THE FIRM GETS RISCHER

Veteran promotion and marketing executive Lori Rischer has joined The Firm, where she will be involved in all radio and marketing activities for artists signed to the company’s recently launched record company. Rischler will also work with The Firm’s roster of management clients.

Said CEO Jeff Kwatinetz in making the announcement: “Lori Rischer brings a great wealth of experience and relationships, and I know she will achieve great results for our artists. Her enthusiasm and fervor for the business and especially her understanding of artists and artist development is invaluable, and we’re excited she is joining us.”

The Firm expects to fill other key executive positions in the next few months.

Rischer, who will report to Kwatinetz, will oversee promotion for Top 40, Crossover and Hot AC, developing new ways to help Firm clients maximize radio exposure, and she’ll be involved in developing artists overall.

The Firm’s new nontraditional music company was launched earlier this month, with records to be distributed by EMI Music in the U.S. and licensed by EMI for other territories. The entity, which bills itself as “artist-friendly,” will split all profits with the artists signed to the venture. Already inked are Mandy Moore and rock group Army of Anyone, featuring key members of Filter and Stone Temple Pilots.

Rischer previously worked at Arista Records, where she was responsible for all contemporary airplay both as National Director at Top 40 and West Coast Regional. At Arista, she coordinated market visits by artists, accounting for radio and retail interests, established creative promotional opportunities and maximized exposure by working closely with concert promoters, sports teams and high-profile companies.

Earlier in her career, Rischer worked in the promotion departments of Columbia, Island and RCA.

And speaking of nontraditional entities, Rischer founded and oversaw Lotus and Lyrics, which employed a unique business model that combined music, lifestyle and fitness consultation. In fact, she’s ordered us to drop for 50 push-ups while whistling “Laffy Taffy” as soon as this story is posted.