CHARLIE IS THEIR DARLING

The veteran entrepreneur, music industry trend-setter and founding partner and Chairman of JWalk has joined Republic Records as EVP, it was announced by Founder and CEO Monte Lipman.

In his new role, Walk will oversee the marketing, promotion and publicity departments and report to Monte and Co-Founder/President Avery Lipman.

Walk's career has consistently encompassed music and lifestyle branding. Formerly President of Epic Records,he founded JWalk in 2009 as a full-service advertising and marketing firm on Madison Avenue.

Commented Walk: "Having a front row seat as a consumer and a music executive over the past 20 years, I had the opportunity to watch Republic turn into the most competitive, forward-thinking, modern label in the business. They truly understand the meaning of the word 'partner,' as they have forged inventive partnerships with some of the best entrepreneurs in music. They've also managed to preserve an independent spirit within the massive scope of a major label. That ethos has led them to be the most important competitor in the modern landscape, and it drew me to the company. Together, we can help the transformation of the music business with amazing executives, talent and partners. I believe in the connection and integration of every facet so that everything is working in unison. No two artists break the same way and I'm here to help break new artists and expand the growth of our flagship superstars. I want to thank Lucian Grainge, Barry Weiss, Monte and Avery Lipman for giving me an opportunity to be part of the greatest music company in the world."

Added Lipman: “In the 25 years I’ve known him, it’s hard to imagine anyone more competitive, colorful and fearless than Charlie Walk. With parallel trajectories early in our careers, I’ve always found myself competing against Charlie for nearly two decades as we both pursued common goals. More than the success he’s had as a record executive, I’m even more impressed with his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to launch a thriving business of his own, in the unforgiving world of advertising and marketing. I am thrilled to have Charlie jointhe executive ranks at Republic Records.”

Walk began his career as a college marketing representative for Sony Music, while attending Boston University's School of Management. Upon graduating in 1990, he joined Sony as a full-time marketing and promotion manager, gradually rising to head of the promotion division. In 1999, he was named the label's Executive Vice President of Marketing and Promotion, working directly with the likes of Beyonce, Aerosmith, Mariah Carey, John Mayer, Bruce Springsteen, Will Smith, John Legend, The Fugees, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Maxwell, among others. Walk was then appointed president of Epic Records in 2006. While there for three years, he helped foster the careers ofsuperstars such as Michael Jackson, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez,Ozzy Osbourne, Fiona Apple and Sade, while emphasizing and developing young acts such as The Script, The Fray, Sean Kingston and Natasha Bedingfield.

During his tenure at Epic, Esquire Magazine called him a "visionary" and Details Magazine profiled him in its Mavericks Issue alongside Ryan Seacrest and Timbaland.