LEIPSNER UPPED TO SVP COLUMBIA

Respected industry vet Lee Leipsner, who first joined Columbia Records in 1993, was upped to Senior Vice President of Promotion at the label by Chairman Steve Barnett, to whom he'll report.

In this new position, Leipsner will oversee the day-to-day operations of the label promotion and video departments, with Pop, Rock/Alternative, Hot AC, Urban and Rhythm formats reporting directly to him, as well as establishing the priorities at each format and ordering lunch for the weekly meetings.

Said Barnett: “Lee is recognized as one of the top promotion executives in the music business. During his years with the label, Lee has proven invaluable in leading the promotion team to break our new artists as well as taking our superstar acts to the next level. I congratulate Lee on this well-deserved promotion. Now is it time for my noon shoe shine yet, Leipsner?"

The promo vet's highlights this year include breaking hits at various radio formats for Beyonce, John Mayer, Train, Ting Tings, Adele, Miranda Cosgrove and Boys Like Girls, among others.

Added Leipsner: “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Steve Barnett and Rob Stringer for their continued belief in me, always playing to my strengths, and allowing me to remain truly connected with radio and my relationships. But I couldn’t do my job without the incredible music and artists on Columbia Records, as well as the people who make up the label, and especially my staff. I couldn’t be surrounded by a better team of music professionals if I hired at Kelly Temps.”

Leipsner began his career at Mercury Records in 1989 as a regional promotional exec for the Mid-Atlantic region, based in D.C., segueing to Columbia Records in the same post in 1993. He moved to the New York office the following year to do National Top 40 promotion, rising to Director and Sr. VP Pop/Adult Top 40 Promotion before leaving the label in 2003 to work for Duran Duran.

Returning to Sony Music’s Epic label in April, 2004 as VP Pop/Adult Top 40 Promotion, running the department for a yearin 2005 with Jacqueline Saturn, Leipsner eventually rejoined Columbia as SVP Pop Promotion in Oct., 2006.

Among his numerous industry honors, Leipsner was presented the career achievement award for Pop Promotion from Friday Morning Quarterback in 2008, and earned a number of accolades, including several Gavin, S.I.N. and Bobby Poe awards, over the years.