Backer named exec VP at EMI West Coast unit

By VARIETY STAFF

EMI Music Publishing has tapped Steve Backer as exec veep of its West Coast operation. In the newly created post, Backer will oversee the operation of the publisher's L.A. outpost, as well as sign new writers.

The nod to the former head of marketing at the Enclave --- the recently shuttered EMI family label --- had been expected (Daily Variety, Aug. 18). It also portends an elevation of the publisher's West Coast presence. The Enclave was closed as part of a conglomwide restructuring.

"Steve's background in promotion and marketing coupled with his ability to deal with artists and music execs will be a tremendous asset to our L.A. office," said Martin Bandier, chairman and CEO of EMI Music Publishing Worldwide, and to whom Backer will report. Bandier also credited Backer's "wealth of experience and expertise" as factors in the appointment.

Backer also will work closely with EMI Music senior veep Jodi Gerson to attract artists to the publisher and will tap his considerable promotion and marketing skills to help advance the careers of artists inked to the publisher.

"To oversee the operations of (EMI's West Coast office) is a tremendous opportunity," Backer said. "The challenge now is to lead it to even greater successes."

Backer brings to the EMI party more than 17 years industry experience in a variety of posts with an emphasis on promotion, video and marketing.

Before the Enclave, Backer was G.M. of Giant Records.

EMI boasts artists Hootie & the Blowfish, Sean (Puffy) Combs, Meredith Brooks, writer-producers Jermaine Dupri and Dallas Austin and the Jobete catalog among its vast holdings.

EMI is widely considered one of the most aggressive publishers when it comes to sniffing out catalogs or landing sought-after talent.

It also is one of the few publishers that places considerable effort into marketing its signees' projects, a pivotal role that Backer will play for the company.