Music executive Bryan Leach has officially become a person
to watch in the music business, with his inclusion on Crain”s New York Business”
annual 40 Under 40 list.

Leach started his career in 1995 as a director of artist development for independent
label TVT Records. He transitioned into the label”s artist
and repertoire (A&R) department and is credited with developing popular
rap groups like Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, the Ying
Yang Twins and Pitbull.

He was named Senior Vice President of Urban for J Records/RCA Music
Group in August 2006 and reports directly to BMG U.S. Chairman, Clive
Davis. "When I found out that they wanted to recognize me this
year, I thought it was cool, because it was recognition of the whole roller
coaster ride I went through last year, making the whole transition from employee
to entrepreneur," Leach said. "I helped TVT sell 10 million records
in just four years as an independent. So making the transition to J Records
and starting a partnership there, in today”s business, is no small thing."

Crain”s New York Business is a weekly publication that covers the happenings
in the New York business community. Prior 40 Under 40 honorees include Russell
Simmons, Andre Harrell, and Kevin Liles. And like
the aforementioned record executives that have made the list, Leach said that
plans are underway to build his label, The Polo Grounds Music Group, into the
next Hip-Hop powerhouse. "If I modeled it after any label, I would say
it”s LaFace," Leach said, referencing the legendary Atlanta label founded
by Antonio "L.A." Reid and Kenneth "Babyface"
Edmonds.

"I am not only building and developing and signing star artists, but also
star executives," Leach continued. "We are based in New York with
an office and studio in Atlanta as well, and we plan on making J Records one
of the top two places when you talk about rap."

Leach”s other accomplishments include his role as founder of FanMale Inc.,
a nonprofit organization which the Harlem native established to support mentoring
and internship opportunities for Harlem students. The organization is financing
a program at P.S. 46 (Arthur Tappan School), which is located at the Polo Grounds
housing projects in Harlem. "It”s personal in a sense that it”s me always
doing what I wanted to do, from when I lived in the Polo Ground projects,"
Leach said. "I just want to do some things that I think can change that
community, particularly for males. We support after school programs and mentor
Harlem youth."

Leach joins Essence Magazine editor-in-chief Angela Burt-Murray and Niche Media
CEO and founder Jason Binn on the list, which spotlights New York”s most promising
entrepreneurs for the year ahead. Crain”s New York Business” 40 Under 40 hit
stores today (Jan. 29).