Columbia Records Ups Joe Gallo to GM

Columbia Records announced Joe Gallo‘s promotion to GM on Wednesday (Jan. 10). Gallo, who started at the label more than a decade ago, previously held the position of executive vp/head of sales.

“Spending the last ten years in a commercial role allowed me to work with teams across the label and its storied roster,” Gallo said in a statement. “I’m excited for the opportunity to expand upon Columbia’s foundation and be a part of its future.”

In a separate statement, Jen Mallory, the label’s president, added that “Joe’s level of dedication to Columbia’s artists is infectious. He wholeheartedly invests himself in every campaign using his innate intuition and deep knowledge of an evolving global marketplace to deliver the very best for our roster. He’s an innovative strategist, diligent team player, and a diehard music fan.”

In recent years, Gallo has worked on campaigns for Lil Nas X, Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles, Adele, Beyoncé, Tyler, the Creator and Rosalía, among others.

“Executing successful Hot 100 campaigns requires exceptional music, patience, strategy and confident decision making,” Gallo explained in 2021. “One needs to know the makings of the chart and the opportunity each single has to perform. There are a lot of factors at play — audio and video streaming, track sales and radio audience. Every team at the label plays a role as the collective point total ultimately determines each track’s fate. Timing is a major factor. It is critical to understand the point makeup of any track sitting in there, how it performed to get to its current position and which buttons to push to maximize each track’s potential. You also need to know who you are up against — always pay attention to the competition. Victory loves preparation.”

Gallo will have a chance to oversee another Hot 100 campaign shortly: Earlier this week, Columbia star Lil Nas X announced that he will release a new single on Friday (Jan. 12).