DIDIA DOES DAY-BY-DAY AT THE NEW-LOOK COLUMBIA

As Mark DiDia started his second week at 550 Madison Ave. this morning, Columbia made it official, issuing a press release and a spiffy new photo of the highly regarded exec.

The announcement, attributed to Rick Rubin and Steve Barnett, verifies I.B. Bad’s scoop that DiDia would oversee all daily operations at the label, described his appointment as part of Columbia’s renewed commitment to artist development. No titles were mentioned in the release; that’s because the new-look Columbia will be a title-free zone.

Said Rubin: "I can’t imagine anyone better suited to run Columbia Records on a day-to-day basis then Mark DiDia. He is smart, passionate and collaborative. The great artists of Columbia Records are lucky to have such a strong advocate in their corner."

Added Barnett: "Mark DiDia is one of the most respected, accomplished and visionary executives in the music business. He knows and loves music, appreciates its importance in people's lives and recognizes the challenges of the market place.”

Never at a loss for words, DiDia offered: "This is truly a dream come true for me, to be at Columbia Records, the home of so many of my favorite artists. I’m thrilled to be on the team.”

DiDia worked with Rubin at American Recordings before moving on to Hollywood Records, and subsequently to Capitol during the Andy Slater regime.