Greg Thompson (music executive)

Greg Thompson
Greg Thompson participating in an All Access Radio summit, June 2012.
Background information
Birth name	Gregory R. Thompson
Born	May 29th
Origin	Royal Oak, Michigan, United States
Occupation(s)	Record executive
Labels	Capitol Records

Greg Thompson is an American record executive,. Well known for his role at EMI Records, where he has played a critical role in the development of artists such as Katy Perry, Coldplay, Norah Jones, and many others. Previously, Thompson worked at Island Def Jam, The Island Def Jam Music Group, and Chrysalis Records.^[1] Greg is currently the Executive Vice President of Capitol Music Group.

Childhood

Thompson grew up the youngest of 6 brothers, his father Jim was an independent accountant, and his mother Nora was a stay at home mother. Born and raised in Royal Oak, Michigan, Thompson's love of music developed at the local Harmony House record store where he was hired at the age of fifteen. Growing up, Thompson attended catholic school at the National Shrine of the Little Flower parish. After graduating early, Thompson attended a community college, before transferring sophomore year to Michigan State University.^[2]

Career

Early Years: Crysalis and Elektra

While attending Michigan State University Thompson began his career as a College Rep. for CBS Records. After graduation, Thompson took a job at Chrysalis Records where he worked his way from local promotion to 'Vice President of Top 40 promotion'. After 5 years with Chrysalis, Thompson took a job doing independent promotion. He later rejoined the major label world as Senior Vice President of Promotion at SBK Records. SBK quickly merged with EMI Records and Chrysalis Records to form what would be known as EMI Record Group North America. After spending 2 years on the EMI team, Thompson was recruited to join the East West Records a division of the Atlantic Records group as Senior VP of Promotion. Within the next year, East West merged with Atlantic's sister label Elektra Records. Thompson spent the next 11 years with Elektra, first as Senior VP of Promotion, and the last 6 years as Executive Vice President and General Manager. In this time Thompson played a role in developing the label's biggest acts Jason Mraz, Missy Elliott, Third Eye Blind,( Metalica), (AC-DC), and many others.

^[3]

Years at Island Def Jam

In January 2005, Thompson took a job in the newly reorganized Island Def Jam label, where he served as Executive Vice President of promotion, New Media, and tour marketing. Thompson was responsible for the day-to-day direction of promotion staff and worked under the direction of superiors L.A. Reid, Jay Z, and Steve Bartles.

The Capitol Era

After dabbling with the idea of fully launching his own label and management company, GTM Entertainment, Thompson decided to take a position at EMI Records in February 2008. Since then Thompson's position has evolved, as he served as Executive Vice President of Promotion and Marketing for North America. Thompson has played a huge role in the successful marketing of artists Katy Perry, Coldplay, David Guetta,Lady Antebellum, and Norah Jones.

At the end of 2012, Universal Music Group purchased EMI Music. In 2013, Thompson became the EVP of the newly reinvented Capitol Music Group, continuing to work with and develop artists such as Katy Perry, Bastille, Beck, Jennifer Lopez, Sam Smith and many more.

Thompson currently resides in Los Angeles, CA with his family.

^[4]

Maverick Music

On April 6 it was announced that Thompson would be departing his position at Capitol for the newly created position of President of Maverick Music, a conglomeration of some of the most powerful management companies in the world. His last day at Capitol is scheduled for June 1.

Maverick, founded by Madonna and U2 manager Guy Oseary in partnership with Live Nation, has brought together globally renowned artist managers such as Scott Rodger (Sir Paul McCartney, Arcade Fire), Shawn Gee (The Roots, Jill Scott) Ron Laffitte (Pharrell Williams, One Republic, Alicia Keys), Clarence Spalding (Jason Aldean), Larry Rudolph (Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears) and Cortez Bryant & Gee Roberson (Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne).

MBW discovered earlier this year that Live Nation now owns or part-owns management companies with over 350 artists on their books.

Thompson will report to Guy Oseary at Maverick.

“At one of our managers meetings, Maverick’s Ron Laffitte suggested we bring Greg on board to join us,” said Oseary. “Every single Maverick manager immediately and unanimously agreed.

“We knew that Greg’s experience and reputation would be a huge asset to the artists we work for.

“The music industry today faces many challenges while at the same time is also full of endless possibilities, which is why you want the best captain steering the ship. We now have that, with Greg on the team.”

Stated Thompson, “I’m excited for this amazing chance to join a team with such a progressive and innovative culture and vision. I want to thank Guy and the rest of the all-star managers at Maverick for this opportunity. I’m really looking forward to this next chapter.”

References

1. "EMI Names Greg Thompson EVP Of Marketing & Promotion". FMBQ. Retrieved 2012-12-24.
2. "Greg Thompson LinkedIn Profile". LinkedIn. Retrieved 2012-12-24.
3. "Speakers: Greg Thompson". Worldwide Radio Summit. Retrieved 2012-12-24.
4. "Power Player: Greg Thompson". ALL ACCESS Music Group. Retrieved 2012-12-24.