Recording Academy Names New Pres./CEO

• Stand by for the formal announcement, but multiple media outlets are reporting that Deborah Dugan, CEO of the non-profit AIDS organization (RED), has been chosen to succeed Neil Portnow as the President & CEO of The Recording Academy. The news was initially reported by Billboard, citing “multiple high-level sources.” Founded in 2006 by Bono and Bobby Shriver, (RED) has so far raised more than $500 million for the Global Fund with a host of partners that include Apple, Beats by Dre, The Coca-Cola Company and Starbucks.

Before joining (RED) in 2011, Dugan served as President of Disney Publishing Worldwide. Her extensive resume also includes eight years as EVP at EMI/Capitol Records. She launched her career as a Wall Street mergers and acquisition attorney.

According to the Billboard account, Dugan was one of three finalists voted on by the board and received a majority of the votes. The board now must approve her compensation package before the appointment becomes official. Dugan’s appointment will mark a historic moment for the Recording Academy — this will be the first time that a woman has filled the President/CEO post.