Sony/ATV Music Publishing has promoted Rich Christina to the role of SVP, Head of East Coast A&R, based in the company’s New York office.
In his new position Christina will head up Sony/ATV’s East Coast A&R team. He will report into Sony/ATV U.S. Co-president Danny Strick who also oversees the company’s Nashville and Latin operations.
Martin Bandier, Chairman and CEO of Sony/ATV, said: “There is no one better who can relate to artists and songwriters than Rich Christina. The number of hits that have come from the songwriters he has signed is impressive and the list continues to grow. This is a very well-deserved promotion.”
Danny Strick said: “I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Rich for a number of years at Sony/ATV and I have always been amazed by his ability to recognize and develop new talent. He is admired by artists and managers and continues to inspire our A&R team. I am pleased that he will continue to makes real strides in his newly fortified A&R role at Sony/ATV.”
Rich Christina (pictured) said: “With Marty Bandier’s leadership, Sony/ATV continues to nurture an environment where the hunger for creativity, artist development and the art of publishing can thrive. I can’t thank Danny and Marty enough for the incredible opportunity to help lead this creative department. I am truly honored to be working with the most innovative team in the business.”
Rich Christina is credited with having secured Jessie J her record deal with Lava Records and works closely with the Norwegian songwriting and production team Stargate who have been behind a succession of global hits for acts including Rihanna, Katy Perry, Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora.
Among Christina’s many signings are songwriters RedOne (Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez), J.R. Rotem (Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Maroon 5, Fall Out Boy) and Evan Bogart (Beyonce, Britney Spears, Enrique Iglesias, MKTO, Jason Derulo).
Christina started his industry career in A&R at Atlantic Records before a first stint at Sony/ATV and then joined EMI Music Publishing as Senior Vice President A&R. He returned to Sony/ATV in 2012 as SVP A&R following the takeover of EMI.
Newly reporting into Christina will be Clio Massey who has joined Sony/ATV’s East Coast A&R team as Director of A&R. She was previously in A&R at Universal Music Publishing Group and Liberal Arts and worked closely with artists and songwriters including Rami Afuni (Kiesza, Miley Cyrus), Robin Hannibal (Rhye, Quadron) and Ido Zmishlany (Shawn Mendes).Music Business Worldwide
