Orchard Executive Action

• The Orchard announced two key executive upgrades: 1) Mary Ashley Johnson has been elevated to Executive Vice President, Sales and Artist & Label Management, U.S. and Canada, and 2) Katie Studley joins the company as Vice President, Nashville. Both will report to Colleen Theis, The Orchard’s Chief Operating Officer.

The New York-based Johnson (left) has served as SVP, Sales and Artist & Label Management, U.S. and Canada since 2019, driving revenue and market share for The Orchard to record highs. Prior to joining The Orchard, Johnson spent three decades with Sony Music, including 11 years at RED Distribution, which was incorporated into The Orchard in 2017. Johnson said, “I look forward to continuing to deliver record-setting success in both market share growth and artist development for The Orchard and providing best in class service to our clients.”

Studley (right) joins The Orchard team after a ten-year run with Jack White‘s Third Man Records where she served as VP, Operations and Marketing Director. “I’m equally excited to develop new relationships within Nashville’s independent creative communities as I’m honored to foster growth for The Orchard’s incredible existing roster,” Studley said. “I’ve long appreciated The Orchard’s quality of service and the good people behind it, and I am proud to join their impressive global organization.”

Theis remarked, “We are proud to appoint these two well-deserving women to key executive roles in the company. Mary Ashley’s leadership, business savvy, and proven expertise has led The Orchard to unprecedented heights in 2022. In her newly expanded role, she will spearhead even bigger opportunities for our artist and label partners. We’re excited to welcome Katie to The Orchard family. As an instrumental partner on the client side, she comes to us with a deep understanding of our business strategy. Her relationships in the Nashville market and beyond will help us further connect local artists and labels to global audiences.”