Walt Disney Company vet Phil Guerini has been named CEO of Jonas Group Entertainment.
Guerini was most recently VP of music strategy for Disney Channels Worldwide and GM, Radio Disney Network. In the latter role, he oversaw Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country. Radio Disney shut down earlier this year.
Guerini’s ties with Kevin Jonas, Sr., founder and chairman of Jonas Group Entertainment, go back to 2005 when, at Disney, he began working with the Jonas Brothers, and had a hand in developing such pop acts as Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande and Gabby Barrett, among others.
“He has been an instrumental part of my family’s journey and was an early supporter of my sons before they experienced their tremendous success,” said Jonas, in a statement. “Matching our current projects and talent with his tremendous leadership will assist in bringing Jonas Group Entertainment into its finest days. I am confident that we will move forward into incredible things with Phil leading the way.”
At Disney, Guerini, who frequently appeared on Billboard Country Power Players list, also spearheaded the launch of the Radio Disney Music Awards in 2013 and revamped Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing development program.
“Life is truly an unpredictable blessing and every once in a while, we’re lucky enough to experience a full circle moment,” Guerini said in a statement. “I’ve been extremely fortunate to have spent the last 28-plus years of my career with the world’s leader in family entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, and I plan to bring that knowledge and experience to Jonas Group Entertainment.”
In addition to the Jonas Brothers, Jonas Group Entertainment, which Jonas founded in 2005, has formerly overseen the careers of Demi Lovato and Jordin Sparks. Current clients include Bailee Madison, Frankie Jonas, Lanie Gardner, Public, Melanie Pfirrman, Livvia, Mandy Harvey, and Lucy Cloud.
Guerini will be based in Nashville.
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