The Orchard taps Blake Rayner to run Australia and New Zealand business

The Orchard, the powerhouse Sony Music-owned distributor and label services company, has tapped Blake Rayner as GM of the company’s Australia and New Zealand business.

After cutting his teeth in management and going on to become director of Hello Pavement Music & Artist Management, Blake Rayner was previously Head of International and A&R at Dew Process Recordings.

It was at Dew Process where he signed and worked with artists such as London Grammar, Tkay Maidza, Bloc Party and Little May. Simultaneously, Rayner developed successful touring relationships with artists such Halsey, Maggie Rogers and Aurora via esteemed Aussie artist-touring company Secret Sounds.

Halsey in Sydney. Credit: Georgia Moloney

As GM of The Orchard in Australia and New Zealand, Rayner will oversee The Orchard’s day-to-day operations in the two territories, including artist and label management, acquisitions, physical and digital retail relations and regional strategy. He’ll also foster and maintain relationships with key local labels and artists in the area.

Reporting to The Orchard’s New York-based COO Colleen Theis, Rayner will also work closely with Denis Handlin AO, Chairman & CEO, Australia & New Zealand and President, Asia, Sony Music Entertainment.

The Orchard was fully acquired by Sony Music in 2015 when the company boasted annual revenues estimated at about US$200 million.

Orchard COO Colleen Theis said:

“Blake joining as GM of Australia and New Zealand signifies a new period of investment and focus for The Orchard in this growing market. He has a wealth of experience across the industry and clearly understands our vision. As head of our Sydney-based team, Blake will expand the local expertise with other key hires to round out our service offering.”

The Orchard COO Colleen Theis

Blake Rayner said he was “beyond excited to join the team”:

“The Orchard is positioned for growth in Australia and New Zealand and has an impressive global network that most labels simply do not have access to. I look forward to signing incredible artists, building a great local services team and continuing the strong relationships The Orchard has with our artists and label partners here and abroad.”

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.