Following a record-breaking 2020 – a year that saw Gaither Music Group expand its international brand and digital platforms at a record pace – the company is excited to transition into 2021 with a series of staff promotions and new hires.
Longtime staffer Melissa Chambers has become Senior Director of Operations and Production. Chambers, who has served as the primary liaison for royalty accounting, the finance team and third-party distribution teams for multiple markets, will advance her role to oversee the ingestion of masters and metadata for all new acquisitions and partnerships into the digital marketplace. She will also continue to lead the company’s production pipeline, working with producers, artists and the creative team in the development and delivery of music and packaging to distribution.
Gaither Music has promoted industry veteran Celeste Winstead to Senior Director of Content and Marketing. Winstead has been a leader in the company’s artist promotions, marketing campaigns, consumer branding, media and industry communications and its recent expansion into the digital marketplace. She will continue to lead in these roles while also spearheading Gaither’s brand partnerships, driving catalog strategy and leading digital promotions and content initiatives for Gaither’s marketing division.
Hannah Franklin has been promoted to digital marketing manager for the company. With a background in sports digital marketing, Franklin has been with Gaither for over a year and a half, during which time she has significantly expanded the company’s social media audience, diversified content across its platforms and introduced new editorial and analytics strategies for the brand.
With a background in digital media, Ben Binner, who has led Gaither’s streaming and playlist initiatives since 2019, has been named Digital Streaming Manager for the brand. His knowledge of the streaming landscape, background in digital copyright, and implementation of a rigorous release schedule have been instrumental in the company’s record expansion in the digital marketplace.
Industry entrepreneur Meghann Wright joins the team as Director of Marketing. Wright’s leadership roles include Director of Business and Operations for Premier Studios New York, Artist and Label Development, Marketing and Project Management at Symphonic Distribution and Founder of GrindEthos Records. Experienced in developing integrated marketing campaigns for country, pop, hip-hop and jazz artists, Wright will oversee strategic marketing initiatives and further develop the company’s Green Hill, Rural Rhythms and Club 44 priorities in addition to future label acquisitions.
Adrienne Kelley, who has extensive experience in artist management and videography, has stepped into the role of Social Media Specialist at Gaither. She comes to the organization from APEX Entertainment Management, where she was the day-to-day manager for artists such as Dailey & Vincent and The Singing Contractors.
Skye Overstreet has joined Gaither as a digital streaming specialist. A Nashville native and Belmont alumnus, Overstreet previously worked at WME in the fairs and festivals and publishing divisions and served as office coordinator and day-to-day manager for several artists on the AMFM Management roster.
“The last two years have been filled with market transition, catalog acquisitions and brand expansion,” said Paul Sizelove, President of Gaither Music Group, who was named Billboard Magazine’s 2020 Indie Power Player of the Year. “Our team has worked together to respond to an ever-changing music business landscape, creating exciting new ways to get this music out to the world. We’re pleased to congratulate our team members who are the foundation of what we do as we celebrate extraordinary growth; and we’re thrilled to welcome these new team members who will help us achieve great things as we move forward.”
Gaither Music Group, in partnership with Primary Wave Music Publishing, kicked off 2020 with a GRAMMY win for Best Roots Gospel Album with Gloria Gaynor’s Testimony. The brand has grown its YouTube channel significantly, racking up over 442 million views with an increase of over 500,000 subscribers in 2020. Additionally, Gaither Music saw a 333% increase in total impressions across all social media platforms last year.
The brand launched Bill Gaither’s More Than the Music podcast, entered into a partnership with Game Show Network, launched Gaither Radio on Pandora, launched Piano Talk LIVE on its social media platforms, and rebranded the GaitherTV SVOD platform. The company created an inspiring product line with StoriArts, launched Gaither Radio on Amazon, and began a strategic partnership with Circle TV.
Gaither’s Green Hill Productions signed Jim Brickman’s catalog, had a record year on digital streaming platforms, expanded its social media presence, acquired the Rural Rhythm catalog and signed international icon Olivia Newton-John to a recording contract.
The company is poised for another strong year ahead. With the growing artist roster and new releases lined up with Rory Feek, the Gaither Vocal Band and Dennis Quaid, Gaither Music’s platforms are set to grow exponentially.
The post office Gaither Music Group Celebrates Record Growth first appeared on TCB.
Author: Herb Longs
Link to the source of the publication
( —)
