ARTISTdirect Records has named Michael Whited Vice President of Pop and Crossover Promotion, it was announced today by Marc Benesch, the label’s Executive Vice President, Promotion. Whited starts his new post immediately and reports directly to Benesch.
“Michael’s track record speaks for itself. His ability to develop and break new artists at the pop and crossover formats is second to none. His relationships in the radio community, along with his ability to direct a field staff, will prove a tremendous asset in spearheading our efforts in the marketplace in 2002.”
In his new capacity, Whited will oversee promotion of all ARTISTdirect Records’ artists at the pop and crossover formats, and brings with him more than a decade of solid promotion experience. He began his career in 1987 as advertising director at National Record Mart, then spent a year as a concert promoter at DeCaesar Engler in Pittsburgh. In 1990, he began an eleven-year tenure with Elektra Entertainment, first as a regional promotion man in Cincinnati, then Cleveland, and finally Pittsburgh, before the company moved him to Los Angeles in 1994 to take on the position of Director, Top 40 Promotion on the west coast. During his time with Elektra, he worked artists such as Metallica, Anita Baker, Missy Elliot, and Busta Rhymes. He was named Vice President, West Coast Promotion at Elektra in 1999. In 2001, Whited joined the staff of Priority Records as VP, Promotion, working records for Snoop Dogg, Master P, Lil’ Romeo, and Sarina Paris.
“I’m very excited to be part of the ARTISTdirect Records team,” commented Whited. “Ted Field, Marc Geiger, and Marc Benesch have a sincere love and respect for the music and for the artists, so for me, it’s a win-win situation.”
