DECCA U.S. PASSES EVP BATON TO OERKE

Verve Label Group has upped nearly 16-year veteran Joseph Oerke from SVP of Marketing and Artist Strategy to EVP of Decca Records U.S., in which capacity he'll continue to oversee marketing and artist strategy for the U.S.' top classical label and American partner to such international imprints as Decca Records, Decca Classics, Deutsche Grammophon, Hyperion, Mercury KX and ECM.

Oerke has been at the forefront of Decca's recent growth thanks to his stewardship of such composers and artists as Ludovico Einaudi, Max Richter, Víkingur Ólafsson and Joe Hisaishi.

"Joseph is propelling Decca U.S. into a new era as the leading classical record company in America," said Verve Label Group President/CEO Dickon Stainer. "With his boundless experience and formidable team-building skills Joseph is perfectly positioned to serve the finest classical artists of the world and their passionate U.S. audiences."

Oerke, who studied oboe in New York and worked in the gift shop of the Metropolitan Opera, added, "I think everyone can find at least one piece of classical music that stirs emotions and part of my job is to bring this music to more people. Leading this storied label is a dream for me and I could not be more excited to work with our amazing team."