Musical Chairs May 11
NEW PRESIDENT FOR KOBALT
Kobalt Music Group founder and CEO Willard Ahdritz announced that Laurent Hubert(above) will be its new President. He currently heads the company’s platform and investments division.
He replaces Richard Sanders (who apart from President was also Chief Revenue Officer) was brought in by Ahdritz in 2012 to expand the company worldwide, including to Australia.
Hubert, who joined from BMG last year, will oversee Kobalt’s worldwide music publishing and neighbouring rights businesses.
Variety reports a further round of promotions sees Sas Metcalfe now Chief Creative Officer; Lonny Olinick as Chief Strategy Officer; Marissa Mencher as Chief People Officer; and Jeannette Perez as President of Global Synch & Brand Partnerships.
DECCA PROMOTES REBECCA ALLEN TO PRESIDENT
Following a run of breakthrough success stories, Decca Records Group UK has promoted Managing Director Rebecca Allen to President.
Decca’s hits have included a #1 with Ball & Boe, and Top 10s with Imelda May, Dame Vera Lynn, Gregory Porter, The Shires, Rod Stewart, The Lumineers, Andrea Bocelli, André Rieu and Aled Jones as well as with classical and jazz titles.
MARK GREASLEY BACKAT 4BU
It’s homecoming for Mark Greasley who takes over the breakfast slot Classic Hits 4BU in Bundaberg after the departure last month of Trevor Leutton.
Greasley got his start 40 years ago at 4BU in evenings, before heading to other stations in Queensland and NSW,
NEW EO AT THE EIA
Janet Spellissy has filled the newly created role of Executive Officer (EO) at the Perth-based Events Industry Association. Her brief is to establish new opportunities, reciprocal agreements with likeminded industry bodies, new PD programs and investigates new initiatives to further its network for members.
JO BENNETT JOINS STAR SYDNEY IN ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING
Jo Bennett has joined the Star Sydney team as Marketing Director Of Leisure & Entertainment. Coming from a 20-year background of retail, hospitality, destination, and large-scale events, she will be increasing brand awareness for its restaurants, casual dining venues, bars, hotels, and retail precinct, as well as its B2B portfolio.
LABEL VETERAN MANDA PROMOTED
Interscope’s Head of Urban, Joie Manda, has been made EVP of Interscope Geffen A&M. In his previous role, he signed or worked with Machine Gun Kelly, 6lack Mike, Will Made-It, Rae Sremmurd, Tory Lanez, Dreezy and Playboi Carti.
Manda was President for 12 months at Def Jam Records, also part of the Universal Music Group. Before that he headed the urban division at Warner Bros. Records and EVP of Asylum Records when it was revived in 2014.
KIIS’ DAVE HUGHES DUMPED FROM TV SHOW?
KIIS drive host Dave Hughes claims that he was suddenly dropped as cast member of Seven’s new celeb-oriented comedy show Behave Yourself! following cracks he made about the network’s embattled CEO Tim Worner when hosting last month’s Logies.
Seven responded it was a scheduling issue caused between the production company and Hughes’ management.
MANDYBUR STEPPED DOWN AS MASHABLE EDITOR
Jerico Mandybur seems to have stepped down after 10 months as Australian Editor of tech publication Mashable. The role is currently being advertised.
CLELAND TO HEAD PROGRAMMING AT NBCU
Caroline Cleland is new Director of Programming for all six channels of NBCUniversal International Australia and New Zealand, including its flagship channel is Universal.
Cleland was previously’ its Senior Programming Manager, and was promoted after Selena Crowley decided to take a break. She had her start at Optus Television in 1998 and went on to have senior roles at the Hallmark Channel and FTA channel Bravo.
CHANGES AT ACE RADIO
Regional network ACE Radio made two changes. Anthony Thompson, Content Director at 3HA/Mixx FM in regional Victoria has been shifted to that role at 2AY Albury.
Inga Milosic was appointed Assistant Content Director at the two Victorian station. She worked at Adelaide’s community dance station Fresh 92.7 as well as a number of Queensland stations.
MICHAEL SAMMIS HEADS UNIVERSAL PUBL DIVISION
Michael Sammis is promoted to President of Universal Music Publishing Group’s production music division after the departure of Gary Gross. It creates, produces, and licenses music for use in film, television, advertising, broadcast and other media
Sammis joined UMPG 21 years ago at its Santa Monica headquarters, serving as CFO and EVP of Operations,
FILM VICTORIA LOSING CEO
Film Victoria’s dynamic and highly regarded CEO Jenni Tosi, who took on the role in November 2011, is leaving on December 31, 12 months ahead of schedule.
Tosi who was also GM of Industry Development and Investment says, “After ten years of working at a demanding pace it is time to take a break and recharge, before exploring new opportunities.”
TWO ADDITIONS TO ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE BOARD
The Victorian Arts Centre Trust (trading as Arts Centre Melbourne) has brought in business identities Dr Nora Scheinkestel (Telstra, Stockland Group) and Paul Barker (Worksafe Victoria, Mirvac Funds Management, Etihad Stadium) to its board.
Long-serving Trustees Sandy Clark and Dana Hlavacek who have both retired.
A-TRAK ON BEATS 1
DJ and producer A-Trak has begun a show on Apple Music’s Beats 1. Fool’s Gold Radio, named after his 10-year old record label, includes exclusive interviews and mixes as well as the latest sounds and music. “DJs are in the best position to guide where the culture is going,” A-Trak said.
TERRY TO TASSIE TOURISM
Tourism Tasmania, which works closely with the Apple Isle’s music events and festivals, has hired Emma Terry as Chief Marketing Officer.