JACOB'S LADDER

Jacob Fowler has been tapped as EVP and chief product officer to oversee a newly created worldwide group that combines the product-technology and engineering teams of Sony Music’s Global Digital Business group and The Orchard.

Fowler, who was CTO of The Orchard, will lead global product strategy and oversee technology for The Orchard, AWAL and neighboring-rights division KNR. Based in New York, he will report directly to SME COO Kevin Kelleher.

The new group will continue to build on a range of applications Sony Music currently provides to its workforce and creative partners, including SME’s Real Time Insights tool for artists, its Apollo data-analytics platform for employees and The Orchard’s Workstation + Suite. They will also partner with SME’s companies and divisions around the world to develop a new suite of digital tools and applications for employees, artists and labels that will support content creation, early insights, transparency and business enhancements that are accessible anytime, anywhere.

“Our advanced technology offerings are a competitive differentiator for Sony Music, and Jacob is a talented executive who shares our vision for the important role innovative products and capabilities will play in our value proposition and success moving forward,” Kelleher said. “We are excited for him to build on his leadership in developing The Orchard’s best-in-class platform by combining our strong product cultures and teams around the world to grow Sony Music’s wider suite of product offerings.”

Among the key initiatives Fowler led at The Orchard was the launch of the OrchardGo mobile app. Previously SVP of engineering and product, he joined The Orchard as a product manager in 2016.