Setting up an orderly transition, David Orleans, senior vp/general manager of Warner Music Group’s independent arm Alternative Distribution Alliance, has been promoted to president, with former prexy Mitchell Wolk staying on as a consultant.
A founding member of ADA’s staff on its formation in 1993, Orleans joined as West Coast sales manager and has held a number of titles over the years. He will remain based in Burbank and will report to Mike Jbara, president/chief operating officer of WEA Corp., WMG’s distribution company.
Wolk succeeded founding prexy Andy Allen in 2008. Jbara said in a statement that he was “thankful that as Mitchell prepares to move on to his next career chapter, he can be here with us to help assure a seamless leadership transition.”
ADA handles physical and digital distibution for a number of prominent U.S. indie labels, including Merge, Beggars Group, Epitaph, Glassnote, Matador, Nettwerk, Saddle Creek, Numero Group and Bloodshot. It also distributes product from WMG subsidiaries and labels.
Its 2010 hits include Arcade Fire’s “The Suburbs,” Vampire Weekend’s “Contra,” the National’s “High Violet,” the Gaslight Anthem’s “American Slang,” Mumford & Sons’ “Sigh No More” and the xx’s self-titled debut.
Ryko Distribution, WMG’s other wholly-owned indie distribution firm, was folded into ADA in 2009.
