By JOHN DALY
Eric Wong, who has been instrumental in the careers of pop music’s top names, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Island Records, it was announced.
Wong will continue to be based in New York, where he will run operations for the entire label.
“Eric’s long and successful background in the recording industry make him truly deserving of this new post as COO of Island,” said Darcus Beese, president of Island Records. “He brings a world of experience to every endeavor and has nurtured strong relationships with our artists and their management teams.”
‘Island Has Been My Heart and Home’
“Island has been my heart and home for the better part of two decades now, and I am excited to step into this role keeping the label and its artists at the forefront,” Wong said.
Wong has served as executive vice president/general manager for Island Records, since 2014, where he has been involved with artists including Shawn Mendes, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Fall Out Boy, Tove Lo, the Killers, Bon Jovi, Mike Posner, and others, the company said. Prior to that, Wong spent three years as executive vice president of marketing, at the former Island Def Jam Music Group, where he played an integral role in the creation, development, and execution of all artist marketing strategies.
From NYU to to P-Diddy and Mariah Carey
Wong first joined IDJ in 1999, after graduating from New York University. During those early years at IDJ, he developed marketing campaigns and built strong relationships with the label’s roster of multi-platinum artists. In 2006 Wong worked at Bad Boy Entertainment, as chief marketing officer, and simultaneously senior vice president of marketing for Atlantic Records. Wong oversaw the careers of Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jay-Z, Janelle Monaé, Toni Braxton, and more. Before returning to IDJ in 2011, Wong successfully founded Wong Management in 2009, working with a roster that included Mariah Carey.