Sony Music unveils big changes to its A&R, marketing & promo teams
It’s been less than two weeks since news broke of Denis Handlin’s big plans.
As reported by TMN last month, the widely respected music executive will channel his efforts exclusively on Australia and New Zealand in 2020 and beyond.
His first big move? A swag of promotions and new appointments across the Sony Music business, mostly in the A&R, marketing and promotions departments.
The major label has also revealed its plans relocate the Queensland team to new offices in Brisbane “in the next few months”, and follows the new Melbourne premises which opened June last year.
Sony executives hinted that a new space in the Sunshine state was on the cards when announcing a restructure last April.
The first promotion revealed today (February 4) is for Marietta Ouzas, credited with luring Tash Sultana and Tones and I into the fold through co-managers Lemon Tree Music and Artists Only. Ouzas, who joined as an intern in 2013, becomes a senior manager of A&R and marketing.
Mo Komba has joined the team as senior A&R manager, based in Melbourne. The songwriter, producer and engineer was in the group Diafrix and is a co-founder of Alt. Music Group.
Both Ouzas and Komba will report to A&R boss Pat Handlin.
In New Zealand, Jaden Parkes has been promoted to director of A&R. He will also continue to oversee local signings TEEKS, Mitch James, Paige, Matthew Young and Maala.
“These recent promotions and appointments are much deserved as our talented employees develop in their careers,” said Denis Handlin AO.
“I am very proud of the team we have at Sony Music Australia and the culture that we have created in our company for not only our artists, but our respected workforce as well.”
Sony Music also welcomes 13 new interns through The Sony Academy
Today’s changes also include expanded roles among the marketing team.
Petrina Convey becomes vice president of cultural marketing & artist development and head of urban music for the Asia Pacific region.
Grant Donges has been appointed as vice president of international artists marketing and communications, working closely with Sony Music’s labels and affiliates around the world.
Wayne Ringrow, in addition to his Australian artist marketing and management responsibilities, will oversee New Zealand domestic artists marketing, based in Sydney.
Convey, Donges and Ringrow will report directly to Handlin.
Ian Grady has been appointed senior director of marketing, while Kim Caley, having joined the company in 2005, has been appointed senior director of marketing and media planning.
Joining the marketing team this week from the Sony Music London office is Martin Harris.
There were also a handful of elevations inside the promotions team for Tammy Hofbauer, Fenella Wagener, Rachel Jones-Williams and Claire Morrissey.
And last but certainly not least, the label welcomes no less than 13 new interns this week as part of its 12-month paid program, The Sony Music Academy.
The interns are spread across its Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland offices. Applications for the 2021 program will open in August.