Columbia Records Names Corey Calder Head Of Urban Music Marketing

Columbia Records appointed Corey Calder as senior vice president of marketing and head of urban music marketing on Sept. 11. Warner Music Japan named Eitaro Shibasaki as chief business officer with an effective start date of Oct. 1. Warner Chappell Music United Kingdom hired Annie Christensen as vice president of catalog to manage its extensive songbook. Post Script launched a country music imprint named North Star Records to support emerging musicians. Jessica Thomas joined 100 Management and 100 Publishing as head of artists and repertoire to oversee songwriter development.

Calder previously served as senior vice president of marketing and creative at Artist Partner Group before accepting this new position. The executive held prior industry roles at Warner Records, Apple, Beats Music, Wasserman, and the Los Angeles Clippers. Calder worked closely with recording artists including YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Kevin Gates during his extensive career. Billboard recognized Calder on the R&B and Hip-Hop Power Players list during the 2023 publishing year. Erika Alfredson currently serves as executive vice president and head of marketing for the Columbia Records organization.

Calder stated that Black music shapes how the world sounds, moves, dresses, and speaks. The newly appointed executive noted that stepping into the role feels exciting and deeply personal. Alfredson mentioned that Calder demonstrates a unique ability to create campaigns connecting artists with culture. The executive vice president added that Calder possesses expertise in audience development, digital strategy, and the evolving music landscape. Alfredson stated this combined experience will help expand artist reach and deepen fan engagement across the label.

Shibasaki will report directly to Warner Music Japan president and chief executive officer Takeshi Okada. The incoming chief business officer previously worked at RecoChoku Company Limited during his earlier career. Shibasaki advanced to executive director of marketing and head of platform business at that specific company. The executive also served as president of Eggs Company Limited before securing this new appointment. Okada noted that Shibasaki shaped the digital music ecosystem in Japan for over two decades.

Shibasaki stated a primary goal to expand opportunities for the artist roster by acting quickly on emerging trends. The chief business officer plans to forge deeper commercial partnerships and deliver fresh value to music fans across Japan. Okada mentioned trusting Shibasaki as a close business partner for many consecutive years. The chief executive officer noted that Shibasaki commands deep respect across the entire music industry. Okada added that the leadership team will strongly accelerate its growth strategy with this new executive addition.

Christensen reports directly to Warner Chappell Music United Kingdom president Shani Gonzales. The vice president of catalog previously worked at Island Records for a total of 20 years. Christensen operated as a freelance artists and repertoire consultant since the beginning of 2023. The consultant collaborated with Universal Music Group and several management companies operating within the global market during that period. Gonzales stated that Christensen possesses creative instincts and a thorough understanding of international music publishing.

Christensen mentioned that Warner Chappell Music holds one of the most storied songbooks in recorded music history. The vice president stated it remains a huge privilege to help lead the strategy connecting classic songs to brand new audiences. Christensen plans to apply a creative lens to champion timeless songs and drive new catalog opportunities. Gonzales noted that Christensen holds a fantastic track record in identifying culture-shifting talent. The president added that this strategic appointment will unlock fresh opportunities for the company heritage.

Pat Murphy launched North Star Records under the broader Post Script and PS Records umbrella. The new country music imprint announced Sully Burrows as its very first artist signing. Universal Music Canada handles official distribution for the newly formed North Star Records label. Jessica Thomas reports to 100 Management and 100 Publishing founder Luke Mitzman in her new leadership role. Thomas previously served as director of artists and repertoire, ads, and brand partnerships for Milk and Honey Silo.

Murphy stated that North Star Records focuses entirely on creating a dedicated home for country artists. The founder mentioned working with Burrows for several years and watching the artist develop a clear voice. Mitzman noted that Thomas maintains deep relationships in the songwriter and producer community. Thomas brings management clients JBACH and Trey Campbell to her new position at the management company. Thomas stated an excitement to work with the established group of creators at the growing management firm.

These executive appointments highlight a broader industry shift toward specialized marketing and catalog management. Major labels require experienced leaders to navigate digital strategy and audience development across international regions. Companies like Warner Music Japan and Columbia Records rely on veteran executives to forge reliable commercial partnerships. The creation of boutique imprints like North Star Records demonstrates a clear demand for dedicated genre development. Management firms continue expanding their artists and repertoire divisions to secure top songwriting talent.

Creators benefit directly from labels hiring executives with strong backgrounds in digital strategy and brand partnerships. Artists working with Columbia Records gain access to marketing campaigns designed to connect music with broader culture. Songwriters at Warner Chappell Music receive dedicated support for introducing catalog tracks to entirely new audiences. Emerging country musicians find specialized development opportunities through focused imprints like North Star Records. Producers and writers secure stronger representation when management companies expand their internal leadership teams.

The music industry continues monitoring these leadership transitions as executives assume their new roles throughout the fall. Columbia Records is currently integrating its new urban music marketing strategies under the direction of Calder. Warner Chappell Music United Kingdom is actively developing new catalog opportunities for its extensive heritage roster. North Star Records is preparing initial releases for its first signed country artist. The next confirmation point arrives when Warner Music Japan reports its quarterly commercial partnership developments following the October start date.