THE FIRST PRESS RELEASE OF 2006
In one of her first official moves, recently named Sony Music Label Group U.S. President/COO Michele Anthony has tapped SVP Sales Michael Block to head SMLG’s sales force. Block will report to Anthony, as well as to the label heads of the Columbia Records Group, Epic Records, Sony Music Nashville and Sony Urban Music.
In his new senior management post, Block will develop overall sales strategies for releases from each of the label groups while directly overseeing division sales staffs at each of the company's labels. He’ll supervise account advertising on both the national and regional levels, and work closely with sales departments in each label group in creating and implementing campaigns and strategies for SMLG
Said SMLG CEO Don Ienner: “I’ve known Michael for over a decade, and during the many years we’ve known each other I’ve been deeply impressed by his energy, leadership skills, and ability to conceive and implement strategies that get results. Michael is always open to new ideas, new perspectives and new ways of doing business, and his willingness to learn and grow has enabled him to turn every challenge he’s faced into an opportunity. In the process, he has established himself as one of the best sales executives in the business, and there’s no question that he has exactly what it takes to lead Group’s sales team.”
Commented Anthony: "Michael Block has a track record of meeting real demands under pressure, while at the same time consistently delivering stellar results. He is tireless, focused and dedicated, and combines a boundless enthusiasm for music and culture with a sharp practical intelligence. His extensive organizational knowledge of our labels and his deep appreciation for our role in the industry make him perfect for this essential post in the Group."
Block entered the music industry in 1989 as a college rep for Sony Music Distribution in
