Recording Academy Announces Reorganization
• The Recording Academy® announced a major reorganization, including the creation of two key senior leadership positions — Chief Operating Officer and Chief Industry Officer. Key features of the reorganization are the streamlining of most of the staff into three divisions: 1) the Entertainment/Consumer Division, led by Branden Chapman, the Academy’s new Chief Operating Officer; 2) the Trade/Industry Division, led by Ruby Marchand, who joins the organization as its new Chief Industry Officer; and 3) the Organization/Cross Verticals Division. Additionally, 20-year Recording Academy veteran Rex Supa has been promoted to Vice President of Production & Business Development, reporting to Chapman.
“One of my goals as the interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy is to evolve our organization and structure to be more efficient and responsive. These changes set a foundation for success as we prepare for the dynamic future of our industry,” said Harvey Mason, Jr. (left). “This new structure further accelerates our broader transformation, strengthens our high-performance culture and enables our teams to better serve members.” Chapman and Marchand will both report to Mason, as will the Academy’s CFO, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Chief People & Culture Officer, Chief Advocacy Officer, and the Executive Director of MusiCares®.
As COO, Chapman (left) will lead the Entertainment/Consumer Division, which will include Partnerships & Business Development, Communications, Digital Media, Marketing & Branding, Production, and Talent Relations. Chapman said, “I’m honored to be entrusted with this new role as COO, and excited to be leading a new division that will enable us to combine the efforts of so many of my talented colleagues. I’m delighted to be a part of this new chapter in the Academy’s growth.”
As Chief Industry Officer, Marchand (center), a former A&R exec and a past Academy Vice Chair, will be responsible for both Membership & Industry Relations and Awards. “After many years of service to the Academy, I’m excited to assume this new role,” Marchand said. “I believe this new structure offers tremendous benefits for the music world, and I look forward to working with Harvey and the Academy’s leadership to continue making progress on this timely transformation.”
As VP of Production & Business Development, Supa (right) will take over many of Chapman’s previous responsibilities, including oversight of telecast logistics, events, financial management, creative development, ticketing, credentialing, venue relations, and municipal relations. He previously served as Sr. Managing Director, Production & Business Development. These changes take effect on Aug. 1.
