Child Safety Organization Names EMI Music's Peluso as President
Currently serving as president of EMI CMG Distribution, Peluso will assume his new role at The Safe Side on Nov. 2.
The current president of EMI CMG Distribution has been named president of a Colorado-based child-safety awareness organization.
Before assuming his new role as The Safe Side’s new president on Nov. 2, EMI Music’s Rich Peluso will conclude work on key projects for EMI CMG by Nov. 1. Peluso has 15 years of experience in Christian music, starting as a sales representative for Star Song Records. He moved to Nashville in 1995 to manage the EMI CMG sales team and eventually to lead the division.
“This is truly an exciting announcement for us,” said Bill Clark, general manager of The Safe Side. “Based on initial results, we are convinced that if properly developed, The Safe Side can become an important source of safety information for parents and kids. We are thrilled that Rich shares this vision and will commit his energy, skills and experience to our mission.”
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Peluso’s responsibilities at The Safe Side, whose audio/video products are distributed by EMI CMG, will include marketing, sales, customer service, and licensing and business development activities. He also will work closely with the company’s board to create long-term goals and establish new strategies.
Peluso will remain in the Franklin, Tenn., area and open a sales office there in 2006.
“My wife, Michelle, and I have been talking and praying for some time about God’s plan for our lives,” said Peluso. “Despite my love for what I do at EMI and the people I work with, it is time for me to move to the next place God would have me.
“I am confident the EMI CMG team will continue their excellent work and take EMI CMG to new levels, I am thankful for the years of growth, instruction and great music I shared with my leaders, peers, staff and artists while at EMI.”
Bill Hearn, President and CEO of EMI CMG said he “sincerely appreciate[s] Rich’s countless contributions to EMI CMG and the success of our company over the fifteen years he and his family have shared with us.”
“The impact he has made on our company culture and the industry has been significant,” Hearn said. “We will miss Rich but look forward to working with him in the new role, especially as EMI CMG is the distributor of The Safe Side Company to retail stores throughout North America.”
The Safe Side was created in May 2005 by Julie Clark, founder of The Baby Einstein Company, and America’s Most Wanted host John Walsh to create child safety products for elementary-aged children.
The company donates 10 percent of its gross proceeds from distribution to The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. (www.missingkids.com).
The Safe Side’s first video, “Stranger Safety,” has sold nearly 20,000 units since its May 2005 release.
For more information, visit www.thesafeside.com.
