Marc Byers
Marc Byers has been named to the newly created position of General Manager, Motown Records, it was announced today by the label’s President Ethiopia Habtemariam, to whom Byers reports. The highly regarded entrepreneur and executive will oversee the label’s day-to-day operations and work closely with Habtemariam to design and execute its business strategy and development. Byers is based in Hollywood at the company’s iconic Capitol Tower.
According to Habtemariam, “We are excited to have Marc Byers join the Motown team! His level of experience, impact, and proven results in our business is undeniable. Marc is extremely passionate and dedicated and I couldn’t be happier that he’ll oversee our day-to-day operations!
Byers commented, “I’d like to first thank Ethiopia Habtemariam for her trust, support and invitation to come to Motown. She’s done a remarkable job re-establishing Motown in a new era. I’ve held Motown in high regard my entire life, and have always been inspired by Mr. Berry Gordy as an entrepreneur having such class and respect. I’ll do my best to uphold the Motown standard that continues to inspire young people, just as I was. I’d like to also thank Steve Barnett and my family for your support as well. I couldn’t have joined a better team!”
Byers brings more than two decades of music industry and entrepreneurial experience to his new position, having most recently served as the Founder and Co-CEO of Rockstar Entertainment, which encompassed music management, marketing and a publishing venture with Sony/ATV. Throughout the course of his career, Byers has worked with Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Eve, Chris Brown, Jamie Foxx and Raven-Symoné, to name several, as well as producers Dre and Vidal, Rodney Jerkins and Idris Elba. He has also provided consulting services to a variety of corporate clients, including Pepsi and BuzzFeed.
From 2009 through 2011, Byers’ was instrumental in the formation of Philly360.com through his consultation agreement with Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC), enabling that city organization to forge relationships with Philadelphia’s robust and diverse Urban Arts communities. This endeavor resulted in GPTMC’s sponsorship of the annual event The Roots Picnic, as well as the selection of partnership and creative ambassadors for three years.
Byers’ produced the 2012 feature film Black November, starring Mickey Rourke, Kim Basinger, Vivica A. Fox, Wyclef Jean and Akon, as well as the 2014 short film Pepsi Beats Of A Beautiful Game, directed by Idris Elba, and MTV’s Philly Day in 2010, with Tuma Basa. He was an A&R Director at Atlantic Records working with Intro, Monie Love and The Braxton Sisters.
