(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Tim Wipperman has joined the staff of Equity Music Group as its chief creative officer “The experience and talent Tim brings to this company is phenomenal,” said label president Mike Kraski. “Having Tim Wipperman on board heading up the creative side of the music group is beyond my wildest expectations for this position. What he will bring to the table for our artists is some of the best ears for music in the business. He respects artists; he understands what their needs are so far as finding great songs that match. As important since so many of our artists also write their own music, he knows how to get the best from them without changing who they are.”
“Music has always been my primary passion, and building a company was my second passion,” Wipperman said. “Equity provides me the opportunity to work with outstanding seasoned professionals to both those ends."
Wipperman spent 29 years as the head of Warner Bros. Music (now Warner/Chappell Music). Under his leadership (1975–2004), the company won more than 500 ASCAP and BMI Awards; multiple Grammys, CMA and ACM Awards; and several times was named the ASCAP, BMI or Billboard Country Publisher of the Year. Prior to joining Warners, Wipperman worked with Chet Atkins’ Vector Music as a songplugger; Cedarwood Publishing; and Combine Music, where he worked with such artists as Kris Kristofferson.
Tara Austin, also formerly of Warner/Chappell, will join Equity Music Group’s A&R department.–Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
