Columbia Records Appoints Corey Calder Head of Urban Music Marketing

Columbia Records appointed Corey Calder as senior vice president of marketing and head of urban music marketing according to a Sept. 11 report from Billboard (https://www.billboard.com/lists/executive-turntable-corey-calder-columbia-records/). Warner Music Japan named Eitaro Shibasaki as chief business officer effective Oct. 1. Warner Chappell Music U.K. hired Annie Christensen as vice president of catalog. Post Script launched a country music imprint named North Star Records. 100 Management and 100 Publishing added Jessica Thomas as head of artists and repertoire.

Calder previously served as senior vice president of marketing and creative at Artist Partner Group. He held prior roles at Warner Records, Apple, Beats Music, Wasserman and the Los Angeles Clippers. The executive worked with artists including YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Kevin Gates during his career. Billboard recognized Calder on its R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players list in 2023. He now reports to the executive team at Columbia Records to lead urban music initiatives.

Calder stated that Black music shapes how the world sounds and moves. He expressed excitement to build with the next generation of talent and help turn their visions into reality. Erika Alfredson serves as executive vice president and head of marketing for Columbia Records. Alfredson noted that Calder demonstrates a unique ability to create campaigns that connect artists with culture. She highlighted his expertise in audience development and digital strategy as key additions to the label.

Shibasaki assumes his new role at Warner Music Japan on Oct. 1. He reports directly to Takeshi Okada, who serves as president and chief executive officer of the division. Shibasaki previously worked at RecoChoku Co., Ltd., where he advanced to executive director of marketing and head of platform business. He also held the position of president at Eggs Co., Ltd. Okada stated that Shibasaki played a pivotal role in shaping the digital music ecosystem in Japan for over two decades.

Shibasaki expressed his goal to expand opportunities for the artist roster and forge deeper commercial partnerships. He aims to deliver fresh value to music fans across Japan by acting quickly on emerging trends. Okada added that the company plans to accelerate its growth strategy under this new leadership structure. The chief executive officer noted that Shibasaki commands deep respect across the industry. The appointment aligns with the broader transformation efforts at Warner Music Japan.

Warner Chappell Music U.K. appointed Christensen to lead its catalog strategy. She reports to Shani Gonzales, who serves as president of the U.K. division. Christensen previously worked at Island Records for 20 years. She operated as a freelance A&R consultant since 2023, collaborating with Universal Music Group and various management companies. Gonzales stated that Christensen possesses deep creative instincts and strategic foresight for the global market.

Christensen noted that Warner Chappell Music holds one of the most storied songbooks in music history. She plans to apply her creative lens from the frontlines of A&R to champion timeless songs. Gonzales added that the company continues to expand its catalog footprint globally. The president emphasized that Christensen holds a track record of identifying culture-shifting talent. This expertise will unlock fresh opportunities for the heritage roster.

Pat Murphy launched North Star Records as a country music imprint under Post Script, which also encompasses PS Records. The new label secured a distribution partnership with Universal Music Canada. North Star Records announced Sully Burrows as its first artist signing. Separately, Thomas joined 100 Management and 100 Publishing as head of A&R. She reports directly to company founder Luke Mitzman.

Murphy stated that North Star Records focuses on creating a dedicated home for country artists based on their specific needs. He noted that Burrows possesses a clear voice and a strong work ethic. Thomas brings her management clients JBACH and Trey Campbell to her new role. She previously served as director of A&R, ads and brand partnerships for Milk & Honey Silo. Mitzman highlighted her deep relationships in the songwriter and producer community.

These executive appointments reflect a broader industry focus on specialized marketing and catalog management. Major labels continue to restructure their leadership to address regional growth and genre-specific audience development. The emphasis on digital strategy and platform business indicates a shift toward data-driven artist promotion. Companies seek executives with cross-sector experience spanning technology, sports and traditional music distribution. This trend highlights the increasing complexity of global music operations.

Independent artists and creators face a landscape where major labels prioritize targeted marketing and catalog monetization. The launch of genre-specific imprints like North Star Records offers tailored support for emerging musicians. Creators must understand that executives now value audience development and digital strategy as much as traditional A&R. The movement of management clients alongside executives demonstrates the importance of personal industry relationships. Artists should focus on building clear brand identities to attract specialized label attention.

The industry will monitor the initial marketing campaigns launched under Calder at Columbia Records during the fourth quarter. Warner Music Japan implements its new leadership structure under Shibasaki starting Oct. 1. Observers will track the first catalog initiatives introduced by Christensen at Warner Chappell Music U.K. North Star Records prepares to release its debut projects with Universal Music Canada distribution. The market awaits the next round of executive appointments as companies finalize their strategic plans for the upcoming year.