Legendary music executive Mark Pitts, who established enduring artists such as Ciara and Chris Brown, has been promoted to president at RCA Records.
Pitts previously held simultaneous positions as president of urban music at RCA and CEO of ByStorm Entertainment. He will continue to occupy his latter role at the imprint, he founded in 1998, where the roster includes Ro James, Miguel and Angel.
RCA Records’ chairman and CEO Peter Edge sees the shift in leadership as a positive move in terms of the new business trends. “RCA Records was a different company even just a few years ago,” he said in a statement. “Over the past decade, there has been a genre shift in consumer demand, and streaming has revolutionized every aspect of our business, so we must constantly adapt and iterate on our successes.”
In directing his focus to Pitts’ heading up the label, Edge shared that, “Mark has demonstrated tremendous growth as an energetic, unstoppable leader whose unbridled enthusiasm and experience will be invaluable in taking our company to exciting new directions.”
He added, “With his deep relationships and decades of success working with legendary, pioneering artists, he is the ideal partner to help move our creative direction in a renewed, expanded way for the future.”
The new appointment isn’t going to change the consistent passion Pitts has for artists signed to the label, as well as the music industry at large. “New title, same energy,” said Pitts in a statement. “It’s no secret that music is a driving force in my life, so being recognized as someone who can continue to guide and motivate the RCA family of groundbreaking artists and fellow executives to further greatness is a responsibility that I do not take lightly.”
Pitts continued, “I’m blessed to still be in an industry that I’m so passionate about, and the picture we paint for ourselves is NEVER completed, so I look forward to more learning and creating culture-defining moments.”
Pitts has handled A&R on multiple Usher albums, including the diamond-certified Confessions and 2008’s Here I Stand. He also served as executive producer on LPs for The Notorious B.I.G., Ciara, Chris Brown, J. Cole, Kelis, Miguel, Anthony Hamilton, and many more.
Other executive changes at RCA Records include John Fleckenstein, former co-president, being named COO of the company. He and Pitts will continue to report to Edge.
Co-president and label veteran Joe Riccitelli is leaving with a commitment to “provide transitional services to continue his work with key projects.”
