EMI Christian Music Group Promotes David Crace to Senior Vice President And Chief Marketing Office

Denise George, Mark Adkison and Leisa Byars Also Take on New Roles

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. -- EMI Christian Music Group (EMI CMG) has appointed David Crace to the newly created position of Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, and elevated three other executives, effective immediately.

Crace will be supported in his new role by Greg Bays Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, EMI CMG Distribution; Denise George, who has been named Vice President of Strategic Marketing for EMI CMG and Mark Adkison who has been appointed Vice President of Digital Development and Strategy. Additionally, Leisa Byars has been promoted to Vice President of Artist Development for EMI CMG Label Group filling the role vacated by Crace.

“Given the challenges we are facing in this industry, we recognize the need to intensify our efforts in the areas of marketing and new technology. I’m thrilled that we have the strength from within our organization to fill these new key roles vital to our continued success. I could not be more proud of David, Greg, Denise, Mark and Leisa and look forward to their continued contributions toward the achievement of our vision to impact popular culture through music,” said Bill Hearn, President & CEO, EMI CMG.

CRACE APPOINTED SR. VP & CMO
As Sr. VP and CMO, Crace will lead the development of the company’s marketing and technology innovation, strategic partnerships, consumer understanding and research, retail channel management and catalog development strategies, and will be responsible for advancing those initiatives through EMI CMG’s labels and other businesses. Crace will report directly to Hearn.

“More than ever, the pace of change in our business dictates that innovative approaches are used to better understand consumers in order to more effectively connect them with our artists and music. This new team will help to make our entire organization more consumer- and technologically-driven and more competitive. David is a gifted marketer and instinctive leader, and I can think of no one better suited to become our first CMO,” said Hearn.