Fontana Promotes Bryan Mead to Senior Vice President of Marketing

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Dec 07, 2010, 12:00 ET

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Fontana Distribution, the independent distribution arm of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company, has promoted Bryan Mead to Senior Vice President of Marketing, it was announced today by Ron Spaulding, President of the company. Mr. Mead will continue to be based at the company's headquarters in Los Angeles and report to Mr. Spaulding. Formerly, Mr. Mead served as Vice President of Marketing and Label Relations.

"Bryan's track record speaks for itself," stated Mr. Spaulding. "His experience, fresh approach and innovation have been invaluable assets to our business partners and artists. We could not be more delighted in expanding the playing the field even further for his many talents."

Having been with Fontana since its inception in 2004, Mr. Mead was central to the establishment of Fontana International, a partnership between Fontana and Universal Music Group International. Fontana International handles physical and digital distribution for select Fontana repertoire in all of Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. The service allows labels to realize a global release strategy under one central infrastructure and pipeline. In addition, he spearheaded synergy between UMGI and the Fontana labels, whereby repertoire can be seamlessly licensed into the US market from any Universal label worldwide. Mr. Mead has also initiated deals with key labels such as ESL, Six Degrees, Filter, PIAS, Strange, Kirtland, Spinefarm, Rekords Rekords, and Dangerbird, among others, and has assisted in placing acts with Fontana labels, including Placebo, Fistful of Mercy, PJ Harvey & James Vincent McMorrow (Vagrant), Steel Train & Trashcan Sinatras (INgrooves), and The Do (Six Degrees), among others.

"The last five years at Fontana have been among the most rewarding and exciting of my professional career," added Mr. Mead. "I am grateful to Ron and Jim Urie (President & CEO, UMGD) for their continued support and for the opportunity to help shape the future of our business on behalf of our label partners and their artists."

Prior to joining Fontana, Mr. Mead served as Universal Music Group Distribution's Label Liaison for Interscope Geffen A&M. Formerly, he served as a UMGD ADR, based in Seattle, and also worked for Sony Music as a Field Representative. He began his career in music as a College Rep for Sony in Boulder, CO.

About Fontana

Fontana Distribution, the independent arm of Universal Music Group Distribution, provides unparalleled sales and marketing support, as well as back office services, for a diverse roster of labels and their artists. Fontana distributes more than 80 labels including Rap-A-Lot Records, Eagle Rock, Downtown, Vagrant Records, WaterTower Music, American Gramophone, Kedar Entertainment, Last Gang, Savoy Label Group, ESL, Music World, Delicious Vinyl, Ipecac, Six Degrees, SMC, VP Records, and many others. In addition, Fontana distributes select projects from UMG labels worldwide.

SOURCE Universal Music Group