CMG UPS SIX TO VP

From left, Jessica Eason, Zoe Gillespie, Kate Haffenden

Six marketing executives at Capitol Music Group have found VP stripes in their stockings hung from the Tower’s fireplace mantle this holiday season.

Unwrapping the new titles bestowed by CMG President Arjun Pulijal were Jessica Eason, Zoe Gillespie, Kate Haffenden, Chris Kershaw, Byron Miller and Alex Williams. All but Williams, who is based in Atlanta, work at the Tower.

“Each of these individuals exemplifies the culture we’re building at CMG, one of innovative and strategic thinking combined with hard work, a passion for music and a belief in our artists that is inspiring and unwavering,” Pulijal said.

Eason, who joined CMG in 2018, is now vice president of marketing for Capitol Records, leading marketing efforts for Doechii (in partnership with Top Dawg Entertainment), Queen Naija, Toosii, Kay Flock and BlueBucksClan. She is also overseeing marketing for Babyface’s Girls Night Out. She reports to Capitol Records SVP of Marketing Ray Alba.

As VP of brand partnerships and strategy at CMG, Gillespie leads the team responsible for partnerships and global brand campaigns for artists. Recent achievements include the Katy Perry and LEGO global holiday campaign, FLETCHER's Meet Her at the Bar Pride Month experience presented by Lyft and the JD Sports Nike campaign. She started as an intern in 2012 and reports to Pulijal.

Haffenden, who joined CMG in October 2021 after five years at Warner Records, works on global campaigns as VP of international marketing for CMG. She recently spearheaded a myriad of local collaborations in Asia during Calum Scott’s Bridges album initiative, driving over 25m TikTok views and 50m+ streams. Haffenden reports to CMG SVP Global Marketing Kieran Thurgood.

From left, Chris Kershaw, Byron Miller, Alex Williams

As VP of marketing for Capitol Records, Chris Kershaw is integrally involved in the planning and execution of marketing campaigns for the likes of Sam Smith, FLETCHER, Katy Perry, Emeline and Natalie Jane. Kershaw oversaw the campaign for Smith’s #1 smash “Unholy” with Kim Petras and spearheaded the marketing of FLETCHER’s recent Girl of My Dreams. Kershaw, who joined Capitol in 2018, reports to Capitol Records SVP of Marketing Nathan Sheppard.

Miller executes streaming and editorial strategies for artists spanning the company’s portfolio of labels as VP of Commercial Marketing, Streaming Strategy (Urban) for CMG. He was integral to the launch of Babyface’s Girls Night Out and greatly expanded the editorial reach of Doechii. Miller joined CMG in 2017 and has led the editorial and streaming strategies for XXXTENTACION's ? album and Lil Baby’s My Turn. He reports to CMG EVP of Global Commercial Marketing & Strategy Mike Sherwood.

Williams is VP of Gaming Strategy & Business Development for CMG, launching and expanding the company’s presence in gaming and esports, including the development of a comprehensive label strategy in gaming culture. Prior to joining CMG earlier this year, Williams was head of North American Gaming and Esports for Coca-Cola. Williams reports to CMG SVP of Digital Strategy & Business Development Nic Osborne.