“Marketplace” hires chief operating officer

“Marketplace” has hired Mark Crowley as its first chief operating officer, focusing on transforming the business news radio show from a suite of radio programs into an enterprise centered around raising the economic intelligence of the country.

Crowley will jumpstart a project he had previously started years ago, when working for KLON, which became part of the team that actually launched “Marketplace,” the first program about business and the economy with a perspective outside of Wall Street.

When he left Marketplace, he worked in the private sector for a few years, gaining experience in venture capital funding, acquisitions and change management.

Previously, Crowley served as the vice president and general manager of Southern California Public Radio, which is a subsidiary of American Public Media. Crowley was instrumental in that station’s growth — starting with an annual operating fund of $1.5 million 16 years ago to more than $27 million in 2016.

“We’re thrilled to have Mark re-joining us,” said Deborah Clark, general manager and senior vice president of ‘Marketplace,’ in a statement. “Mark’s experience and skills span public radio and private sector start-ups. Not only is he passionate about the work done at ‘Marketplace,’ but he adds excitement in fully realizing the vision for the future of ‘Marketplace.'”