October 10, 2008

By By Jen Wilson, London

Joe Cokell has been named as the new managing director of leading U.K. independent distributor, Pinnacle Entertainment, reporting to company chairman, Sean Sullivan. He takes the reins from Chris Maskery, effective immediately.

Formerly managing director of Sanctuary Records, Cokell has worked with the likes of Simple Minds, Alison Moyet and Morrissey during the course of his career. He will continue as managing director of the Vibrant Records label, which has released albums this year by 1980s/1990s U.K. hit acts ABC, Go West and the Wedding Present

"Joe brings a great deal of experience to this role and many will already know him from his time as MD of Sanctuary Records," commented Sullivan in a statement.

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