IT SEEMS IT'S SIMMS AS COLUMBIA VP A&R

Columbia has tapped biz veteran Sterling Simms as VP A&R. The announcement was made by EVP/Head of A&R Rani Hancock. The move reunites Simms with label boss Ron Perry, for whom he previously worked at SONGS Music Publishing.

Most recently VP A&R at Hitco, Simms began his career as a Def Jam artist and segued to publishing at SONGS. He subsequently served at UMPG and Atom Factory.

Big Red is definitely starting 2022 with an A&R bang, as Simms' appointment follows the addition of Julian Swirsky as SVP (see related stories below).

“Sterling’s multifaceted experience as an A&R executive, publisher, Grammy-nominated songwriter and former artist give him a unique ability to relate to artists and creative partners on every level,” reads a quote from Hancock. “We are thrilled to welcome him to the Columbia A&R team and to present him with this Ron Perry-branded work hoodie.”

“I have to thank Ron and Rani for this opportunity,” reads Simms’ quote. “Starting off my publishing career at SONGS Music Publishing and now being back with Ron at Columbia is such a full-circle moment for me. I can’t wait to join the incredible team and be part of making history for the artists and the label.”