JORDAN KATZ TO HEAD BMG DISTRIBUTION

Arista Sr. VP Sales Jordan Katz has been appointed head of BMG Distribution with the title of Executive VP and General Manager, it was announced today by BMG North America President/COO Charles Goldstuck. Katz succeeds BMGD and Associated Labels President/CEO Pete Jones, who will retire as of March 31.

In his new role, Katz will oversee all areas of BMGD operations, including branch operations, sales, field marketing and support services. He will report directly to Goldstuck. Reporting to Katz will be BMGD Sr. VP Finance/Operations George Clyne, Sr. VP Marketing/Branch Operations Bob Morelli and Sr. VP Sales Rick Wilcoxen.

Katz has worked in sales and retail marketing at Arista since 1987. As Sr. VP Sales, he supervised the label’s sales staff and was instrumental in developing strategies to combat piracy both for Arisat and for BMG as a whole.

“Having worked with Jordan, I know first hand that he is one of the most accomplished executives in the business covering the retail and consumer arena,” said Goldstuck. “This new role is the ideal next step for Jordan.”

Commented Katz, “It’s certainly a privilege to be tapped by Clive and Charles to play a role in exposing and bringing to market BMG Distribution’s compelling artist roster during these challenging yet exciting times. I look forward to leading the powerful, well-respected sales team that Pete Jones built.”

Added Goldstuck, “I know I speak for everyone at BMG in wishing Pete all the best for the future and in thanking him for his invaluable contributions during these last 30 years.”

In addition to RCA, J, Jive, Arista and the Nashville-based RCA Label Group, BMGD distributes releases from Wind-up and V2.