Seymour Stein Next “Godfather”

Seymour Stein Named Next Class “Godfather” at the Berlin School of Creative Leadership

Music Legend and Chairman of Sire Records to personally mentor upcoming global Executive MBA class at the Berlin School of Creative Leadership

Seymour Stein, the co-founder of Sire Records and a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his vital role in more than a half century of pop and rock music, will be a “Godfather” for the Berlin School’s next Executive MBA Program in Creative Leadership.  Over the course of a year he will mentor participants during multiple 2-week modules of the part-time program beginning May 10, 2009.  Stein will personally attend sessions in- depth, adding his knowledge and experience to the teaching of leadership in the creative industries.

The unique Berlin School Godparent Program formalizes the example set by founding Berlin School President Michael Conrad, a well-known figure in the advertising industry who still participates in Executive MBA program classes, contributing to discussion and offering feedback. Each Executive MBA intake is accompanied by a highly accomplished creative leader from the various communication industries. Currently Keith Reinhard, the Chairman Emeritus of DDB Worldwide, is serving as the Godparent of the school’s third EMBA cohort.

Recognized as one of the music industries’ creative and business giants, Stein began his career at Billboard magazine as a teenager and learned the business from the ground up at pioneering labels such as King Records (James Brown) and Red Bird Records (Shangri-Las) before co-founding Sire Records in 1966. He went on to sign and help develop a roster of artists including Madonna, The Ramones, The Smiths, Talking Heads, The Pretenders, Ice-T, KD Lang, Seal, Lou Red, Madness and The Cure. His ability to spot and develop talent is legendary, and he has managed to keep his company and its roster both independent and fresh for decades. Stein is a true creative leader, bringing out the best in creative artists. His work earned him a Lifetime Achievement membership in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.

“I am delighted that Seymour will be bringing his wisdom, warmth and vision to the Berlin School. His amazing insights on creative and management excellence from the music and entertainment industry will benefit every participant and further our goal of integrating the advertising, media, music, entertainment, journalism, design and marketing industries into one classroom,” said Michael Conrad, President of the Berlin School.  “Seymour has admirers around the world, and we’re thrilled to have him join our family of “Berliners” to further unite the creative industries. Let’s rock ‘n’ roll.”

“I have had so many great mentors in my career, and I think it’s very important to give something back and mentor the next generation,” said Stein. “And if the recorded music industry is not going to disappear like the blacksmiths and Pullman car, we have to come up with new ideas and innovation for this industry that I love. The Berlin School is a place where these new ideas can be born and creative leaders are nurtured. This is a special community, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”