Warner/Chappell Music Promotes Two Executives To Senior Vice President, A&R

Warner/Chappell Music, Warner Music Group's award-winning music publishing company, announced today that Judy Stakee and Greg Sowders have been promoted to the positions of Senior Vice-President, A&R. Stakee was previously vice president, A&R and Sowders was previously vice president, Creative.

In making the announcement, Rick Shoemaker, president, Warner/Chappell said, "I am pleased to make this announcement about two outstanding colleagues. Judy has an exceptional ability to sign and develop incredible artists, most recently re-signing the talented songwriter John Shanks. And, Greg has been a leader in Rock A&R in both the recording and music publishing industries working with numerous platinum artists including The Black Crowes, Staind and Nickelback."

Stakee joined Warner/Chappell in 1989 as Director, A&R. She was promoted to Vice President, A&R in 1993 and has worked closely with acclaimed artists including Sheryl Crow, Michelle Branch, Kellie Coffey and Jewel. Prior to joining Warner/Chappell, Stakee was General Professional Manager at Screen Gems/EMI Music, Inc. from 1985 to 1988 where she signed and developed the careers of songwriters including Scott Cutler and Rick Nowels.

Sowders has worked in the music industry for more than 20 years. He began his career at Warner/Chappell in 1991 in the film and television department and became Director, A&R in 1994. During his tenure at Warner/Chappell, Sowders has managed the organization's rock, alternative and urban music divisions, working with influential artists including Black Crowes, Lucinda Williams, Wilco, Nickelback, Staind, Rufus Wainwright, Trapt and Smash Mouth. Prior to joining Warner/Chappell, Sowders worked in the film and television department at BMI for two years and has been a drummer for the groundbreaking Los Angeles alternative country pioneers The Long Ryders since 1982.

About Warner/Chappell Music

Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., WMG's award-winning music publishing company, has a catalog of more than one million copyrights worldwide. These range from standards like "Happy Birthday," "Rhapsody in Blue," "Winter Wonderland," and the songs of Cole Porter and George and Ira Gershwin, to the contemporary music of Madonna, Radiohead, Nickelback, Dr. Dre, Dido, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott and others. The Company is often a first stop for A&R executives and record, feature film and television producers and others who need to acquire song rights.