Jill Pedone joins Sumerian Records as Chief Strategy Officer

Independent US rock label Sumerian Records has hired Jill Pedone in the newly created role of Chief Strategy Officer.

Pedone will be heading up publishing and sync for the company as well as working with Sumerian founder and CEO, Ash Avildsen to implement strategies to “uplevel all facets of the Sumerian business”.

Sumerian has also announced plans to open Sumerian London later this year. Pedone will be tasked with overseeing the opening of the London office and will eventually be based in the UK to fully oversee operations.

Formed in 2006 by founder and CEO, Ash Avildsen, Sumerian Records is behind the careers of rock and alternative artists such as Asking Alexandria, Poppy, Palaye Royale, Bones UK and most recently, the signing of rock band, Smashing Pumpkins.

The label has achieved 2 x RIAA Gold certified singles, 5.5 billion artist streams, and four Grammy nominations.

Under Pedone’s supervision, Sumerian has already teamed up with Fuga / Songspace for rights management.

The company has also signed an administration agreement with independent tech-based company Killphonic Rights, for support with the expansion of its catalog offerings.

Pedone brings nearly 20 years of experience with her to the new role.

She joins Sumerian following her previous role of Head Of Creative, Label + Publishing at Lava Records where she oversaw all sync pitching efforts and A&R for both label and publishing, securing placements in film, tv and advertising for Lava Records, publishing, and catalog.

Pedone was listed on Billboard’s 30 Under 30 list, has contributed to several RIAA certified records including Cleopatra by The Lumineers, Two High by Moon Taxi and From The Fires by Greta Van Fleet.

She has also negotiated catalog signings including those of Soundgarden and Ben Harper.

Pedone has overseen numerous successful sync placements including with Moon Taxi for whom she achieved spots with Netflix’s Atypical, Jeep, BMW X5, Makers Mark and Microsoft and for Greta Van Fleet with the feature of Highway Tune in both the trailer for Academy Award nominated movie Ford vs Ferrari and the trailer for DC’s Titans Season 2.

In her new role, she will handle in-house music supervision and licensing for Sumerian Films and Sumerian Entertainment, starting with the TV show Paradise City, the first season of which is slated to premiere on Amazon Prime in March 2021.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working alongside Ash and the amazingly dedicated, creative and business savvy team at Sumerian.”

Jill Pedone 

Jill Pedone said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working alongside Ash and the amazingly dedicated, creative and business savvy team at Sumerian.

“Over the past 14 years Ash has built a thriving, creative company from scratch and launched the careers of some of the biggest and most promising names in alternative music.

“When you are signed to Sumerian, for records or publishing, in every instance it’s because we are fans of your music; that translates into dedication because we whole heartedly believe in what you’re doing.

Added Pedone: “The Sumerian team have an unrivalled, hands on approach that truly allows them to build personal relationships with each artist, giving them the opportunity to fully collaborate on every facet of their record and/or catalog.

“This really is my dream job, it allows me to combine everything I’ve learned in my 19 years in the business and apply it to actionable, quantitative strategies to help further the music and careers of artists in whom I truly believe. I’m so excited for what the future holds.”

“Jill’s sagacious nature and experience in publishing will play a key role in the continued growth of Sumerian.”

Ash Avildsen, Sumerian 

Adding to this, Sumerian founder and CEO, Ash Avildsen added: Jill’s sagacious nature and experience in publishing will play a key role in the continued growth of Sumerian.

“In addition, she brings a sense of excitement and leadership as a CSO that has proven to be infectious. We are fortunate to have her. “Music Business Worldwide