NEW YORK (Sony BMG) - Will Botwin has been named Chairman, Columbia Records Group, it was announced today by Don Ienner, President and CEO, Sony
Music Label Group, U.S., to whom he continues to report. Mr. Botwin is based in New York. In his new role, Mr. Botwin will be responsible for determining the overall strategic direction of the Group, as well as for overseeing all aspects of Columbia Records, which has been the No 1 record label in the U.S. for seven consecutive years.
'It's a genuine pleasure to announce this well-deserved promotion," commented Don Ienner. "From making important contributions to the continued career growth of such Columbia superstars as Destiny's Child and System Of A Down, to playing a key role in breaking new artists such as Switchfoot, John Mayer, as well as emerging artist John Legend, Will has done a phenomenal job of leading Columbia. It's been great working closely with him as we've continued to intensify the label's focus on the music and the artists. This newly expanded role will make even greater use of Will's many talents and his proven abilities as a leader, and I look forward to continuing to work with him as we write the next chapter in the label's long and successful history.'
Michele Anthony, Chief Operating Officer, Sony Music Label Group, U.S., commented, "Will's varied and extensive experience, deep understanding of the market place, and unwavering commitment to his artists combine to make him an invaluable leader, as well as one of the most effective executives in the business."
Most recently, Will Botwin served as President, Columbia Records Group, since 2002. As President, Mr. Botwin played a central role in introducing such key artists as Coheed & Cambria and Lost Prophets. From 1998 to 2002 he was Executive Vice President/General Manager, Columbia Records Group, where he played an integral role in all creative areas of the company, as well as the day-to-day management of label operations. He also directly oversaw domestic and international A&R, working closely with many of the label's established artists, including Platinum stars Jessica Simpson, Train, and Marc Anthony. Artist development success stories such as Pete Yorn, Five For Fighting, and many others greatly benefited from Botwin's involvement in their careers, and he worked with Sony Music Soundtrax on blockbuster releases such as Spiderman, Armageddon, Charlie's Angels, Men In Black and Dawson's Creek.
Mr. Botwin joined Columbia as Senior Vice President in 1996. Prior to joining the label, he owned and operated Side One Management for more than 15 years. Among the artists he managed throughout his career are Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Rosanne Cash, Mark Isham, Lisa Loeb, Liz Phair, Los Lobos, Luscious Jackson, and Steve Earle. Side One began as an alternative marketing and promotion company in 1981, evolving into an artist management company in 1983 with such artists as Modern English and Icicle Works.
Mr. Botwin began his career as a college promotion representative at Capitol Records in 1980. He studied Economics at Pitzer College in Claremont, California, and worked as Music and Program Director for KSPC, the college station, and brought entertainment to the campus in his role as Concert Board Chairman.
