Columbia Nashville Welcomes Mark Gray

• Columbia Nashville announced the hire of Mark Gray as the label’s new Director, Southeast Promotion, effective immediately. Gray will be based in Nashville and report to Shane Allen, SVP of Promotion for Columbia Nashville. He succeeds Lauren Longbine, who transitions into her new role as Director, Midwest Promotion as longtime regional rep Bo Martinovich steps into the newly created position as Sony Music Nashville Director, Artist Development.

Gray joins Columbia Nashville from Blue Chair Bay Rum, where he served as Tour Activation Manager for the brand during founder Kenny Chesney‘s recent Song For The Saints Tour. Gray’s previous industry stops also include day-to-day management duties for Eli Young Band; Director of Southwest Promotion at Republic Nashville and Marketing Director at iHeartMedia Country WKKT (96.9 The Kat)/Charlotte.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the hottest label in Nashville!” Gray exclaimed. “Big thanks to Shane Allen and Steve Hodges for giving me the opportunity. Can’t wait to see some old friends and meet some new ones in the Southeast!” Send all congratulatory emails to mark.gray@sonymusic.com. [Photo Credit: Adam Davis]