Sound Goods, the independent music and sound company led by sound designer/mixer Weston Fonger and executive producer Angelina Powers, has appointed Marlene Bartos as head of creative strategy + partnerships. The hire marks a strategic step forward for the company as it continues to expand its footprint across the advertising and branding landscape.
Bartos steps into the role with a career spanning both the music production and agency sides of the business. She has served as an executive producer at leading music houses, and as VP/executive producer at Y&R, where she developed a comprehensive understanding of the creative process–from concept through execution–that she brings to her new role at Sound Goods. Over the course of her career, Bartos has led hundreds of projects for global brands including Coca-Cola, United Airlines, and Clairol. Prior to joining Sound Goods, she most recently served as executive producer/managing director at Yessian Music.
In her new role, she will focus on strengthening relationships across clients, agencies, and creative collaborators, while helping shape projects early in their development to ensure successful outcomes. At a broader level, she will support Sound Goods’ growth strategy by prioritizing meaningful partnerships and opportunities that align with the company’s creative ethos.
“Marlene and I go way back — we’ve worked together for about 15 years [at Yessian] and have been friends just as long and always talked about working together again in the right way, and this moment felt right,” Fonger said. “As Sound Goods grows, we wanted someone who understands how this industry works–not just creatively, but how projects actually get made, how relationships are built, and how teams come together under pressure. Marlene is exceptional at that. She has deep experience, great instincts, and a rare ability to connect people in a way that leads to better work.”
Powers emphasized that Bartos’ addition aligns with the company’s evolving positioning as a comprehensive sound partner. “I don’t see Sound Goods as a traditional music house, and that’s intentional,” Powers said. “We’re evolving into a full-service sonic solutions company, in support of our clients who trust us with all things sound. Marlene is invaluable to us regardless of the challenges. The depth of her experience and the power of trusted relationships are enduring assets. Her presence and support will expand our visibility and increase our capacity to take on more music projects. This was always my hope, and she’s helping to make it a reality.”
Bartos noted that her move to Sound Goods reflects a broader shift within the industry, as consolidation and efficiency-driven models create new opportunities for independent creative companies.
“As holding companies continue to consolidate and prioritize earnings, scalability, and efficiency, often through AI integration, reduced staffing, and in-house production, there’s a real and growing opportunity for small, independent creative teams to thrive,” Bartos said. “I’ve worked closely with Angelina and Weston for many years, and joining Sound Goods is a return to what I value most: a tight, thoughtful team that stays close to the work, the clients, and the creative community. Sound Goods has built lasting partnerships because clients genuinely value what they offer. Their dedication to craft, combined with their integrity and graciousness, is rare in such a competitive environment.”
