AWAL, Kobalt’s recordings company, has announced the hiring of Michael Pukownik as senior vice president, head of artist marketing, North America. He will be based in AWAL’s Los Angeles office and oversee artist marketing campaigns for the AWAL roster and drive digital marketing strategy.

Commenting on the hire, AWAL CEO, Lonny Olinick said: “We are at a critical moment of growth at AWAL and investing in talented leaders is of the utmost importance as we continue to deliver the best option for independent artists. Michael has proven he can lead a team, while developing and delivering expansive campaigns that can and will benefit our artists.”

Pukownik most recently spent three years as vice president of marketing at Warner Bros. Records, where he ran campaigns for artists such as Gorillaz, and developed new acts like The Shelters.

Ron Cerrito, AWAL president, North America said: “We are expanding the AWAL roster, team and capability with great momentum as we build the recording company of the future. With deep experience ranging from the digital space to traditional marketing, Michael epitomises the music executive of the future. He will lead our marketing and digital marketing team focusing on current campaigns for Lauv, Rex Orange County, R3HAB, Tom Misch, Freya Ridings, Madison Beer, The Wombats, Timeflies, Bruno Major, Austin Burke, Kim Petras, and many more.”

Pukownik added: “I am thrilled to be joining Kobalt Music Group and would like to thank Willard Ahdritz, Lonny Olinick, Ron Cerrito, and the entire AWAL team for this fantastic opportunity. My personal life and professional career thus far have been markedly influenced by the intersection of music and technology, and I believe that Kobalt’s truly forward-thinking, transformative approach is going to continue to propel the music industry into the future and derive outstanding results for artists worldwide. I look forward to being able to contribute to this mission.”

Earlier in the month, AWAL announced it had acquired radio promotion and music marketing company in2une Music. 

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