Neil Portnow Contract Extended Through 2015 By The Recording Academy
March 25, 2011 by Press Release
Filed under Featured, News
On March 24, 2011 The Board of Trustees of The Recording Academy® announced it has extended President/CEO Neil Portnow’s contract through 2015, it was announced by Chair of the Board George P. Flanigen IV.
At its semi-annual meeting in November 2010, the Board voted unanimously to keep Portnow at the helm of the nonprofit music membership organization for four more years. Portnow became President of The Academy in December 2002, and was promoted to President/CEO in September 2007.
“Neil’s extensive experience and relationships across all aspects of the music and entertainment business combined with his collaborative, inclusive spirit are just a few of the qualities that make him an exceptional leader,” said Flanigen. “As a member and volunteer elected leader of The Academy for more than 25 years, and as musician himself, he has an innate understanding of the needs of our constituents and how best to serve them — especially in an ever-evolving industry. He continues to innovate and expand the scope of programs, events, and services we offer regionally, nationally and internationally, always advancing The Academy’s profile and mission and always with its best interests at heart. Neil’s vision, humility, compassion, and creativity have served the organization well, and I, along with our Board, look forward to continuing to work alongside him.”
“It is truly an honor and a privilege to have the continued confidence and support of our Board in steering and guiding this remarkable organization,” said Portnow. “Along with our extraordinary staff, and elected leaders from across the country, we will continue to raise the bar on the level of excellence and achievement that can be attained by our Academy with a spirit of collaboration, diligence, and innovation on behalf of and for the betterment of our creative community, both domestically and globally.”
In addition to being President/CEO of The Recording Academy, Portnow also is President/CEO of MusiCares® and the GRAMMY Foundation®, as well as Chair of the Board of The GRAMMY Museum®.
Portnow will continue to serve as the lead executive of The Recording Academy, working closely with the Board of Trustees and its Chair, as well as The Academy’s senior management team to advance the organization’s goals and purpose, including the creative and strategic vision and the operations of The Academy and its related entities (the GRAMMYAwards, the Latin GRAMMY Awards, The Latin Recording Academy®, MusiCares, the GRAMMY Foundation, the GRAMMY Museum, the Producers & Engineers Wing, and other programs). Additionally, he will continue to represent The Academy to its many constituents and partners; serve as a trusted and important industry leader on issues relating to the music industry — including participation in national caucuses, seminars and similar events; and provide service/counsel to key domestic and international industry-related organizations. In keeping with The Academy’s position as an advocate for its constituents, Portnow will develop and manage strategic advocacy positions at the national, state and local levels — both governmental and within music and its related industries.
Portnow has served The Academy as a volunteer leader in a variety of roles, both locally and nationally, for more than 25 years. He was Senior Vice President of West Coast Operations for the Zomba Group of Companies (including Jive Records and Zomba Music Publishing), responsible for the overall vision and direction of Zomba’s businesses on the West Coast, including sales and marketing, corporate and talent acquisitions, and management of all of Zomba’s creative talent, the Film and Television Music Division, Zomba Music Services, Segue Music, and Ingenuity Entertainment. Prior to Zomba, he was Vice President of A&R at EMI America Records; Vice President/General Manager West Coast Arista Records; and President, Twentieth Century Fox Records. He began his career as a musician, record producer, and music publisher. In 2003, he was honored with City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Award, the highest philanthropic honor bestowed upon an individual by the world-renowned cancer treatment and research center. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from George Washington University.
About The Recording Academy:
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization’s social networks as a Twitter follower at www.twitter.com/thegrammys, a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/thegrammys, and aYouTube channel subscriber at www.youtube.com/thegrammys.
Photo Courtesy of The Recording Academy & Photo By Jordan Strauss/Wire Image
