Island Def Jam/Def Soul yesterday announced four new executive appointments. Carol Corless has been named Senior Director of Production; Chonita L. Floyd named Senior Director of International Marketing; Karen Wiessen has been named Senior Director of Media & Artist Relations; and Daniel Kruchkow has been named Manager, Online Grassroots Marketing for Def Jam/Def Soul Records. All four new executives will be based in New York.
Corless’ main focus will be to oversee the scheduling and production of commercial and promotional releases for Island Def Jam, and will involve interaction with the creative, distribution, promotion, sales, and A&R departments. Previously, Corless held the position of director of production at Island Def Jam for the last four years. Corless began at Polygram ten years ago as production coordinator.
“After ten years with this company, beginning with Polygram, then Island Records, and now Island Def Jam, I have seen this company evolve into the successful and creative entity that it is today. I’m excited to continue my career at such a place and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead,” Corless said.
Floyd’s main focus will be to develop marketing strategies for all Def Jam/Def Soul artists as well as create awareness and increase sales in the international market. Floyd has been at Def Jam for eight years, most recently holding the position of senior director of marketing for the past two years at Def Jam/Def Soul.
Commented Floyd, “I am excited to be working with my international counterparts all over the world. It will be a new challenge and I look forward to continuing the world-wide growth of Def Jam/Def Soul.”
In her role as Senior Director of Media & Artist Relations Karen Wiessen will act as senior director of media & artist relations and her main focus will be to continue to maximize press exposure for Island Def Jam artists via print and television outlets. She will also work closely with IDJ’s New Media department to publicize their cutting-edge initiatives. Wiessen has been with the company for three years, as part of Island Records and The Island Def Jam Music Group.
Kruchkow’s main focus will be to identify opportunities that will enhance the promotion and marketing of Island Def Jam’s artists by working with in-house staff to build, operate, and manage all IDJ online street teams and execute grassroots marketing campaigns. This includes seeding Internet communities with artist information and promotions, and creating loyalty between the fans and Island Def Jam’s artists. Mr. Kruchkow’s last position was as an executive assistant to the Senior VP of A&R, Jeff Fenster, at Island Def Jam Music Group.
Kruchkow said, “I’m extremely excited to be a part of Larry Mattera’s forward thinking New Media Team and working with the incredible roster of artists at The Island Def Jam Music Group.”
