Executive Turntable: Moves at RCA Records, Warner Bros. Records & Decca Records
A list of moves and shakes across the music business, including at RCA Records, Warner Bros. Records and Decca Records.
RCA Records has named Archie Davis svp, marketing, it was announced Thursday (Nov. 29). Additionally, RCA entered into a joint venture label with Davis titled Six Course Music Group.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join RCA and to bring a home to Six Course Music Group,” Davis said. “The incredible staff of executives and artists at RCA have been leading the way, shaping culture at every turn with their mix of established stars and developing new, cutting edge talent. Alongside Peter Edge and John Fleckenstein, I look forward to the label being a destination where all parts of entertainment come together authentically to have the biggest impact and as a place where artists are comfortable and happy to call RCA their home.”
“Archie Davis is an undeniable force in the music industry and we are lucky and excited that he has decided to join and bring his label to RCA,” chairman and CEO Peter Edge added. “His passion to find young talent, marketing acumen, and extensive relationships both within the music industry as well as the broader entertainment industry is what makes Archie an outstanding executive. I know he will only enhance RCA by bringing in hot new talent and delivering top tier marketing campaigns.”
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Davis will oversee marketing campaigns for the company’s artist roster in his new role, ensuring that artists are able to grow their brands and careers. Additionally, he will seek to discover, sign and develop artists under the title of CEO at Six Course Music Group.
Warner Bros. Records has promoted Mike Sherwood to svp, revenue & commercial accounts, it was announced Monday (Nov. 26).
Sherwood first joined the label in 2006, working in the sales department as regional marketing manager. In his new role, Sherwood is primarily focused on new release and long-term strategies for Warner Bros. Records artist campaigns across all commercial accounts, with an emphasis on streaming.
“Mike has that unique skill of balancing artistry with commerce, and is a crucial driving force behind many of our new and established artist campaigns,” said Larry Mattera, gm, evp, commerce & marketing. “He is well-respected by artists, executives and peers alike and I look forward to even more success in the years ahead.”
“I’m thrilled to continue my journey and expand my role at Warner Bros. Records,” added Sherwood. “After 12 years at the label, the renewed energy and vision that Tom and Aaron have brought to the company is very exciting. I want to sincerely thank Tom, Aaron and Larry for this opportunity. I look forward to helping write the next chapter of this iconic company and taking our artists to new heights in the streaming world and beyond.”
During his tenure with Warner Bros. Records, he has played a key role in the global streaming stories of Dua Lipa, Lil Pump and Bebe Rexha and has worked with other huge names, such as Tom Petty and Green Day.
Universal Music Group announced the promotion of Tom Lewis to the role of vp, A&R and artist strategy at Decca Records on Wednesday (Nov. 28). Also joining the team is Rachel Holmberg as head of A&R and Sam Mumford as A&R manager.
“As Decca continues to evolve and grow into a leading global music company, so must our approach to A&R, to our artists, and to our unrivalled passion for seeking out and breaking new artists,” said Rebecca Allen, president of Decca Records. “With this in mind, I am thrilled that Tom’s role will further expand into the heart of the label, and with his uniqueness as a music executive, as a music lover and as a music producer, there is no doubt in my mind, that his passion, energy and drive, will help define many more moments in Decca’s illustrious history.”
“I’m absolutely delighted and honored to take on this new challenge. It feels like such an exciting time at Decca,” added Lewis. “We celebrate our 90th Anniversary next year and have spent a long time looking back on our history. It really is a special place to work. The label is buzzing and full of a spirit of adventure.”
Since moving into A&R, Lewis have previously worked as head of A&R and senior director of A&R and artist strategy. In the new role, he will continue to report to Allen.
Delmar Powell has been appointed vp of A&R at Downtown Music Publishing, it was announced Thursday (Nov. 29). He will report to Andrew Gould, svp and head of A&R, North America.
In the new position, Powell will assume the responsibility of discovering talents and signing new artists, songwriters and producers. Additionally, he will seek to create opportunities for the company’s clients and copyrights in the global marketplace.
“Delmar possesses an incredible passion for great artistry and songs,” said Gould. “We are very excited and fortunate to welcome him to the team.”
Previously, Powell worked as director, A&R urban at Republic Records. While there, he signed Marc E. Bassy and worked with other acts such as Hailee Steinfeld and Kiana Lede. He has also previously held positions at Atlantic Records, TVT Records and JIVE Records.
Marcus & Colvin, LLP has appointed Stephanie Westerman as a senior associate, it was announced Wednesday (Nov. 28).
“I am so excited that Stephanie has joined our firm,” said Kent Marcus, co-owner. “In the few months that she has been with us, Stephanie has made an immediate impact on the quality service we provide our clients, not only with her proven, well-established skills, but her positive energy and dedication. I have no doubt that Stephanie will be a significant part of this firm’s future.”
“Until I met with Kent and Jeff, I was fairly certain that in-house was the place for me, but right away I knew that the opportunity to work with them was one I could not pass up,” added Westerman. “They are unmatched in their expertise and ability to stay ahead of the curve. I am thrilled to be a part of the team.”
In other news, the entertainment law firm has relocated to the growing “Pie Town” community in Nashville.
“We are very proud to join our neighbors eOne Entertainment, Third Man Records, Sacks & Co., and City Winery in this developing creative community” said Jeff Colvin, co-owner.
Paul McNicol will take over for Robert Walls as evp, general counsel and secretary of iHeartMedia.
Walls — who has been with the company for 18 years — will step down after iHeart emerges from bankruptcy, which they hope occurs before the end of this year.
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