Board of Governors

John J. Barbis
Acting Sr. Advisor, EMI North America

Johnny Barbis, one of the most trusted and knowledgeable executives in the music industry, began his career in 1972 at Shelter Records in radio promotion. He later served in similar capacities at London Records and Chrysalis Records, as a Vice President at ABC Records, and as a Senior Executive at Geffen Records before forming his own film and music marketing company, B&W Marketing. In 1998, he moved to PolyGram, where he held a number of executive positions such as President & CEO of Chris Blackwell's legendary Island Records. During his extensive career, he has worked with such luminaries as The Rolling Stones, John Lennon, the Bee Gees, Peter Gabriel, Don Henley, Elton John, Robbie Robertson, U2, Melissa Etheridge and LL Cool J.