LISA ELLIS

Lisa Ellis joined Fireman Capital Partners in December 2008 as a Founding Operating Partner. At Fireman Capital Partners, Ms. Ellis is part of an investment firm that focuses on high growth consumer products and service companies, real estate investments, film, entertainment and other related investments. In joining FCP, Lisa is rejoining her former colleague, Paul Fireman, Reebok’s founder and former Chairman and CEO. In addition to working closely on evaluating and managing FCP’s investments, Lisa plays a leadership role in shaping the strategic vision of the firm and building out its platforms.

Lisa’s business acumen, her credibility in the marketplace – with social and business leaders alike – gives Fireman Capital and our various investments a unique access to a world of opportunity. Lisa is altruistic in every sense of the word and we are proud to have her as our partner”, says Paul Fireman. Lisa will also work closely with Paul and Phyllis Fireman Family Foundation, and a many of its grantees.

Lisa also continues her role in the music business as an entrepreneur. She has founded Carnival House with partner Wyclef Jean and his cousin, and frequent collaborator Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis. Carnival House Music will introduce new artists Nikki Yanofsky and Niia in 2009; as well as Wyclef’s forth-coming release “To Sir With Love”. Carnival House includes the entities of Carnival House Music, Carnival House Publishing, Carnival House Films, and Carnival House Management. The first documentary featuring Wyclef Jean, “If I Was President” was shot mostly in Haiti, and will be released in 2010 in partnership with Sundance Channel. The first scripted feature, “The Preacher’s Son” is in production.

Previously, Ms. Ellis held the position as Executive Vice President, Sony Music Label Group since December 2006, and prior to that was appointed President and General Manager of Sony Urban Music in March 2004. Since joining Sony Music Entertainment in 1995, Lisa worked closely in all aspects of the Sony Music Label Group’s day-to-day management of strategic planning, marketing, promotion, A&R, and media with a particular emphasis on broadening the growth of the company in the digital business in the later part of her tenure. The Sony Music Label Group consists of both Columbia Records and Epic Records.

Lisa has been an instrumental part of the hands on development, planning and branding of many artists throughout her career, such as: Prince, Maxwell, Destiny’s Child, Beyonce, The Fugees, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, John Legend, Nas, and Terrence Howard to name only a few.

In 2003, Ms Ellis was appointed Senior Vice President, Strategic Marketing and Music Licensing, Sony Music, where she worked with Columbia Records Group, Epic Records, Sony Music Nashville and Legacy Recordings to create licensing campaigns for a wide array of artists and projects.

From 2002 to 2003, Ms. Ellis served as Senior Vice President, R&B/Rhythm-Crossover Promotion, Columbia Records where she led the R&B/Rhythm-Crossover team in securing airplay at multiple radio formats for a range of Columbia artists. She also oversaw the development and execution of national promotion and implemented creative methods of exposure for the label's roster at R&B/Rhythm-Crossover radio. In addition, Ms. Ellis oversaw the label's street marketing team and Rap Mix Show Department.

From 2000 to 2002 Ms. Ellis served as Vice President, National Promotion (West Coast) and Vice President, Crossover Promotion, Columbia Records. She joined Columbia Records in 1995 as a Local Promotion Manager and was named National Director, Crossover Promotion in 1998. From 1990-1992, Ms. Ellis worked at the Pepsi-Cola Company as Marketing Manager. In 1991, she worked at CBS Radio / Infinity Broadcasting (WPGC in Washington, DC) as Promotions and Marketing Director, a position she held until becoming Sports Marketing Manager for Reebok International in 1993.

The recipient of numerous industry awards, Ms. Ellis was named the Street Information Network's (S.I.N.) Local Promotion Manager of the Year (1997) and Crossover Executive of the Year (1998, 1999); R&R's Crossover Executive of the Year (1998) and Rhythm-Crossover Executive of the Year (1999); Gavin's Crossover Executive of the Year (1998, 1999); and FMQB's Crossover Executive of the Year (1999). In 2000, Ms. Ellis was given the Radio Music Award for Crossover Executive of the Year. Sony Urban Music is nominated for Urban Label of the Year for the 2005 Billboard Music Awards.

Lisa Ellis holds the #8 rank in Billboard magazine’s “ 2008 Most Influential Women In Music”. She was ranked #3 in both 2006 and 2007.

Currently, she resides on the Board of Directors for YELE HAITI, a foundation founded by Wyclef Jean that focuses on the needs and development of children and the people of Haiti, Executive Vice President of ONE X ONE USA, a foundation dedicated to the preservation, development and education of children affected by extreme poverty around the world. Ms. Ellis has a strong personal interest in government and leadership; is a member of the Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Ms. Ellis has been a Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations since 2006. Additionally, she holds Fellowships at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Studio Museum of Harlem.

Lisa has a particular interest in travel and culture, and has visited over 50 countries on 6 continents around the world since the age of 16.

Ms. Ellis received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland.

She is a native of Washington, D.C. and currently lives in New York City.

www.lisaellisonline.com
www.firemancapital.com/team/lisaellis.php