Mark Fratrik, Ph.D., BIA Advisory Services‘ Senior Vice President/Chief Economist, will retire from the company, effective June 30. He will continue as a strategic advisor and analyst to the company offering continuity for the firm’s forecasting, insights and analytics services that will now be led by Nicole Ovadia, Vice President of Forecasting and Analysis.

“When I look at the accomplishments of BIA over Mark’s 21-year tenure at BIA, there’s a direct correlation between our success and Mark’s dedication and expertise,” said Tom Buono, CEO/Founder of BIA Advisory Services. “Mark’s competence in analyzing the economic forces driving the local media industry has guided our forecasting efforts and allowed us to continuously deliver high-quality, reliable data and insights. His analyses have been integral to informing and influencing decisions at the highest levels of our industry and the government, and his service to BIA has been immeasurable.”

Rick Ducey, Managing Director at BIA Advisory Services, commented on his longtime colleague saying, “Dr. Fratrik set the standard for media economists with his dedication to the industry and his work at BIA. It’s a record of which he should be rightfully proud, and it’s been an honor to work with him both at NAB and BIA.”

Ovadia, who recently joined BIA as VP Forecasting & Analysis, will be leading the forecast team for BIA going forward. “Although it’s impossible for anyone to fill Mark’s shoes, I am excited and honored to have the baton passed to me. Mark has built an amazing foundation and the respect he has earned from his insightful forecasts is unmatched in the industry. Its upon that foundation that we will continue to build, improve, evolve and grow BIA’s forecasting tools and analysis.”

Buono added, “I am pleased Mark will be continuing with us as an advisor and analyst and have full confidence in Nicole as she has the right skill set to evolve our forecast to tackle the challenges facing our industry.”