Audible, the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling announced Rachel Ghiazza has been appointed Chief Content Officer, effective immediately.

In this expanded role, Ghiazza will oversee all aspects of content including development, production, operations and business affairs, as well as talent, publisher and partner relations. She will spearhead the continued globalization of Audible Originals as well as grow Audible’s vast library of podcasts and audiobooks. Ghiazza will continue to report to CEO Bob Carrigan.

Carrigan said: “Rachel has proven to be a formidable leader whose passion and pursuit of excellence has been internal to our success. During her tenure, she has consistently championed great storytelling — the lifeblood of Audible — and constructed a best-in-class team that continues to drive our business forward.”

He added: “Her work in developing our impressive slate of originals, and ushering in world-class talent while successfully expanding our unmatched library has been instrumental to our growth. We couldn’t be more pleased to acknowledge her with this well-deserved promotion.”

Ghiazza said: “It is a privilege to work alongside an incredible team whose commitment to creativity and innovation in the audio space inspires me every day. Audible is iconic – a company that has set audio’s gold standard and it is our fearless, audience-first approach to storytelling that makes the very best in the business. I look forward to what’s ahead – badly shepherding Audible’s next chapter in global content creation.”

During her tenure, Ghiazza has helped grow Audible into the leading creator of audio storytelling, developing new genre-bending categories, elevating unique and diverse voices, and forging groundbreaking collaborations with industry leaders. 

Her accomplishments include supporting the launch and development of Audible Plus, scaling-up in-house brands such as Audible Theater and Words + Music, the launch of Dolby Atmos on Audible, and spearheading multi-project relationships with top artists, writers, and creators across the entertainment industry, including President and Mrs. Obama’s production company Higher Ground, Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Entertainment and James Patterson Entertainment. 

Prior to joining Audible, Ghiazza was at Spotify, where she held a variety of roles including leading the Global Content Experiences team. Ghiazza previously held roles at Viacom and Yahoo!. She has an MBA from the University of Southern California.

Audible announced the Audible Podcast Development Program. Those who are eligible could get $10,000 to develop their podcast with Audible and reach millions of passionate listeners with the Audible Podcast Development Program.

You can apply through the Audible website. To be considered, applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on 1/18/21.

Share your inventive, immersive, and wholly original idea. We’re exclusively looking for podcasts with an episodic format and a narrative arc (i.e., a beginning, middle, and end…though not necessarily in that order). We’re seeking a diversity not only of genres – from scripted fiction and comedy, to drama, documentary, and investigative journalism – but of perspectives, cultures, regions, and identities. While we do enjoy conversational shows and hosted interviews, we’re currently accepting submissions for narrative podcasts only.

If your project is selected and meets Audible’s eligibility criteria, Audible will:

• Award you a 10K commissioning fee to develop your idea into a fully produced podcast pilot or program
• Cover production costs
• Provide editorial and script guidance, as well as production and casting expertise
• Give you the use of Audible’s state-of-the-art production equipment and resources
• Facilitate mentorship and peer networking opportunities
• Release your podcast to millions of Audible listeners

Those who are interested in submitting a podcast to the Audible Podcast Development Program should read through the Frequently Asked Questions posted on their website. One important thing to know is that the Program is focused on new ideas and programs that are not (and have not been) publicly available through any service, platform or other channel. This means you cannot submit a podcast that has already been released publicly.