CANNES, France (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Reed MIDEM's Chief Executive Officer, Paul Zilk, has been named 'Officier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres' ('Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters') by the French Minister of Culture and Communications, Christine Albanel.
The French cultural award is given in recognition of outstanding contributions to the arts in France and around the world. Making the presentation in Cannes during MIDEM, the world's music market, Christine Albanel described Paul Zilk as "a respected marketing executive who is, above all, truly passionate about music. I salute a true creator. You are one of the principal architects of the success of MIDEM."
"I'm honoured to receive this award and would like to share it with my colleagues at Reed MIDEM. For over 40 years, our company has sought to help the entertainment business, particularly in music and television, develop around the world. This is our commitment to the arts and it is as strong as ever," commented Paul Zilk.
"Paul has shown all of us just how important it is to keep focused on our clients. Under his stewardship, Reed MIDEM has done an outstanding job as a business facilitator to the industries it serves, notably in the international music and television sectors. I am delighted that he has been honoured by the French government," noted Reed Exhibitions Chairman Mike Rusbridge.
Paul Zilk joined Reed MIDEM in September 2001 as Managing Director before being appointed Chief Executive in January 2003.
An experienced international executive, he previously headed the international business of the National Basketball Association (NBA) throughout Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Oceania. Paul Zilk has also held various marketing and general management roles in the Nestlé group, the Carnation Company and Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream.
An American citizen, Paul Zilk holds an MBA degree from Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree from Harvard College. He has lived in Europe for more than 20 years. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
