Bookending the highly successful TASTE OF HOPE on THURSDAY (9/15) were two well-attended events honoring the life and career of legendary radio programmer and mentor STEVE SMITH, who passed away on JULY 7th (NET NEWS 7/9). The first gathering was on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th from 3-6p at REPUBLIC RECORDS STUDIO, 220 W. 18th St. It was hosted by FUNKMASTER FLEX, ROB STONE, MONTE LIPMAN and FELICIA SWERLING. Good vibes, good food (lots of sushi) and memories were present among the many who .
RCA Records today announced a new leadership structure for a new era for the Company in the rapidly changing music marketplace.
Mark Pitts has been promoted to the role of President of RCA Records, working to grow and drive its Creative Business Operations as well as the Companyâs cultural initiatives and further unifying our teamsâ effectiveness. John Fleckenstein has been elevated to Chief Operating Officer, where, in addition to his current duties, he takes on more of the Companyâs day-to-day business oversight.
Both executives will continue to report to Peter Edge, Chairman & CEO, RCA Records.
Image Credit: RCA Records
Fleckenstein’s co-president, well-regarded radio promotion veteran
Joe Riccitelli, will leave the company, but will provide transitional services on key projects, according to RCA. Respected veteran
Geo Bivins, RCA s evp/GM, departed at the end of 2020. Mark has demonstrated tremendous growth as an energetic, unstoppable leader whose unbridled enthusiasm and experience will be invaluable in taking our company to exciting new directions, Edge continued. With his deep relationships and decades of success working with legendary, pioneering artists, he is the ideal partner to help move our creative direction in a renewed, expanded way for the future.
Label veteran Pitts, who remains CEO of ByStorm Entertainment, has held a number of executive positions at RCA and played a pivotal role in elevating such artists as The Notorious B.I.G., Usher, Miguel and J. Cole. He signed Chris Brown in 2004, according to the press release issued by RCA, and continues to work with the supersta
Shake-up at RCA: Mark Pitts in as President, John Fleckenstein promoted to COO
January 14, 2021
Mark Pitts (L) and John Fleckenstein (R)
New York-headquartered RCA Records, one of Sony Music‘s biggest frontline label groups, has made major changes to its leadership structure in the US.
Mark Pitts has been promoted to the role of President of RCA, with John Fleckenstein upped from his current role as co-President to Chief Operating Officer.
Both execs will continue to report to Peter Edge, Chairman & CEO, RCA Records.
Joe Riccitelli, who was named Co-President of RCA in 2018 and has particularly strong connections in radio, will depart the company as a result of the new changes.