Pandora expands local team; changes for NSW venues; X Factor execs move to FremantleMedia

Pandora expands Australian/NZ team by six

Internet radio Pandora has expanded its regional team with six new appointments in sales, business development and brand partnership specialisms.

It has opened a new office in Melbourne, and brought in Account Director and State Business Lead Matt Hunt and Marcus Ross as Account Executive. Both were previously at creative agency CumminsRoss. Joining the Sydney team in sales are Sales Manager Monique Lapuyade (ex- Mi9 Media) and Sales Coordinator Kate Roberts. The two other arrivals are in New Zealand, to extend Pandora’s reach beyond its Auckland office to Wellington and Christchurch.

“In just over a year we have attracted over 1.3 million registered users who are spreading the Pandora message like wildfire through their networks,” said Jane Huxley, Pandora Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand. “In establishing an experienced and dynamic team in major cities across ANZ, we are responding to the market growth as well as the strong interest from local brands, better enabling us to grow relationships with our listeners, new brand partners and the local community in a more personal way.”

Elle Conwell joins Nova

Nova Network brought in Elle Conwell as Executive Producer for its national drive show Kate, Tim & Marty. She was EP at SCA’s Triple M’s drive show. 

X Factor execs get FremantleMedia appointments

Two execs connected to The X Factor landed new positions at FremantleMedia. Jonathon Summerhayes, Executive Producer for The X Factor for the past four years, is promoted to Executive Producer. He replaces Tim Clucas who left the firm this month after four years. Beth Hart, Senior Executive Producer of The X Factor in the UK, is now its Director of Television. Hart was also Head of Entertainment at Thames/SyCo Productions. In her new role, she is responsible for Australia’s Got Talent, Dancing With The Stars and The Apprentice.

Warner/Chappell gets new EVP, operations, for North America

Warner/Chappell announced Clark Miller as Executive Vice President, North America Operations, to be based in Los Angeles. He was most recently EVP of International Business Affairs and Global Opportunities at Sony/ATV.

Dick Clark Productions launches international distribution division

Dick Clark Productions has launched an international distribution division to create and expand its international distribution and to acquire and finance new TV shows. Mark Rafalowski is made executive VP of DCP International, based in Los Angeles. “He understands the international television landscape and the importance of having the right partners on a global scale to create and grow TV brands worldwide,” said DCP president Mike Mahan. Shows to be moved into the new distribution arm include the Billboard Music Awards, the American Music Awards, the Hollywood Film Awards, The People Magazine Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.

Changes for NSW music venues

Sydney live music showcasing Murray’s at Manly has been sold to Kevin O’Neill and Julie Sawyer. They have changed the 300-capacity bar to Yardarm Taphouse and confirmed the music, film and trivia events will remain.

The lease to Port Macquarie’s Beach House has been bought back by Rydges, owners of the building.  It will continue to showcase bands and live entertainment at night. New team for the Beach House includes Rydges General Manager David Capper, assistant manager David Van den Boom, food and beverage manager Justin Cave and venue manager Brent Tozer (ex- Zebu Bar).

Brittany Murphy to run etch

The Goulburn Post is in late Feb launching a new free monthly inset titled etch for the 13-26 demographic. It will cover music, comedy, DJs and travel. It is run by Post journo Brittany Murphy.

Another hip hop act lands label A&R gig

Atlantic Records has tapped hip-hop artist DJ Drama to join its A&R team, based in Atlanta. Drama’s new Means Street Studios will be available to Atlantic acts to record in when they are in Atlanta.

The Radio Network eases out veteran

The Radio Network eased out veteran broadcaster Justin du Fresne from his Newstalk ZB Wellington Saturday morning show after a 50 year career. In 1963, he co-hosted New Zealand’s first radio pop show The Sunset Show on 2ZB.

David Chisholm gets Malthouse role

Australian experimental music pioneer David Chisholm is made an associate in music composition at Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre.  Lally Katz takes up the role of associate writer, Mark Pritchard named resident drama turg and Matthew Lutton’s role as associate in directing renewed for the third year.