MARELLA NAMED SVP PROMOTION & VIDEO FOR UNIVERSAL MOTOWN

It's official, but we've known about it for weeks.

Gary Marella has been appointed Senior Vice President of Promotion and Video for Universal Motown Records, it was announced today by President Sylvia Rhone.

“Gary possesses the rarest of qualities in a promotion executive," said Rhone. "A heart... No, I'm only kidding. Actually, he has a special insight into the changing complexities of promotion and exemplary instincts when it comes to expanding the reach of our artists. The entire company joins me on congratulating Gary on his new role."

"I'm grateful to Sylvia Rhone and Mel Lewinter for providing me with such a tremendous opportunity," stated Marella. "We've built a great team with a dedicated promotion staff whose professionalism and passion are second to none, and I look forward to furthering the impact of our great Universal Motown roster. Now when do I get my official compliance regulations?"

Marella, whose duties include overseeing radio and video promotion for Universal Motown Records, will report to Rhone. Marella was previously VP Promotion for Universal Motown since 2003. He joined Universal in 2000 as Senior National Director of Rhythm Crossover Promotion.

Prior to joining Universal, Mr. Marella worked at Priority Records as a National Crossover Promotion rep.

Mr. Marella began his career in the music business in 1994 as an intern at Interscope Publishing.