SANTA MONICA, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Recording Academy) - The Recording Academy announced today that it has promoted Bill Freimuth to Vice President, Awards. He replaces
Diane Theriot, formerly Senior Vice President, Awards, who recently retired. Freimuth, who previously served as Senior Director, Awards, will now report to President/CEO Neil Portnow. In his new position, he will oversee the Awards Department and manage the Awards process for the annual GRAMMY Awards.
"Bill possesses both the experience and the passion to serve and succeed in this integral role," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "Over the past four years, he has proven his value to our organization by learning the intricacies of our Awards process, and upholding the standard of excellence of the GRAMMY Award. As he enters into this new leadership role, he will continue to ensure the integrity of our Awards process, and that the GRAMMY Award continues to be revered as the music industry's preeminent peer-recognized honor."
With more than 20 years of experience in the live entertainment industry, Freimuth has worked for various distinguished arts organizations. His award show experience began to take shape when he founded, executive produced and fostered the Theatre LA Ovation Awards while he was Executive Director of Theatre LA, a theatre industry consortium. The Ovation Awards have since grown to become a prestigious peer-recognized honor, drawing national recognition to the Los Angeles theatre community.
Prior to joining The Academy in 2004, Freimuth was the Production Unit Manager for the Big Apple Circus in New York City where he managed a 38-week, 11-city tour and the artistic, house, operations, and road finance divisions for the circus. Previously, he was Executive Director of Performance Riverside - a theatre company - where he oversaw the artistic direction and general management of the troupe, as well as produced Broadway-style shows at the 1,400-seat Landis Auditorium in Riverside, Calif.
In addition to overseeing the Awards Department and managing the GRAMMY Awards process, Freimuth will oversee the production of the Pre-Telecast Ceremony, which occurs prior to the live telecast and where 90 percent of the GRAMMY Award recipients are announced. Freimuth also will be managing the Special Merit Awards Ceremony which recognizes recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Trustees Award and the Technical GRAMMY Award, and is held the night before the telecast as a culmination of the series of events that take place during GRAMMY Week - the week leading up to the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast.
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards - the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music - The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. In its 50th year, The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.
