9/16/2024: Russell Ziecker, Global Head of Television Music, Lionsgate/Starz

Originally from New York state, Russell attended the prestigious Bass Institute of Technology (now known as
Musicians Institute) in Hollywood, CA., and received a certified professional bass player degree.
He toured as a professional bass player for a number of years, before joining record label Chrysalis Records, in
the mailroom. After moving into music publishing, also at Chrysalis Music, he was promoted to creative
director of music publishing, first in Los Angeles office, and then in New York City. Following a move back to
Los Angeles, Russell joined Virgin Music America as VP of Creative. In the mid-90’s he moved into personal
management for several recording artists including Jason Falkner (Elektra), Jeremy Toback (RCA), and Lazlo
Bane (Almo Sounds). Later, he became president/COO of Milan Records and left to work for SYN Worldwide in
Japan, specializing in commercial and advertising music. In 2005, Russell moved to Lionsgate, and then added
Starz (subsequent to Lionsgate’s purchase of the network, overseeing music for Emmy and Golden Globe
award-winning Mad Men, Weeds, Nurse Jackie, Anger Management, Nashville, Orange is the New Black, Zoey’s
Extraordinary Playlist, Step Up, Acapulco, Mythic Quest, POWER (and it’s spin-offs), P-Valley, and more.

Russell is a graduate of Leadership Music (2023), Leadership Nashville (2024), a member of Soho House, and is
currently attending the Leadership Tennessee (2025) program. He is also part of a steering committee with the
Guild of Music Supervisors, a voting member of National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and a voting
member of National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.