Rick Thomas Partners With Malama As SVP

Malama Media Group has named veteran radio programmer Rick Thomas as Senior Vice President of Programming, overseeing the company’s Hawaii radio cluster and helping shape programming strategies for future acquisitions. He officially joined the company on August 25.

Thomas returns to Hawaii after a career that has included programming positions in several major markets. He most recently served as Brand Manager for Beasley Media Group’s Tampa cluster, where he directly programmed Classic Hits WRBQ-FM and Country WQYK-FM.

His previous experience includes programming roles with CBS Radio in New York and Los Angeles and stints at KYLD-FM in San Francisco, KSFM-FM in Sacramento and XHRM-FM and XHTZ-FM in San Diego. Thomas also previously served as Vice President of Programming for Ohana Broadcasting in Honolulu.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Rick back home to our ‘ohana,” said Malama Media Group Managing Partner and Market President Josh Villa. “His experience across virtually every major format, combined with his genuine passion for radio and deep respect for the communities he serves, makes him exactly the kind of leader we want in our organization.”

Thomas’ arrival also reunites him with Malama General Managing Partner Monroe Greer, with whom he has a professional relationship stretching back 45 years. The two worked together at XHTZ in San Diego and later crossed paths at KOY-FM in Phoenix and XHRM in San Diego.

“I’ve watched Rick grow from a talented young programmer into one of the finest executives in this business, and through all of it, he has never changed,” Greer said. “He’s the same genuine person of good character and integrity that he was when we were both figuring it out together all those years ago.”

Thomas said his return to the islands has special significance after previously raising his family in Honolulu.

“Coming back to Hawaii feels like coming home,” Thomas said. “I have a special love for creating great radio and serving the people here. I’m grateful to Monroe and Josh for their trust and for welcoming me into what they’re building at Malama.”