Charles Koppelman, an American musician, music producer, and businessman who held executive positions at EMI and Steve Madden, was Chairman of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and was the CEO of CAK Entertainment had an estimated net worth of $50 million at time of death.
In 1975, Koppelman formed The Entertainment Company with Martin Bandier and New York real estate developer and Bandier’s father-in-law, Samuel LeFrak.
The company is renowned for producing music artists like Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, the Four Tops, and Cher.
In 1986, Koppelman, Bandier, and Stephen C. Swid formed SBK Entertainment World, Inc., in order to buy the 250,000 titles owned by CBS Songs for $125 million.
SBK developed into the largest independent music publisher in the world and played a major role in the careers of artists like Michael Bolton, Robbie Robertson, New Kids on the Block, Grayson Hugh, Icehouse, Al B. Sure!, and Eric B. & Rakim.
In 1989, SBK Entertainment World, Inc. was sold to EMI Music for $300 million and as part of the deal, Koppelman and Bandier formed a partnership with EMI Music Worldwide to create their own record label, SBK Records.
From 2000 to 2004 Koppelman was Chairman of Steve Madden, Ltd., and led the company while Madden served jail time for securities fraud.
In 2005, Koppelman was appointed Chairman of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.
In June 2014, Koppelman was appointed Chairman of Medient Studios Inc., replacing Manu Kumaran.
Koppelman died on November 25, 2022 at age 82 and is survived by his children: Jennifer Hutt, Stacy Koppelman Fritz, Brian Koppelman and wife Gerri Kyhill Koppelman.
