Jim Fishel

Jim Fishel has held various roles in the media industry for over four decades. In 1972, they were chosen as one of 25 interns throughout the United States to participate in an intensive training program sponsored by Dow Jones and the National Observer at the Miami News/Miami Herald. Following the program, they worked as a copy editor and reporter. In 1973, they moved to the Fort Lauderdale News-Pompano Sun-Sentinel where they were a daily beat reporter. In 1974, they joined Billboard Magazine as a reporter and editor. In 1976, they joined Columbia Records as an A&R/Producer/Black Marketing Executive. During this time, they worked with a roster of 30 artists to choose material for new releases, find producers, sign new talent, and work on deals. In 1982, they founded O-Fishel Consulting and served as President. In 1983, they joined the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as Executive Director and Vice President. In 1989, they moved to Universal Music Group as Vice President of International, GRP Records. During this time, they hired marketing managers in more than 35 countries and expanded international sales to the company's highest level. In 1993, they joined Time Inc. as Vice President of New Business Development, Time Life Music. During this time, they worked to create a line of collectible products and a series of original recordings. In 2002, they founded Bene-Fishel Marketing and Management. In 2009, they joined Digital ReLab as Vice President of New Business Development. In this role, they worked on Kairos, an open-source industrial strength media platform and API.

Jim Fishel attended Shaker Heights High School from 1966 to 1969, graduating in 1969. Jim then attended the University of Miami, where they earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Journalism between 1969 and 1973.