Ex-Glassnote UK head, BBC Radio 1 producer Sam Rumney joins The Orchard AU NZ [exclusive]

The Orchard, the powerhouse Sony Music-owned distributor and label services company, has just landed another industry luminary to its local team.

Blake Rayner, Australia & NZ General Manager of The Orchard, has welcomed Sam Rumney as Director of Marketing & Communications.

Sam Rumney recently relocated to Sydney from London, where he set up and ran Glassnote Entertainment Group UK and Europe. Over five years Rumney built teams and campaigns for acts like Childish Gambino, Phoenix, Half Moon Run and Flight Facilities.

Prior to heading up Glassnote UK, Rumney spent a decade at BBC Radio 1, where for five year he produced and programmed The Zane Lowe Show. He’s also renowned as one of the early advocates for big-name acts like Alt-J, Frank Ocean and Australia’s own Tame Impala.

Blake Rayner, GM of The Orchard AU & NZ said:

“I am delighted to welcome Sam, another excellent human and true music mind to The Orchard’s global artist services team. With Sam’s addition we are able to provide a new level of strategy and leverage for local labels and artists looking to export to the world, one that I think is unmatched here.”

Blake Rayner

Reporting to Rayner, Rumney’s role will see him lead all marketing campaigns in Australia & NZ for The Orchard and spearheaded global strategy to break domestic artists worldwide.

Sam Rumney added:

“The Orchard is currently lighting up the music business world and in turn evolving to change the face of distribution. Creating a home for artists and labels of the future where trust and transparency are king.

“I’m super excited to be joining the incredible Australian team as Director of Marketing & Communications. I look forward to working closely with Blake to help sign and build on our already fantastic roster.”

Rumney is the second addition to the team as part Rayner’s plan to grow The Orchard’s local presence. Following his appointment to run the Australian and New Zealand business back in June, Rayner added David Hume as the Manager of the company’s Artist Services in Australia.

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

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