Thompson Named SVP, Rhythm/Crossover @ Epic

• Dontay Thompson has been appointed Senior Vice President, Rhythm/Crossover Promotion for Epic Records. In his new post, Thompson will report to Executive Vice President Rick Sackheim and oversee all promotional campaigns at Rhythm/Crossover, working closely with his promotion counterparts in release strategy and artist development initiatives. He will also relocate back to his hometown of Los Angeles after 15 years in New York City.

“Dontay is a widely respected seasoned veteran who has never lost his enthusiasm for the Rhythm/Crossover space,” said Sackheim. “His wealth of experience and team building skills enable him to thread the big picture with a hands-on promotional rapport that will translate into long term success stories for our artists. The entire company joins me in welcoming Dontay to the Epic family.”

Thompson spent the past seven years with Entertainment One, rising to Senior Vice President of Promotion, overseeing the radio promotion staff in the Urban, Rhythm, and Top 40 formats. He previously served as VP of Promotion at Bad Boy Entertainment and National Director of Rhythm/Crossover Promotion at J Records. Earlier in his career Thompson was a colleague of ours during his three-year stint as Rhythmic Editor at the late, great Radio & Records, and he began his music industry journey in 1998, notably serving as Music Director and on-air personality at KXJM/Portland, OR.

“It’s such an amazing opportunity and a dream come true to work with Sylvia Rhone, Rick Sackheim and Epic’s amazing roster of artists,” Thompson said. “It’s an honor for me to become part of a label of real music people and a vibrant senior management team who under Sylvia’s leadership continue to raise the bar of accomplishment every day. I look forward to further solidifying this great promotion staff and return to Los Angeles ready to help take Epic to even greater heights.”