BMG has appointed Zach Katz Executive Vice President, Creative, North America, effective as of August 1, 2012.
He will oversee BMG Chrysalis’s Los Angeles-based creative staff and direct efforts to attract, develop and sign new talent, as well as manage the current roster.
He will report to Laurent Hubert, President, Creative & Marketing BMG Chrysalis North America, and work closely with the other members of the North America creative executive team including Richard Blackstone, Venus Brown, Darrell Franklin and David Hirshland. He joins BMG from Beluga Heights, a company he founded in 2006.
“Zach is a highly-respected player with a proven track record in signing and developing top talent. He will be a great asset to our team moving forward,” said Laurent Hubert.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to join the leadership of one of the most forward thinking and fastest growing companies in the world of music. I am committed to helping support the culture and environment at BMG Rights Management where our clients can reach their greatest heights and truly impact the present and future musical landscape. BMG has one of the most internationally active rosters, and I look forward to maximizing the synergy of our worldwide creative team,” said Zach Katz.
Zach Katz began his career in 1996 as a music attorney representing recording artists, producers, songwriters, labels, publishers and distributors. He turned his focus to music development in 2001 when he joined Groove Attack USA as the founding GM of their US operations.
From 2002 to 2005 he worked closely with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment, managing Rakim and the label’s top producers and songwriters, overseeing artists/producers responsible for sales of 50 million records and securing endorsement deals with brands such as Reebok and Hennessey.
In 2005, he discovered, developed and continues to manage producer Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem, producer of multiple chart-topping records including three worldwide no. 1 hits. J.R. Rotem produces for Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Maroon 5, Britney Spears, Shakira, Akon, Ne-Yo, Sean Kingston, Jason Derulo, Rick Ross and Ludacris among others.
In 2006, Zach Katz co-founded Beluga Heights, a record label and publishing company, with partners J.R. Rotem and Tommy Rotem, where he has been serving as Co-CEO/Co-President, Co-A&R, and Co-Executive Producer across the label’s catalogue which includes co-publishing rights for Evan Bogart, Jason Derulo, and Sean Kingston, among others.Music Business Worldwide
