Island Records has promoted Marshall Nolan to the role of EVP, head of commercial strategy.
Since joining the major in 2022, Universal credit Nolan as playing a pivotal role in the breakthrough campaigns of Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, the development of rising stars Gigi Perez, Lola Young, and Charley Crockett, plus the continued success of Bon Jovi, Shawn Mendes, Demi Lovato and The Killers.
Based in New York, he will report directly to co-chairmen and CEOs of Island Records, Justin Eshak and Imran Majid.
In his new role, Nolan will continue leading streaming, physical, and D2C strategy for the label.
An official press release stated that by, “leveraging close relationships with the artists and their teams, Nolan stands out as a forward-thinking executive applying creative marketing strategy to innovative commercial strategy campaigns. In his short tenure, he’s helped modernize the label’s eCommerce, physical product, and indie retail strategies through an inventive focus on commercial marketing.”
“We are thrilled to announce Marshall in his new role,” said Justin Eshak and Imran Majid, co-chairmen and CEOs of Island Records in a joint statement. “He’s an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of music and a visionary approach towards commercial strategy. His strong, trusted relationships with our label’s artist roster and their respective teams have led to some of the most exciting commercial marketing campaigns in recent memory. We’re excited for his next phase and the opportunities he’ll bring to our team and artists we support.”
Prior to joining UMG, Nolan spent five years at Columbia Records. He served as senior director of the commercial team, working on the rollout of key projects such as Adele, Harry Styles, Hozier, Beyoncé, The Neighbourhood, and more.
Nolan added: “Justin and Imran foster an artist-first culture where we have the ability to make a difference. Nothing is off limits if it benefits the artist, which opens up the boundaries and enables us to effectively deliver at the highest level on their behalf. I’m thankful for their guidance, trust, and belief, and I’m very grateful for this opportunity.”
Nolan is also an avid philanthropist for a cause dear to his heart. He lost his beloved sister-in-law Sam in 2024 to metastatic breast cancer and from the moment she was diagnosed he has been committed to helping find a cure alongside organisations BCRF and The Pink Agenda. Through multiple benefit evenings and the RUNFORSAM brand he founded, Nolan continues to raise awareness.
Photo credit: Ned Rogers
