NAFTALY NAMED SVP A&R, RCA/JIVE LABEL GROUP

The industry vet has been appointed SVP A&R for the RCA/JIVE Label Group (formerly the BMG Label Group), reporting to Chairman/CEO Barry Weiss and based in the company’s N.Y. offices.

The well-respected Naftaly established his career in radio as the architect of San Francisco’s influential KMEL in the mid-‘80s. Over his 10-year tenure there, the station gained a reputation as one of the most musically progressive and socially conscious in the country and Naftaly earned several awards as its MD and PD. In 1993, he was appointed VP Programming for KMEL sister station L.A.’s KKBT/The Beat, and the station achieved the highest ratings in its history.

In 1995, he began his label career joining Arista Records as VP A&R, working closely with Whitney Houston and Santana, among many others. Five years later, he was named SVPA&R for J Records, where he worked with Luther Vandross, Kelly Clarkson, Rod Stewart, Wyclef Jean and others.

In 2003, he joined the Executive A&R staff of Dreamworks Records just before his most recent post as Sony Music Label Group U.S. SVP A&R, working with a broad spectrum of artists, ranging from Shakira to Howie Day and successfully scored major hits with Natasha Bedingfield, Ray J & Yung Berg, Amerie, Sean Kingston and Jennifer Lopez.

In making the announcement, Weiss commented: “Having known Keith for 20 years, I can easily say that his unique combination of instincts, experience and talent are extremely rare. He is a proven creative talent and top-tier music executive who has successfully worked with a broad range of artists from every genre. His background in radio, coupled with his winning streak as an A&R executive, will greatly benefit the RCA/JIVE Label Group. But if he thinks he's getting an office window that opens, he's shit out of luck.”

Keith added: “Returning to RCA stimulates that warm welcome home sensation of a family reunion. Factor in the mighty JIVE machine and this officially qualifies as my fantasy dream job and an absolute privilege. I feel truly blessed and must thank Barry Weiss for his belief, generosity and progressive spirit. Does this mean I get to go to Clive's pre-Grammy party?”