MUMBAI: America's National Beer Wholesalers Association President David K. Rehr has been selected as America's National Association of Broadcasters (Nab) president and CEO.

Rehr was signed to a multi-year agreement and will assume the Nab leadership post on December 5. His selection comes after a high-level executive search process was launched in February after current Nab president and CEO Eddie Fritts announced plans to step down. Fritts will remain a consultant to NAB through April 2008.

Some 80 potential candidates were considered in the search for Fritts' successor. Rehr's selection comes with the endorsement of an NAB Presidential Search Committee chaired by Citadel Communications CEO Philip Lombardo and Susquehanna Media president and CEO David Kennedy.

Lombardo says, "We conducted an exhaustive search to locate the absolute best person we could find to retain NAB's leadership as one of the preeminent trade associations in Washington. David Rehr fits that description in every way."

Kennedy says, "David's track record of success is well-documented, and we are confident that he has the talent to represent over-the-air broadcasting inside the Beltway and around the world with distinction. Just as the Search Committee rallied around this selection, I'm convinced that all of our industry colleagues will also find David Rehr the right person to lead NAB."

NAB joint board chairman Bruce Reese called Rehr "a highly skilled advocate with a passion for policy and a deep understanding of how Washington works. I am delighted that we have identified someone I truly believe will be an outstanding advocate for broadcasters for many, many years."

Rehr said, "It is an honour to be selected to serve as president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters. I know that I have big shoes to fill, and I am anxious to hit the ground running. I look forward to continuing the great work of radio and television broadcasters on Capitol Hill and in the public arena."

Nab is a full-service trade association that promotes and protects free, over-the-air local radio and television stations' interests in Washington and around the world. Nab is the broadcaster's voice before the US Congress, federal agencies and the courts. Nab also serves a growing number of associate and international broadcaster members.