Paul Hitchman has been promoted to the role of COO at Sony Music Group-owned AWAL.
Hitchman, previously President of AWAL, will continue to report to Lonny Olinick, the company’s CEO.
The exec is based in AWAL’s London office and oversees the UK team and international offices, along with AWAL’s global operations.
Hitchman works closely with Lonny Olinick and AWAL’s senior management team on global strategy, development of the company’s artist roster, as well as the growth of the business worldwide.
He also manages relationships with key partners at The Orchard and Sony Music.
According to AWAL, Hitchman, who joined AWAL as Managing Director in February 2012 through Kobalt’s acquisition, has “been integral to AWAL’s journey to where it is today”.
During this time, he has been responsible for a number of key signings to the record company, including Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Little Simz and Jungle.
To date, 21 AWAL artists have now crossed 1 billion streams globally through AWAL.
Paul Hitchman said: “I’m very proud of what we have achieved, but even more excited about what’s still to come and the opportunity to continue to grow AWAL globally.”
“I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT AWAL’S TEAM IS A MATCH FOR ANY OTHER IN THE BUSINESS AND THAT OUR ROSTER OF ARTISTS IS THE BEST OF ANY MUSIC COMPANY IN THE WORLD.”
PAUL HITCHMAN
Added Hitchman: “It’s a privilege to work with Lonny and the incredibly talented AWAL teams around the world as we follow our mission to empower independent artists at every stage of their career.
“I firmly believe that AWAL’s team is a match for any other in the business and that our roster of artists is the best of any music company in the world.”
“SINCE THE DAY I STARTED AT AWAL, PAUL HAS BEEN THE ULTIMATE PARTNER. HE IS AN EXECUTIVE WHO BALANCES STRATEGIC AND VISIONARY THINKING WITH A UNIQUE ABILITY TO DRIVE EXECUTION.”
LONNY OLINICK
Lonny Olinick said: “Since the day I started at AWAL, Paul has been the ultimate partner. He is an executive who balances strategic and visionary thinking with a unique ability to drive execution.
“His passion for AWAL, our teams, and our artists is a driving force throughout our company. He has been essential to AWAL’s every success, and I could not be more thrilled to continue our partnership as he steps into this new COO role.”Music Business Worldwide
