Sony BMG Music Entertainment Australia has tapped A&R manager Simon Cahill to head-up its newly established artist development unit Red.
The major in Britain recently launched Red Ink-or Red Independent Network- to offer artists and independent labels an alternative platform to tap into for distribution, sales, marketing and promotion capacities in key international markets. The Red service in Australia is set to be operational by January.
Based at the company’s offices in east Sydney, Cahill reports jointly to John Parker, Sony BMG GM of international marketing and promotions and Courtney Head, Sony BMG senior A&R manager.
He will work closely with the group’s affiliates, which are already operating in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Benelux and Canada.
“The development of new artists is critical to our future and this initiative will even further enhance our leading position with Australian artists,” said Denis Handlin, chairman/CEO, Sony BMG Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand.
Cahill joined Sony BMG in October 2000 after stints as booking agent with Brisbane-based Shawthing Entertainment and the Livid Festival, and in sales and promotions for Mushroom Distribution Services and Festival Records. In the role as Sony BMG’s dance manager, he set up dance imprint Audio Riot 2003. Audio Riot signed platinum act Infusion.
