HANDLER TO QUARTERBACK MARKETING AT EMI N.A.

Another key slot has been filled within EMI’s domestic operations, as Howard Handler is named Executive Vice President, Head of Marketing, in North America. Handler is an experienced executive who has directed the marketing efforts of the NFL, MTV, Virgin Mobile and Quaker Oats. He’ll be based in New York and report to President of Global Marketing Sam van der Feltz, Handler also becomes a member of EMI Music’s North American management team, under the leadership of Regional President Colin Finkelstein.

Beginning Oct. 1, Handler will assume responsibility for artist marketing, advertising, publicity, promotion, video production, digital and tour marketing for artists on EMI’s North American labels, including (in alphabetical order) Angel, Astralwerks, Blue Note, Capitol, Capitol Latin (EMI’s joint venture with Televisa), Capitol Nashville, Manhattan and Virgin.

Said van der Feltz: “Howard brings a perfect combination of experience to this role. He has successfully enhanced brand equity and built businesses for world-renowned names in entertainment, sports, new media and consumer products. His creativity, experience, relationships and leadership will be extremely valuable to us as we increase EMI’s focus on the consumer and help artists create more powerful connections with their fans. Not only that, but he’s promised me a pair of Super Bowl tickets.”

Commented Handler: “EMI is racing towards the future with all the key ingredients to change the game—a vibrant lineup of artists, a legendary catalog, a talented team, great commercial partners and an ambitious set of plans. I look forward to helping create a richer understanding of music fans and further energizing and innovating how we can help fans discover and engage with their favorite artists and music in general. Now, when do I get a kiss from Katy Perry?”

Handler has more than 20 years’ experience in creating and building global consumer brands and businesses. Prior to EMI, Handler was Chief Marketing Officer for Virgin Mobile USA. Joining soon after launch in 2003, he led marketing, sales, product development and customer relationship management efforts that grew Virgin Mobile’s subscriber base from 300k to more than 5 million, increased revenues to $1.2 billion, earned the JD Power award two years in a row and played an integral part in the company’s 2007 IPO. Before Virgin, he was President and CEO of Burly Bear Network, a venture-backed, college cable network and marketing services company.

As SVP of Marketing and Fan Development for the NFL, Handler was the league’sfirst marketing chief, where he and built an extensive fan database and direct/e-commerce marketing profit center. Before that, Handler served as SVP of Marketing for MTV.

The Detroit-born Handler got his BA and MBA from the University of Michigan, so he’s naturally relieved that the Wolverines came back to beat favored Wisconsin on Saturday.