Republic Records has bolstered its creative division with the hire of new EVP Eddie Sears.

The New York-based Sears will oversee a department with a purview that encompasses creative strategy, packaging design, short- and long-form video, photo shoots, logo creation and immersive fan experiences.

Sears began his career in his native Italy, where he ran a multidisciplinary agency that worked in consumer products, fashion and sports. He also maintains a semi-secret identity as an artist, performing under the moniker Rocket Pengwin, which club-music aficionados likely recognize from the bills of Governors Ball and Nameless, among other festivals.

“Eddie doesn’t just dig into the music—he completely entrenches himself within each artist’s vision," said Republic President and COO Jim Roppo. "His spirit, energy and creative expertise are unmatched, and I’m honored to welcome him to the Republic Records family.”

Added Sears, “Nothing is as powerful as an idea. On a daily basis, our team builds ideas for our artists and we do so with an entrepreneurial mindset. Jim Roppo and Monte and Avery Lipman know the importance of creative, and they’ve placed it at the forefront of Republic Records.”

The new EVP has less upbeat feelings about the creativity of our "Sears Catalog" jokes.