EMI Christian Music Group (EMI CMG) is promoting industry veteran Greg Bays to senior vice president of sales and marketing for EMI CMG Distribution, replacing former President Rich Peluso, who has been named president of The Safe Side Company, publisher of safety programs for children.

Bays will be responsible for the strategic direction and sales and marketing functions of EMI CMG Distribution, and report to EMG CMG President and CEO Bill Hearn. EMI CMG is the distributor for The Safe Side's products. Peluso will remain with EMI CMG Distribution in an advisory capacity to support Bays in the transition through Oct. 31.

Bays' 20-year music-industry career includes experience as a music buyer for a Christian retailer in Arizona before joining EMI CMG's telesales team in 1992. He quickly moved into field sales and later became director of national accounts. Bays then spent four years as vice president of sales for Sparrow Label Group and most recently served in the role of vice president of sales for EMI CMG Distribution.

“Greg's retail, distribution and label experience make him uniquely qualified for this expanded leadership role,” Hearn said. “I am confident he will succeed in delivering our sales goals, building strong relationships with our customers and helping us achieve our vision.”

The Safe Side was founded by Baby Einstein brand founder Julie Clark and John Walsh of America's Most Wanted. The company has released a series of home DVDs designed to offer ways to keep children safe in challenging situations.

The full story will be in the Oct. 17 issue of Christian Retailing.

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