Andrew Lewis, the founder and chairman of Aberdeen and norther east of Scotland radio station Northsound has announced that he is to step down.

Lewis founded the station in 1981 and has acted as chairman ever since, building the station alongside a management team which created strong ties with the local community.

The station currently enjoys a 46% share of the listening audience through online; on FM and AM.

Lewis, commented:  “Northsound is a wonderfully successful company and to have been involved with such a talented, enthusiastic team has been an absolute privilege.  I’ve enjoyed each of our 28 years and know I leave these very special stations in the hands of a highly experienced team that is passionate about broadcasting.  There was never going to be a good time to step down, so I think today’s celebration is as good a time as ever. I wish everyone at Northsound and the many talented people who have gone on to work elsewhere in the industry all the very best for the future.”

Dee Ford, Group MD of Radio at Bauer Media, said: “Andrew Lewis is one of Scotland’s leading businessmen. His depth of broadcasting knowledge and invaluable insight greatly contributed to our current number one position in the market. Through all the twists and turns of the past 28 years he has always provided wise counsel and I am personally delighted that Andrew has graciously offered to remain available to us in an informal capacity. His legacy will live on through the multi-award winning stations he founded”.