NEWTON NABS COLUMBIA PRESIDENCY

Now add Ashley Newton to that distinguished list.

In a move we announced last month, but is now official, the veteran talent exec joins Columbia Records Group as President, in an appointment that comes from Co-Chairmen Steve Barnett and Rick Rubin. Newton had been Executive Vice President of A&R at RCA since January 2003.

During his tenure there, he helmed the A&R for hit artists such as the Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon, Daughtry, Ray LaMontagne, Velvet Revolver, Imogen Heap, David Cook and Adam Lambert.

Commented Barnett: “Ashley is known for his affable sensibility and esteemed understanding of the artistic process. He has earned the respect and trust of the creative community for his ability to guide both creatively transcendent indies and mass appeal pop artists. An executive of his ability and vision is essential in the continuing development and success of Columbia Records. And we both speak the same language... the Queen's English."

Adds Rubin: "I have known Ash for more than 20 years. In fact, I met him on my very first trip to London. It is a great privilege to work with someone of his caliber and taste. Our friendship runs deep and this relationship will be the perfect ingredient to further strengthen the new Columbia. I look forward to exchanging texts with him."

Said Newton: "What an honor to take on such a prestigious role at this iconic label. The chance to work alongside Rob Stringer, Steve and Rick--three terrific, forward-thinking executives--and connect with Columbia's remarkable roster made this an irresistible opportunity. I shall treasure my years at RCA with Clive Davis, Barry Weiss and its magnificent artists, but am delighted to be moving onto this extraordinary new challenge within the Sony Music family... mixing warm beer with sashimi at the office commissary."

Newton began his A&R career at Island Records in London under the mentorship of label founder Chris Blackwell. Newton went on to become Co-Managing Director of Virgin Records UK, having joined the company as co-owner of venture label Circa Records. Newton was subsequently appointed Co-President of Virgin Records America and SVP of A&R of Virgin Music Group Worldwide. While there, Newton was credited for signing such superstar acts as the Spice Girls, Massive Attack, Everything but the Girl, the Chemical Brothers, Shaggy and Neneh Cherry. During that time, Newton worked closely with an array of incredible artists including Janet Jackson, N.E.R.D., Gorillaz, Lenny Kravitz, Peter Gabriel, The Verve, D'Angelo, Smashing Pumpkins, Soul II Soul, 30 Seconds to Mars and Daft Punk.