Milwaukee-area native Peter Gray is a music industry bigwig. And now he's an even bigger wig.

Gray, who graduated from Cedarburg High in 1992, has been promoted to senior vice president, pop promotion for the RCA Music Group. Gray was previously VP of Top 40 promotion at RCA's New York headquarters.

"I'm very fortunate and excited about my continued growth with the best team in the music business," says Gray. "I must extend my utmost gratitude to Richard Palmese for sharing his unrivaled expertise and guidance. I would also like to thank Barry Weiss and Tom Corson for providing me the opportunity to expand my role at the RCA Music Group."

Gray was hired by RCA in 2002 as senior director, Top 40 promotion and became vice president two years later and was moved from L.A. to New York.

At RCA, Gray has helped make stars of the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, David Cook, Alicia Keys, Gavin DeGraw, Leona Lewis, Jamie Foxx, and others.

"Peter is truly an exceptional individual, an inspiring music executive, and a good friend," says Palmese. "His passion for music is complemented by his outstanding commitment to winning. Peter has distinguished himself as a leader in the RCA Music Group fold and has earned the complete admiration and respect of his peers. He is as intelligent as he is inspiring, and I am thrilled to now have Peter working alongside of me implementing and directing our promotion campaigns within all pop formats. This is an exciting moment for both Peter and the RMG family."

Gray now lives in Tarrytown, N.Y., with his wife and two children.

And, no, he can't get you Nipper's autograph.