Executive Action

• SoundExchange has hired Richard Conlon as Chief External Affairs Officer. In this new role, Conlon will oversee the company’s Corporate Communications, Industry Relations and Public Policy efforts and be responsible for managing SoundExchange’s relationships with its wide array of constituents and stakeholders. Conlon will report to SoundExchange President & CEO Michael Huppe, who said, “As SoundExchange continues to evolve and provide additional services to the industry, our relationships throughout the community are even more critical. Coordinating the efforts of our external-facing departments will help us maximize value as we navigate and improve the digital environment. Richard’s track record in corporate positioning, strategy and service development will add valuable assets to our executive team.”

Conlon notably spent over 20 years with Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), serving as SVP Corporate Strategy, Communications and New Media. For the past three years he’s served as a senior advisor to major music publishers, record labels, collective rights management organizations and financial institutions. “SoundExchange is uniquely positioned to serve the industry as streaming enters the mainstream,” Conlon said. “I’m excited to work with the SoundExchange team as we embrace the opportunities ahead for SoundExchange and our artists, rights owners and licensees.”

• Mark Fry is the newly named Managing Director of Warner Music Finland. It’s a nice bump up for Fry, who most recently served as General Manager and Marketing Director of Warner Music Finland. Fry’s appointment follows the departure of Niko Nordström, who, as we reported yesterday, is moving to Sydney, Australia to head up Warner Music Australasia.

In his new role, Fry will report to Jonas Siljemark, President, Warner Music Nordics, who commented, “Mark Fry has been a key part of the incredible success story of Warner Music Finland in recent years and I’m delighted he’ll now be running our team there. I look forward to working with Mark to build on the legacy of Niko Nordström and continue our success as a leading company in Finland.” Fry has been Marketing Director of Warner Music Finland for more than eight years and added GM stripes in 2016. “It’s an immense privilege to become Managing Director of Warner Music Finland,” Fry said. “Under Niko Nordström’s leadership we became the biggest record label in Finland and I’m determined to continue that track record of success in the years ahead.”