Australian distribution platform DistroDirect is expanding its global footprint with two key hires in the Americas: Dalmar ‘Biz Dev’ James Jr. and Eric Namour.
James Jr. takes the reigns as VP of North American Business Development and Partnerships, while Namour will head up Business Development operations for the Latin American market.
The additions follow DistroDirect’s official global launch in August 2021, which has since seen over 250 micro-distributors launched in over 40 international markets, says the company.
James, Jr. brings to DistroDirect over 25 years of experience in content development and distribution, strategic partnerships, and digital marketing for companies such as HBO, Adobe, Avid, SongClip, and others.
He has led business development for the twice Emmy-nominated Better Show, and has provided leadership to marketing and media campaigns for consumer brands like Febreze, Kmart, AOL, YouTube, Yahoo, and DailyMotion.
Mexico City-based Eric Namour has over 20 years’ experience in metadata, supply chain and reporting, strategy and project management.
A co-founder of OTTOmate – a reporting and analytics product suite and platform – Namour and his team have been behind the global rights agency Merlin Network reporting and statements processes for the past 10 years, and built a bespoke CMS used by the entire network.
Namour also has business development, consulting and technical management experience for clients such as IDLA, Virtual Label, Secretly Canadian, Altafonte, state51 conspiracy, CI and Mexican rights owner Multimusic.
The new team members are just the first of a number of expanded network hires planned for DistroDirect, it says.
DistroDirect is the brainchild of Australia-based digital distribution company GYROstream, which launched in 2018.
“DistroDirect has made the bold move of putting tools, that before only belonged to aggregators, into the hands of the independents.”
Dalmar ‘Biz Dev’ James Jr.
Dalmar ‘Biz Dev’ James Jr., said: “DistroDirect has made the bold move of putting tools, that before only belonged to aggregators, into the hands of the independents.
“Artists are being developed inside the culture and outside of the traditional label system successfully, creating scalable opportunities to compete at a high level.
“CEO Andy [Irvine] has put together a smart and aggressive team that’s interested in supporting this global movement and making an impact.
“I’m excited to lead the way in the US and Canada for artists and small businesses that are committed to owning their destiny and disrupting the current state of affairs.”
“Latin America has a huge potential.”
Eric Namour
Eric Namour, added: “I am thrilled and honored to be able to take on this role along with my team as I have seen how DistroDirect’s parent company GYROstream has organically grown from day one with a clear and efficient strategy as a relatively latecomer in the market.
“DistroDirect bridges a gap in a market that has now matured enough to understand more complex options than the traditional aggregator model.
“Latin America has a huge potential so providing an alternative tool and necessary guidance on how to run one’s own white label distribution service seems like the best way forward. I think working with such a team will be very productive and fun!”
“As the world opens up our focus for DistroDirect and its partners is a human one.”
Andy Irvine, GYROstream
Andy Irvine, GYROstream CEO, said: “As the world opens up our focus for DistroDirect and its partners is a human one.
“Nothing beats a ‘boots on the ground’ approach and the ability to talk to an expert who knows your market intimately.
“Eric and Dalmar are seasoned professionals with incredible networks and we are so excited to have them as part of the team.
“We plan to add key business development and partnership roles in a number of other territories across the next six months.”Music Business Worldwide
