What does a Record Company Executive do?
Record company executives work in senior management at record labels, where they make high-level business and creative decisions concerning the company's strategy, vision, administration, and operations, as well as decisions about the careers of artists on the label's roster. Because record companies structure their executive ranks in different ways and job descriptions vary depending on the company's size, mission, and values, it's impossible to neatly summarize a music executive's work. Record company executives perform a wide range of roles within the industry, from star-maker to legal counsel, and wield enormous influence over the marketplace and culture of the music business.
At a Glance
Record company executive is the most senior position at any record label. Most executives rise through the ranks of the label, although some progress through full careers at other companies in the music business before landing in a corner office. What's important is gaining a flexible background in diverse fields such as A&R, marketing, publishing, finance, and publicity. Having a business or legal background can also be valuable.
There's no trick to finding work as a record company executive. It's all about climbing the ladder, or getting in at the ground floor. Aspiring executives should aim to acquire a broad and flexible skill set while rising through the ranks. Of course, building a standout résumé, advocating for oneself, and networking are key to continuing upward advancement.
Budgeting; marketing; hiring; personnel management; administrative skills; leadership; written and verbal communication; good ear for music
An exceptional amount of energy, resiliency, and drive is necessary to even be in the running for executive positions. The job itself requires the strength to make tough decisions, the confidence and persistence to rarely take no for an answer, and the excellent communication skills to inspire and motivate a large staff.
Those at the top of the record business work long days, nights, and weekends, often under high pressure, in order to support their labels. Between all the meetings, emails, phone calls, presentations, awards shows, networking events, and other duties, executives don't tend to get much downtime. Fortunately, most like it that way.
