The veteran record exec has added the title of CEO to his existing role as President of Sony Music Label Group U.S. The announcement was made by Sony BMG Music Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Andrew Lack, who only asked that he keep the music down in his office.
In this new role, Ienner will oversee all Sony Music Label Group companies, including Columbia Records Group, Epic Records and Sony Music Nashville, as well as instructing Lack on how to use his TiVo.
Said Lack: "The addition of the CEO title recognizes Donnie's many conributions. From building Columbia Records Group into one of the most impressive organizations in the history of the music business, to successfully leading all of Sony Music's U.S. labels, he has repeatedly proven himself to be a strong leader and a highly effective strategist. He more than deserves the sound insulation we'll be installing in his office."
Ienner has served as President Sony Music U.S. since April 2003, overseeing the operation of all Sony Music labels in the U.S., working closely with the company's senior management team in developing and implementing strategic initiatives in all areas, including sales and distribution.
Among Ienner's accomplishments are revitalizing the company's Nashville labels with Gretchen Wilson, as well as building the company's A&R activities by breaking new artists like Modest Mouse, Franz Ferdinand, Los Lonely Boys, lostprophets, Coheed & Cambria and Switchfoot. He also played a central role in bringing Prince to Sony Music and building his comeback with the Musicology album and tour.
Ienner has also implemented a restructuring of the company's domestic operations, combining back office functions at Sony Urban Music. He has overseen the operations of Epic Records since Oct. 2003.
Ienner joind Columbia Records Group as President in 1989 at the age of 36, the youngest in the label's 120-year history. From 1994-'03, he served as Columbia Records Group Chairman, where he oversaw all operations. The company was the music industry's #1 record label in marketshare for six consecutive years.
Prior to joining Columbia, Ienner was Exec. VP/GM of Arista Records, a label he started with in 1983. He began his music industry career in 1969 in the Capitol Records mailroom while still in high school. From 1972-'77, he partnered with brother Jimmy in C.A.M. U.S.A., a publishing, management and production company which repped such artists as Three Dog Night, Grand Funk Railroad, Blood, Sweat & Tears, the Raspberries and Eric Carmen. In 1977, he co-founded Millennium Records, where he served as Exec. VP until seguing to Arista.
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