Troy Carter and Suzy Ryoo’s Venice Distribution has hired Sophia Bacuros as VP of Digital Marketing on the West Coast and New York-based Deryck Vanderbilt-Nicholson as the Head of US Audience and Culture.
Bacuros and Vanderbilt-Nicholson join Ray Kurzeka, Global Head of Revenue and Services Operations, JR McKee, Head of Streaming and A&R, as well as Theresa Adebiyi and Matt Ott who head up Venice in the UK.
Prior to joining Venice, Bacuros spearheaded digital marketing and content strategy at HITCO Entertainment.
Her tenure there saw her work on the development and rise of new artists Dixie D’Amelio and SAINt JHN as well as running campaigns for the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Big Boi of OutKast.
In her new role, Venice says that Bacuros will lead the execution of marketing initiatives, creative content strategy, and artist relations, using her industry expertise from Warner Records alongside musicians Jason Derulo, Bebe Rexha, the late Mac Miller, Saweetie, and OVO Records.
Deryck Vanderbilt-Nicholson joins Venice from working with the likes of M.I.A., Giggs, Buju Banton, and rising musicians Emotional Oranges, THEY, and Darkchild Records, at Island Records/4th & B’way, as Director of Media & Artist Relations.
Prior to Universal Music Group, he led creator media and product tool communications at SoundCloud.
In his new role, Venice says he will oversee artist development, creative marketing strategies and “cultural impact” for artists, “bringing his wealth of experience”, working on global artist and brand campaigns including: DJ Khaled, Naomi Campbell, Pepsi, Fear of God, & 1800 Tequila.
Vanderbilt-Nicholson is also bringing along independent Brooklyn-based musician KOTA the Friend to the platform, which he will continue to manage as GM/EVP of FLTBYS Music & Entertainment.
“Sophia and Deryck bring a combination of skill and taste that independent artists and labels appreciate.”
Troy Carter
Troy Carter said: “Sophia and Deryck bring a combination of skill and taste that independent artists and labels appreciate.
“They have impeccable track records for breaking artists in innovative ways and will be welcome additions to the Venice team.”
Suzy Ryoo added: “Delighted to welcome Sophia and Deryck to our growing team and community.
“They are intensely thoughtful, brilliantly creative storytellers who have decisively chosen Venice as their home to empower the next generation of fiercely independent artists and entrepreneurs.”Music Business Worldwide