Jay O’Connor is the new general manager at Seattle CBS-affiliate KIRO, the station announced today. His appointment is effective immediately.

O’Connor is currently a group vice president for Cox Media Group, KIRO’s parent company. In his new role, he will continue to oversee CMG’s radio and television operations in Seattle, El Paso, Hawaii, Oakland and Reno.

In a statement announcing the hire, CMG executive vice president Bill Hoffman said the station considered both internal and external candidates for the general manager position, which has been open since Eric Lerner joined Philadelphia’s WCAU in March.

“While in the interview process, it became apparent that there was one individual who stood out from the rest,” Hoffman said. “Their passion for KIRO and CMG and their knowledge of the Seattle market made for the emphatic choice to be Jay O’Connor.”

“I’m excited and honored to be leading the KIRO team as they continue to inform, entertain, inspire and help improve our community,” O’Connor said in a statement.  “KIRO is filled with great people, has a great brand and serves one of America’s greatest cities.”

KIRO remains without a news director after the departure of Todd Mokhtari for KNBC earlier this month.