We’re happy to welcome Chris Hardy to the AWAL family as Head of Operations, Canada. Based in AWAL’s newly announced Toronto office, Hardy will act as the Canadian contact for global label clients.
Chris will focus on marketing, commerce, sales, client relations and acquisition. He’ll be the Canadian point of contact for our North American A&R team, representing AWAL artists regionally with digital accounts and physical accounts, as well as regional radio promotion and publicity teams.
Commenting on the hire, AWAL CEO, Lonny Olinick said, “As we expand our global footprint, it’s critical that we deliver on our promise to provide impactful artist services and invest in the talent necessary to do so. Chris has worked in the music industry for more than two decades and is fully immersed in Canadian market. We’re more than confident in his ability to to help our Canadian partners thrive across the globe.”
Hardy joins AWAL with more than 20 years of music industry experience in the Canadian market. Most recently, he ran Canadian Business at The Orchard, upon the purchase by Sony, where he established their first Canadian office. Hardy spent more than 10 years at Sony Music Canada where he managed the Partnership Brand business and then went on to run the Distributed Label Business. Before joining Sony, he worked at Universal Canada where he ran Key Accounts for 8 years. He started his career in the industry in sales at Warner Music Canada.
“Canada is an incredibly important music market and it’s crucial that we build a team that is capable of delivering for the artists, managers and labels we work with.” said Ron Cerrito, AWAL President, North America. “Chris has deep experience and relationships in the Canadian market and industry at large, which is why we are thrilled to add him to the growing AWAL team.”
Chris Hardy added, “I would like to thank Lonny and Ron for entrusting me to carry on the great work they have already done in the Canadian market. As a previous partner of Kobalt, I have had the privilege to watch the evolution of their artist-first approach backed not only by best in class technology, but also by some of the most passionate people I have met in the industry. I am thrilled to be a part of the AWAL team and the champion for the market.”
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