Major promotions at Sony Music Australia

Image: Denis Handlin

Denis Handlin, Sony Music’s CEO and chairman ANZ and president Asia, has announced a round of promotions at the label’s Australian operations.

Wayne Ringrow is now General Manager, Australian Artists, Marketing and Artist Management, reporting to Handlin. The long-time Sony executive who joined in 1992, will continue to be responsible for directing the Australian artists marketing division and overseeing local content creation.

Ringrow is also responsible for the major’s Parade artist management division, which he took over last September. Its 13-strong roster includes Jessica Mauboy, Justice Crew, Stan Walker, Dami Im, Samantha Jade and Cyrus.

Tim Pithouse, who last year celebrated his 10th year at Sony, is upped to GM, International Marketing and Artist Development, reporting to Handlin. He will now be responsible for the marketing of international artists and will lead that team, as well as continue his Australian artist development role where he has been active in identifying and signing new local artists.

Grant Donges is promoted from Senior Director to GM, Promotions and Publicity and Artist Creative Marketing and Vice President for Television Entertainment in the Asia Pacific, reporting to Handlin. Donges started with Sony Music in 2001 as retail marketing executive in Queensland.

Kim Caley joins the label’s executive team with a promotion to Senior Director, National Promotions and Artist Creative Marketing, reporting to Donges. Caley will oversee Sony’s national radio strategy.

Dan Nitschke also becomes a member of the executive team after his rise to Senior Director, Business Development and Strategic Partnerships. He will report to Gavin Parry, GM Digital, Business Development and Sales, and Handlin. He also oversees the licensing division.

After his involvement in the launches of the Jessica Mauboy perfume and Samantha Jade makeup range in Australia, he is working with Sony’s operations in the Middle East, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia to create similar ventures for their local acts.

Ian Grady, who began over ten years ago at Sony’s Red Label imprint, is now Senior Manager, Distributed Labels and Marketing. Reporting to Pithouse, his brief is to acquire and market distributed labels to grow market share.

Andrew Mara who has been at Sony’s digital division for ten years, takes over as Senior Manager, Digital Media and Marketing, reporting to Parry. He now also takes on a strategy and advisory role in the communications strategy for Sony Music artists.

Talina Cruz and Liz Mudie are now Marketing Managers, jointly reporting to Ringrow and Pithouse, and responsible for marketing their own roster of international and Australian artists.

Steve Holcroft and Jordon Dionatos have taken on the role of Content Manager, working their own roster of international and Australian artists.

In 2016, Sony continued to break new artists and ranked #1 for top 40 airplay with a 37.8% share.