Independent rock label Napalm Records is opening a London office in a bid to grow its reach into the UK market.
Set to open in August, the London office will be headed up by Wally van Middendorp. Who will look to help expand global initiatives, develop artists and further cement the label’s position in the UK. He will also serve in an A&R and licensing capacity, handling marketing, sales, promotion and brand development of Napalm Records releases and artists in the UK.
In-house promoters Andy Turner and Will Palmer complete the Napalm Records UK team.
Commenting on his new role, Van Middendorp said: “I am very pleased to be working with Thomas and his team and further develop the Napalm Records label in the UK.”
The label’s managing director, Thomas Caser, added: “We are thrilled to have Wally on our European/global team. He is revered by artists, managers, and his peers.”
Van Middendorp has occupied several record label posts across Europe, including managing director of Eleven Seven Music Group Europe and SVP international at Roadrunner Records, where he oversaw global marketing and sales for all ex-North American territories and was instrumental in breaking and developing artists such as Trivium, Machine Head, Black Stone Cherry, Airbourne, Alter Bridge and Slash.
He has also served as general manager for International Artist Labels Sony Music Netherlands and was the general manager for Play It Again Sam in Benelux, where he worked with artists including The Prodigy, Depeche Mode and Pixies.
The Napalm Records roster features such artists as Alter Bridge, DevilDriver, W.A.S.P, Monster Magnet, Camelot, Hammerfall, Powerwolf and more.
