SANTA MONICA, CA (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) – The Recording Academy has promoted Neil Portnow to President/CEO and extended his contract through 2011. Portnow has served as president of the nonprofit music membership organization since 2002.
“Neil possesses the key qualities of a great leader: vision, humility, compassion, extensive experience in all aspects of the music industry, and a collaborative spirit,” said Chair of the Board Jimmy Jam. “As a member and volunteer leader of The Academy for more than 25 years, he has a unique understanding of the needs of our constituents and how best to serve them. He has made great strides in increasing the scope of programs and initiatives we offer regionally and nationally, thereby advancing The Academy's profile and furthering its mission. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Neil, especially during this next year as The Academy and the GRAMMY® Awards celebrate 50 golden years and look toward the next 50.”
“It is a real privilege and a true honor for me to have the confidence and support of our Board to continue steering and guiding the fine and vital work of this Academy into the future,” said Portnow. “Along with our extraordinary staff and elected leaders, I have high expectations and goals for the level of excellence and achievement that can be accomplished with a spirit of collaboration and vision for the betterment of our creative community.”
Portnow will continue to lead the charge as The Academy rolls out plans for its celebration of the organization and its milestone 50th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, which will air live on CBS from Los Angeles' Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008. Activities for music fans and the music industry include a two-hour, prime-time 50th Anniversary Special on CBS, a retrospective illustrated coffee table book, the GRAMMY Brand fashion and merchandising collection, and the GRAMMY Museum.
Prior to taking the helm at the Recording Academy, the veteran music industry executive was senior VP of West Coast operations for the Zomba Group. –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
