Experienced executive joins Academy's senior management team

GRAMMY.com

The Recording Academy today announced the appointment of Rick Engdahl as Vice President, Information Technology. Engdahl will report directly to The Academy's Executive Vice President David Grossman.

"For close to 20 years, Rick has been involved in various facets of the entertainment industry," said Grossman. "His background in strategic technology planning and management will be instrumental in the evolution and enhancement of The Recording Academy's infrastructure and digital platforms."

Under Engdahl's leadership, the Information Technology department will handle all computer support and system integrations for The Academy and all its related entities — including the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares, as well as the GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY telecasts. His department will also develop and maintain the infrastructure needed for the organization's upcoming digital initiatives.

Prior to joining The Academy, Engdahl began his career training producers and directors on the budgeting and scheduling software process for film and television projects for all of the major studios. Engdahl was the director of information services for the Walt Disney Company's film and television division for six years, where he was responsible for the implementation and operation of production and financial computer systems for live-action feature film divisions including Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures and Miramax. Most recently, Engdahl spent four years as vice president of information technology at Sega Entertainment U.S.A, a North American entertainment and restaurant chain originally created by Steven Spielberg. During his tenure at Sega, he established centralized financial and gaming systems used for marketing trends and analysis.

Engdahl is a graduate of UCLA with a bachelor's degree in mathematics/computer science.