Executive Turntable: Moves at Universal Music Group, AWAL, AudioSalad & More
71
Universal Music Group appointed Roey Hershkovitz to vice president, Capitol Studios & Digital Studios, the company announced Thursday (Nov. 14). He will be based in Hollywood and report directly to executive vice president of Digital Studios Christopher Jenkins and senior vice president of recording studios & archive management Patrick Kraus.
Hershkovitz previously served as booker, producer and music production supervisor for the guest artist performance showcased on Conan O’Brien’s Conan. He also worked as co-producer for multiple episodes of NBC’s The Office.
"Roey’s background in television production, post production and music uniquely qualifies him for this newly created role in UMG’s Digital Studios,” said Jenkins. “His ability to create the most welcoming creative environment and produce compelling visual content for our artists, labels and facilities will help Digital Studios continue to grow. Roey exemplifies the film and music super skill set and highly trained sensibility that artists demand. The confidence and vibe that Roey brings to our team is perfectly suited to our mission.”
“We are fortunate to have someone of Roey’s caliber join our team to help build on the legacy of this historic studio as we chart our course into the future,” added Kraus. “His background in producing music on television and his passion for music, artists and the entire creative community makes him the perfect fit for this newly created role. Capitol Studios is a crown jewel and UMG remains committed to providing amazing, inspiring spaces for the entire artist community to work and create.”
“Capitol Studios combines the legacy of an iconic studio, while also providing cutting-edge facilities and technology,” Hershkovitz said. “That speaks to Capitol Studios’ unique position, where you have the best of both worlds. I’m excited to work alongside Chris and Pat to bring my experience in television and working with the artist community to develop new opportunities and audio-visual content.
AWAL hired Jennifer Kirell as vice president, catalog marketing, the company announced Wednesday (Nov. 13). She will be based out of the New York office.
Kirell spent 11 years with Sony Music Entertainment and most recently led global marketing campaigns and audience development strategies at Legacy Recordings under the Commercial Music Group.
“The AWAL business has been built from the ground up to serve the unique needs of the evolving marketplace while challenging the status quo,“ said AWAL CEO Lonny Olinick. “As we continue to grow, we are applying that philosophy to supporting our partner’s catalogs by investing in the expertise to evolve traditional catalog marketing. With the addition of Jennifer, we will build a contemporary, global approach to marketing artists’ full bodies of work at different moments throughout their entire career cycle. Her passion for storytelling, commitment to progressive marketing and understanding of fan behavior will be a tremendous asset to the AWAL team and our artists.”
“We’re at an exciting time when streaming has blurred the lines between traditional ‘frontline’ and ‘catalog’ marketing tactics,” added Kirell. “I’m honored to join the team at AWAL as we serve our artists with a future-focused approach to catalog (re)discovery that combines dynamic storytelling with informed strategy and prioritizes building lasting connections with fans. I’m incredibly grateful to Lonny and Ron [Cerrito, AWAL president] for the opportunity to join the AWAL family and our diverse universe of artists.”
Patrick Ferrell joined AudioSalad as head of business development, the company announced Monday (Nov. 11).
Prior to joining AudioSalad, Ferrell held roles at Capitol Music Group and Spirit Music Group. He most recently served as A2IM’s head of label relations.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to join Iain and the incredible AudioSalad team,” said Ferrell. “Having worked with AudioSalad through A2IM, I have witnessed their rise to become one of the most cutting-edge technology companies in the independent music sector. It’s such an exciting time in our industry and I look forward to playing a part in growing AudioSalad’s business by offering innovative digital solutions to the independent music community.”
“We are delighted to welcome Patrick to the team,” added AudioSalad CEO Iain Catling. “His deep industry knowledge and expertise will be invaluable to AudioSalad as we continue to provide first class solutions and services to our growing client base.”
Chris Restivo and Kevin Seaton joined newly-launched Heavy Duty Trailers as executive producer and creative director, respectively, Heavy Duty Projects announced Wednesday (Nov. 13). Both will be based in the company’s studios in Burbank, Venice and Echo Park.
The new trailer division provides original and licensed music for film trailers and television promos. The debut was announced by Heavy Duty Partners Ariel Rechtshaid, Josh Kessler and Kate Urcioli.
Restivo was formerly director of music at Ignition Creative. Seaton was one of the early songwriters hired by Heavy Duty.
“What made me want to join Heavy Duty Trailers was the catalogue, first and foremost,” said Restivo. “They have an amazing well of talent and songs. To help build something from the ground up is very exciting, and there are so many opportunities for us. It was just too good to resist.”
“Chris and Kevin will have the luxury of tapping the infrastructure Heavy Duty has built over the last ten years,” added Kessler. “That means unfettered access to the producers, composers, songwriters and artists signed to and working with our publishing roster.”
Peggy Dold was hired as svp, director of music and entertainment at Iberiabank, the company announced Thursday (Oct. 31). She will be based in Nashville.
Dold previously served as vice president, international for the Univision Music Group, talent and artist relations consultant for MTV Networks Latin America, head of artist relations at Crescent Moon Records and vice president of marketing at Island Independent Label Group.
“We are very pleased to have Peggy join our team,” said Iberiabank managing director of sports and entertainment banking Alex Hernandez. “She is a highly respected executive in the music industry with years of experience and is a great addition to our team of experts covering all music genres.”
Talkhouse has hired Ben Greenman as a creative consultant for new podcast development, the company announced on Tuesday (Nov. 12).
The former New Yorker editor and New York Times-bestselling author has previously written collaboratively with people like Questlove, George Clinton and Brian Wilson.
