Music industry vet Will Botwin has been upped to G.M. of Columbia Records and given exec veep stripes with the Columbia Records Group. The move, which also includes the ascension of John Ingrassia to exec veep of the group, signals an expansion of duties for the two key execs.
As G.M. of the label, Botwin will guide all creative areas of the company, including the oversight of the label's domestic and international A&R operations. He'll also work closely with group chairman Don Ienner to shepherd the label's direction.
Botwin also will oversee the label's marketing department and will tap his management and artist development skills to boost Columbia's profile.
Ingrassia, formerly senior veep, will continue to shape the group's goals and vision, and adds the sales and international departments to his portfolio.
He'll also supervise the finance and new technologies arms while tracking the interaction of Ruffhouse, Trackmasters, So So Def and Aware -- the group's associated labels.
"John and Will have developed into a highly effective team," said Ienner. "They are both valued and respected leaders who combine business and management skills with a real passion for music and a heartfelt desire for Columbia to enhance its stature as the record label artists want to be with and the company people want to work for."
Prior to joining Columbia in 1996 as senior veep, Botwin owned and operated Side One Management for more than 15 years with a roster that boasted Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Rosanne Cash and Lisa Loeb, among others.
"This past year has been one of the most exciting and fulfilling periods of my career," said Botwin. "We have created an environment in which artists can develop their creative and commercial goals, and for employees to realize their career potential."
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