Warner Bros Records (WBR) announced today that veteran record producer and music publishing executive Mark Bright has been named president and CEO of Word Entertainment.

Reporting to WBR Chairman and CEO Tom Whalley, Bright will oversee Word Entertainment's entire operation, including the label group, publishing, distribution and church resource divisions. Bright succeeds Word CEO Jim Van Hook, who has decided to retire after more than 30 years in the Christian music industry.

"With his rich musical background as an accomplished performer, songwriter and producer combined with his successful track record as a music industry executive, Mark embodies a truly unique blend of creativity and leadership," Whalley said. "I am confident that Mark will bring a spirit of innovation and artistry to Word Entertainment and uphold its celebrated tradition as one of the world's preeminent homes of contemporary Christian music."

Bright has worked with several multi-platinum artists, including Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans, Billy Ray Cyrus, Mark Schultz and newcomer Whitney Duncan. In addition, Bright formerly served as vice president of EMI Music Publishing.

• Prev
• Next