Independent music powerhouse [PIAS] has expanded its operations in the US, including a number of key staff appointments, the launch of a Los Angeles base, and a new agreement with RED sales and distribution.
Following the company’s acquisition of classical, jazz and world music label group Harmonia Mundi last year, [PIAS] now has dedicated offices in New York and Los Angeles.
Matthew Owen has been named as General Manager of the Harmonia Mundi team in Los Angeles, with the West Coast office becoming a hub for the company’s Classical and Jazz repertoire.
The [PIAS] office in New York will continue to be overseen by General Manager Sean Maxson and has also made a number of key staff appointments.
Allan Benedict will oversee radio promotions as National Radio Promotion Manager after joining the company from The Syndicate.
Also joining is Sally Hedberg as National Publicity Manager.
Marketing Director Justin Gressley arrived from Domino Records last year alongside Brid Walpole who joined the company from Tell All Your Friends as Director of Publicity.
The New York office works releases from wholly-owned labels Play It Again Sam and Different Recordings, alongside those of associated labels such as as Bella Union, Heavenly, Transgressive and Sunday Best.
There is also a remit to develop a roster of domestic artists to compliment recent US signings High Highs and Violent Femmes.
“In Sean [Maxson] and Matthew [Owen], we have two highly experienced executives who, together with their specialist teams, will add real weight to our US and Global offering.”
Alongside the Harmonia Mundi classical label and in-house labels Jazz and World Village, the LA-based team will look after a selective roster of partner labels including premier independent classical labels such as Alia Vox, Channel Classics, Hyperion and Onyx Classics.
In addition, they will continue collaborations with award winning composer Howard Shore’s Howe Records and Ponderosa, the home of Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi.
Harmonia Mundi USA was launched 30 years ago by René Goiffon and Robina Young. Both will continue to consult for the company providing both A&R and relationship management expertise, with a focus on continuing to develop the company’s US artist roster.
Both Matthew Owen and Sean Maxson will report to Edwin Schröter, Group Managing Director of [PIAS].
PIAS] has hired Maureen Spillane who previously was at Fontana North, to run its Canadian operation and renewed its existing US sales and distribution agreement with RED, to cover Harmonia Mundi from May 1.
Edwin Schröter said, “The US expansion of [PIAS] including our new West Coast office, a growing label roster and a new team in LA reinforces our commitment to sensibly grow our presence in North America.
“In Sean and Matthew we have two highly experienced executives who together with their specialist teams will add real weight to both our US and global offering.
“Our alliance and close relationship with the RED team will provide a unique combination of dedicated specialist expertise and independent label culture with marketing and sales leverage for the great roster of independent labels we will be working with.”Music Business Worldwide
