in August 2005 when he was hired to serve as general sales manager at KMAX. Walsh was promoted to vp and director of sales for both KOVR and KMAX in March 2007 and became vp and gm in October 2008.
Walsh’s local television background also includes 10 years with KRON in San Francisco, including four years as the station’s gsm. Prior to that, he spent four years in the sales department at KABC in Los Angeles and three years as an account executive at KTLA in Los Angeles.
Below is the text of Walsh’s email:
Hi all,
After 40 years of working within the broadcasting industry, including almost 17 years with ViacomCBS, I feel it’s time to retire. My last day in the office will be 2/26/22.
During my time in the industry and at ViacomCBS I’ve been fortunate to have accomplished many career goals. Yet, most fulfilling of all has been working with some of the most talented people in the industry here at KPIX. In spite of all the challenges over these past two years, the resilience and dedication of this group of people has been beyond inspiring. Thank you.
I will miss you all. Believe me that is not a trite generalization. Yet, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and finally having time to devote to the many diverse interests I have beyond the broadcast world.
Thank you all for everything you do each and every day to impact our community. It matters.
All the best,
Kevin