Republic Records Chairman and CEO Monte Lipman and Republic Records President and COO Avery Lipman announced today that veteran entrepreneur and music executive, Charlie Walk, has been promoted to President of The Republic Group, effective immediately. At the newly formed Republic Group, Walk will create business opportunities and strategic alliances, as well as provide marketing and promotional services to partner labels, including American, Brushfire,Casablanca, Cash Money, John Varvatos, Lava, Monkeywrench and XO Records.
Leveraging and contributing to Republic’s exceptional track record in signing and developing new artists, Walk will focus on creating entrepreneurial opportunities and commercial partnerships to benefit Republic’s artist roster and partner labels. He will continue to oversee marketing, media, promotion, and strategic marketing. His duties also still encompass spearheading promotion services for Island Records and pop initiatives for Big Machine Label Group. He will remain based in New York and report to Monte Lipman.
Monte Lipman said, “Charlie is one of the most determined, imaginative, and fearless executives that I’ve ever worked with. In addition to his extraordinary instincts and tenacity for identifying, developing, and breaking new artists, Charlie will now have even more latitude to help steer Republic into uncharted waters with this new position. The formation of the Republic Group reflects our bullish outlook for the future of this business and all the opportunities that exist.”
Avery Lipman said, “As Republic looks to the future and begins to widen its scope, I cannot think of a better executive to help lead this effort. His imagination and innovative view of the world is literally redefining what it means to be a music company.”
“Passionate and visionary executives like Charlie are making Universal Music the industry leader in breaking new artists and helping our superstars achieve new heights,” said Michele Anthony, Executive Vice President at Universal Music Group. “I’m proud to have worked with Charlie for many years and I’m pleased to congratulate him on this well-deserved promotion.”
“At Republic we have redefined our position in the music entertainment business and marketplace as a global leader,” said Walk. “The label’s culture is built on evolving as quickly as the landscape changes, and being in sync with our artists every step of the way. I want to thank Michele, Monte, and Avery for empowering me to explore uncharted territory and embracing progressive thinking when it comes to breaking artists and further establishing career superstars. I look forward to continuing to work with our incredible team of executives and partners, helping to redefine the role of a modern music company.”
Walk joined Republic Records in 2013 as Executive Vice President, overseeing the company’s marketing, media, and promotion departments and playing a key role in developing artists including Ariana Grande, Lorde and The Weeknd. Since that time, he has developed innovative promotional strategies and marketing services for partner labels, leading to numerous artist successes.
