Jim Lally joins Airwave as Vice President of Partnerships & Business Development

Airwave, the leading podcast network for the “constantly curious” listener, today announced the appointment of Jim Lally as Vice President, Partnerships & Business Development.

Jim Lally brings many years of experience building revenue, partnerships, and growth strategies across podcasting and digital media. With senior leadership roles at WNYC Studios, Market Enginuity, Audioboom, Libsyn Ads, and PodcastOne, his work spans celebrated titles such as Radiolab, Freakonomics Radio, 99% Invisible, and TED Talks Daily. Jim has become something of a godfather to modern podcast monetization.

A skilled relationship-builder with deep expertise across sales, content licensing, distribution, and creator partnerships, Jim has helped some of the industry’s most influential publishers turn ambitious ideas into sustainable growth. His experience and strategic instincts will make him a major contributor to Airwave’s continued expansion and future success. Beyond the industry, he is a devoted father and family man whose deep personal connections to art and music shape his creativity, curiosity, and singular perspective.

Airwave’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Brand Partnerships, Charles Dannison, said, “Jim Lally is one of those rare leaders whose experience is matched by his character. He understands every side of this business, from creators and content to partnerships, revenue, and long-term growth, and he has earned enormous trust throughout the industry. He is also, quite simply, one of the most genuinely liked and beloved people in podcasting. Jim brings sharp strategic instincts, deep relationships, and a real love for the work and the people behind it. I have tremendous respect for him, both personally and professionally, and could not be more excited about what he will help us build at Airwave.”

Jim Lally said, “As a longtime admirer, I’ve always been impressed by Airwave’s ability to straddle an authentic commitment to creators with a clear and ambitious vision for the company’s continued growth. The opportunity to work with Ben, Charles, and the rest of the team—bringing my relationships and experience to help expand the company’s partnerships, revenue, and industry presence—feels like a natural fit, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it!”

Airwave is rapidly expanding its network’s direct-sold and programmatic efforts in anticipation of taking ad sales fully in-house ahead of 2027.