MONTREAL – For the first time in her lengthy music career, Canadian music star Celine Dion will have a manager other than René Angélil.
Angelil and Dion announced Wednesday that Angélil, who discovered, nurtured and eventually married Dion, will step aside in favour of Quebecor executive Aldo Giampaolo.
Giampaolo was president and CEO of QMI Entertainment & Sports.
He will become CEO of Feeling Productions, which manages Dion’s career.
Quebecor said in a statement that Giampaolo would oversee the transition from his old job to his new post through July 4.
In a statement from Feelings Productions, Angélil said he announced the appointment of his “longtime close friend” with “great pleasure and the utmost confidence.”
Angélil and Dion said Giampaolo had been offered the job several years ago and they felt now was a good time to bring it to fruition.
“Considering our long-standing friendship, our mutual respect and our past collaborations, this was a logical step for all of us,” said Angélil.
Dion will be onstage at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas through Aug. 15.
Her most recent album, 2013’s Loved Me Back to Life, topped the chart in Canada en route to going platinum four times over.
In the Quebecor statement, Giampaolo said he was leaving behind a “solid team” at the media company.
“Despite the exciting challenges I faced at Quebecor, working with one of the world’s most popular and high-profile entertainers was a unique opportunity and a challenge I couldn’t pass up,” Giampaolo said.
“I am extremely touched and honoured to be offered this new challenge and I see it as a continuation of the close working relationship that Rene and I have enjoyed for the past 25 years.”
In recent years, 72-year-old Angélil has undergone successful treatment for throat cancer, which briefly sidelined him. Dion also took time off from her career to help him with his recovery.
They have three children.
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