(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Steve Barnett has been promoted to president of Epic Records Group from executive VP/GM. "Steve's intense focus on A&R and artist development has resulted in a wide range of success stories, including recent breakthroughs such as Los Lonely Boys, Modest Mouse and Franz Ferdinand," said Don Ienner, Sony Music Lapel Group U.S. president/CEO, "and he has a great track record of creating and implementing innovative marketing and distribution deals that expand the reach of our artists. I know he'll continue to be a major asset as we further build Epic's presence in a wide variety of genres."
"Steve's understanding of the creative process, dedication to helping his artists to realize their goals," said Michele Anthony, Sony Music Label Group U.S. COO and Sony BMG Music Entertainment EVP, “and skill in positioning his releases in the marketplace have helped to establish Epic as a powerhouse in this industry. He has the drive, vision and leadership skills necessary for success, and this expanded role will recognize and make even greater use of his many talents and abilities."
Barnett was named Epic Records executive VP/GM in 2000, after having served as senior vice president, Worldwide Marketing since September 1997. He joined Epic Records Group in June 1996 as senior VP International. Previously he was president at Hard to Handle Management, which managed AC/DC, Cyndi Lauper, M People and Foreigner, among others. Prior to establishing Hard to Handle, Barnett was a partner in the UK artist management firm Part Rock from 1980 until the establishment of Hard to Handle, Part Rock's U.S. company, in 1988. –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
