The Orchard Names Colleen Theis As Managing Director, UK & Europe
Theis Brings 14 Years’ International Music Industry Experience to The Orchard
New York and London — March 18, 2011 The Orchard (www.theorchard.com) today announced that Colleen Theis has been named Managing Director, UK and Europe. Ms. Theis will join the company on April 3rd and will be based in the company’s London office.
As Managing Director, Ms. Theis will drive The Orchard’s continued growth and established presence in the European music market. Her responsibilities include oversight of distribution and retail partnerships, business development, content acquisition and sales and marketing in the region. With local offices in London, Berlin, Paris and Barcelona, the team manages the company’s European relationships in the region across all parts of the industry and provides its clients with services such as physical and digital distribution, innovative technology applications, digital marketing, song placement in films, television and advertising, music video digital distribution and mechanical licensing and publishing administration.
In her new role, Ms. Theis reports to The Orchard’s New York-based CEO, Brad Navin.
“At a time when European digital music sales grew almost 20% year on year in 2010, I’m confident that Colleen’s expertise in international distribution and knowledge of local markets will solidify The Orchard as an independent market leader across Europe for digital and physical distribution. ” says Brad Navin, CEO of The Orchard. “We’re excited to bring Colleen’s leadership and operational experience to the team as we continue to drive marketing and services off of The Orchard’s distribution platform.”
Ms. Theis was previously Senior Vice President, International at ADA Global, responsible for global marketing, sales, label management, content acquisition and logistics. Ms. Theis has been based in London since 2001, when she relocated from New York City to expand her international marketing role with Rykodisc and Palm Pictures. During her tenure at Rykodisc Ms. Theis helped build and manage a centralized global infrastructure for the independent label with third party distribution partners in more than 40 countries. She managed the planning and execution of international marketing campaigns for artists including Joe Jackson, Steve Earle, Josh Rouse, Big Star, Belinda Carlisle, Felix da Housecat, Warren Zevon, DJ Logic and The Posies. Upon Ryko’s acquisition by Warner Music Group she developed, launched and managed the ADA Global international label services group aimed at independent labels and artists looking to maintain their master rights, working with artists including Jackson Browne, Aimee Mann, Judy Collins, Ani DiFranco, Nada Surf, The Boxer Rebellion, Thievery Corporation, Bell X1 and Patrick Wolf. Before “going indie,” she got her start in the music industry in Elektra Records’ international department. She holds a BA in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish from Southern Methodist University.
Ms. Theis said, “I’m very excited to join a forward-thinking, independent-minded company like The Orchard during a time of change and new opportunities in the digital music space. I feel extremely lucky to have an opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader like Brad Navin and a smart, creative and passionate team of people that I consider to be amongst the best in the business. I can’t wait to get started, and I look forward to further enhancing the outstanding offering The Orchard provides its labels and artists.”
About The Orchard®
Headquartered in New York and London with operations in 26 markets around the world, The Orchard’s distribution platform supports independent music and video content owners with comprehensive digital strategies and sophisticated technology solutions. Through innovative global marketing and promotions, The Orchard drives sales across more than 100 unique digital and mobile retailers across 232 countries, as well as physical retailers across North America and Europe. Founded in 1997 to foster independence and creativity within its global clients, The Orchard is a subsidiary of Dimensional Associates. For further information, please visit www.theorchard.com.
