Woman of the Year Reba McEntire tops celebrity list joined by Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Madonna and Mariah Carey
Billboard announced today that Judy McGrath, Chairman/CEO of MTV Networks tops their 2nd annual Women In Music list. The list of the top female music industry executives was revealed in the 2nd annual Billboard Women In Music issue, which hits newsstands today and at a breakfast to fete the honorees at CORE: in New York. Superstar Reba McEntire was presented the first ever Billboard Woman of the Year Award at the breakfast.
The list is decided based on the success each executive has achieved in the past year, their power status within their organization and track record of producing forward thinking initiatives. The women being honored include music television executives, label heads and other women who have proven to be innovators in the industry.
“It becomes more difficult each year to compile this list, as the tides continue to shift and more and more women are leading some of the most powerful companies in the music industry,” said Tamara Conniff, Billboard’s Group Editorial Director. “We are proud to recognize the accomplishments and highlight the powerful position of women in the music industry. The women who have been selected for this list have not only paved the road for the future of music, but also for other women to follow in their footsteps.”
"I've been fortunate enough to work with so many inspired, passionate and driven women, at MTV Networks and throughout the music industry, and I'm honored and humbled to be counted among them," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO, MTV Networks. "I'm thankful to Billboard for recognizing me, Debra Lee, Christina Norman, and all the remarkable women on this list for their accomplishments, and their influence and impact on the music business. These are challenging, fascinating times in the music industry, and they call for the talents of more good women!"
Billboard’s Women in Music issue also includes a list of celebrities who have been selected for their prowess as business women. Billboard’s first ever Woman of the Year, Reba McEntire tops the list, joined by Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Madonna and Mariah Carey.
Billboard’s Women in Music list:
1.) Judy McGrath, Chairman/CEO, MTV Networks
2.) Julie Greenwald, President, Atlantic Records
3.) Lisa Ellis, President, Sony Urban Music
4.) Alison Wenham, Chairman/CEO, AIM; Worldwide Independent Network
5.) Christina Norman, President, MTV Networks
5.) Debra Lee, Chairman/CEO, BET Networks
6.) Jody Gerson, EVP of U.S. Creative, EMI Music Publishing
7.) Alexandra Patsavas, Founder, Chop Shop
8.) Sylvia Rhone, President, Universal Motown Records
9.) Lesley Bleakley, CEO, the Beggars Group, U.S.
10.) Andrea Ganis, EVP, Atlantic Records
11.) Lia Vollack, President of Worldwide Music, Sony Pictures
11.) Kathy Nelson, President of Film Music, Universal Pictures
12.) Mavis Takemoto, EVP of Administration and Operations, Universal Music Group Distribution
12.) Amanda Marks, EVP/GM of Digital Distribution, Universal Music Group Distribution
13.) Julie Swidler, EVP of Business and Legal Affairs, BMG U.S. Label Group
13.) Lynn Hazan-Devau, SVP Finance & Operations, RED Distribution
14.) Hilary Shaev, EVP of Promotion, Virgin Records
15.) Diane Warren, Founder, RealSongs
16.) Marilyn Bergman, Chairman/President, ASCAP
17.) Lucia Ballas Traynor, GM, MTV Tr3s
18.) Angelia Bibbbs Sanders, VP of Member Services, the Recording Academy
19.) Tammy Genovese, COO, Country Music Association
20.) Diana Meltzer, EVP of A&R, Wind-Up Records
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