The Music Industry is all about big personalities, great vision, and making the most of lightning-in-a-bottle artistic epiphanies. Keeping track of who has a defining influence over major record labels and other music companies can tell you a lot about the changing landscape. Here are a few big stories to keep you up to date.
Stacy Blythe Promoted to EVP at Big Loud Records
Big Loud Records is turning up the volume on Stacy Blythe’s career, promoting her to Executive Vice President of Promotion. Joining Big Loud in 2015, Stacy has been the secret sauce behind two dozen No. 1 singles, starting with Chris Lane’s “Fix” and recently with Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s “I Had Some Help.” If there were a Billboard chart for influential executives, Stacy would be topping it regularly. “Stacy is a day-one believer in Big Loud,” says partner Seth England, also recognizing her expertise in radio as well as her penchant for relationship building.
Kazuhiro Shimada Takes a Break from Warner Music Japan
After nearly two decades of navigating the hits of Japan’s music industry, Kazuhiro Shimada is taking a well-deserved intermission. From MTV to Universal, Amazon, and most recently as COO at Warner Music Japan, Shimada has done it all. He’s now hitting pause, but like a great encore, he’s bound to return with something spectacular. Shimada’s career is like a greatest hits album, with every track marking a significant milestone. “I plan to take a break for a while to recharge myself and look forward to the next challenge in the near future,” he said.
Adolfo Rodriguez Joins Guitar Center as EVP and CTO
Guitar Center has just struck a major chord with the appointment of Adolfo Rodriguez as their new Executive Vice President and Chief Technology & Information Officer. Think of him as the tech-savvy roadie who’s about to turn up the innovation amp to 11. With experience from Advance Auto Parts, Citrix, and IBM, Adolfo’s background is as diverse as the first mixed tape you ever made. His mission? To strum the strings of technological advancement and keep Guitar Center in tune with the future. “I am thrilled to join Guitar Center at such a pivotal time,” he said.
Sergi Reitg Promoted at Sony Music Latin-Iberia
Over at Sony Music Latin-Iberia, Sergi Reitg is stepping into the spotlight as the new Vice President of Premium Content. Based in Spain, Reitg is now in charge of various audiovisual initiatives across Spain and Mexico. His recent productions, including the documentary “Sintiéndolo Mucho” and the MAX series “Acoustic Home,” have been music to global ears. Fernando Cabral, his boss, gives him a five-star review by saying, “Sergi’s vast experience and innovative approach make him perfect for this role.”
Chris Joslin Steps Down from Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
In a bittersweet farewell, Chris Joslin is stepping down from his role as Executive Director of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum. He’s trading it for a new gig with Mission Lazarus, a faith-based nonprofit. Under his leadership, the Hall became a pilgrimage site for bluegrass enthusiasts, complete with a rebrand, a magazine launch, and the hit ROMP Festival. Chris Love, the board chair, summed it up perfectly: “Chris led our organization through a crucial era.” Now, Joslin is off to bring his leadership to Nashville, where another great chapter awaits.
