In one of early November’s music industry hires and promotions, WK Records named Azucena Olvera (pictured) general manager. Photo Credit: WK

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of November 8th, 2024.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

SongVest

SongVest has brought PledgeMusic co-founder Jayce Varden aboard as chief strategy officer.

WK Records

SiriusXM and Pandora vet Azucena Olvera has signed on as WK Records’ general manager.

Warner Chappell Music Benelux

Lekeisha Irion, who joined WCM Benelux in early 2023, has been elevated to A&R head.

iHeartMedia

Besides moving to lay off hundreds of employees, iHeartMedia is upping multiple team members: Steve DeLusant (a longtime iHeart sales exec) has been tapped as region president for New York, and Adam Kurtz (who’s been Chicago’s SVP of sales for about seven years) is holding the same role in the Windy City.

Musixmatch

Musixmatch has promoted both Vevo founder Rio Caraeff (previously chief business officer) and Uber vet Marco Paglia (formerly chief product officer) to co-president.

AEG Global

AEG Global Partnerships has enlisted former OUTFRONT Media sales higher-up Brenda Cruz to serve as senior director of global partnerships for out of home.

Sony Music Publishing

Sony Music Publishing’s Racheal Conte, who’s been part of the company since 2012, has been raised to VP of sample clearance, legal, and business affairs.

Songwriters Hall of Fame

Nile Rodgers has been reelected as chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, which has also confirmed CFO and treasurer Tom Kelly, secretary Mary Jo Mennella, and deputy secretary Linda Buckley to fresh terms.

Lastly, SVPs David Israelite (NMPA), Elizabeth Matthews (ASCAP), and Mike O’Neill (BMI) have likewise been reelected.

Gigantic Tickets

The U.K.’s Gigantic Tickets has made three promotions: nine-year exec Simon Carpenter is now co-CEO and a board director, lead web developer Joe Lilley is officially co-CTO, and Kelly McKinney has been bumped from event manager to operations head.

Deezer

Deezer has boosted content director Pedro Kurtz to operations director for the Americas.

Reliant

Reliant Talent Agency has hired former Paradigm booking agent Keith Richards as a festival agent.

Additionally, the firm has promoted senior agents Ron Kaplan and Garry Buck to EVP, while booking coordinators Robert Baugh, Cole Speed, and Kailey Edgerton have become agents.

Atlantic Music Group

Homemade Projects president Alana Dolgin has joined Atlantic Music as its first president of digital marketing.

In one of late October and early November’s music industry hires, promotions, and departures, Josh Wyatt (pictured) became Avant Gardner’s first CEO. Photo Credit: Avant Gardner

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of November 1st, 2024.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Warner Chappell Music + Warner Chappell Korea

Warner Chappell has promoted seven-year team member Daniel Lang to SVP of global society relations and digital rights. Additionally, former Kakao exec Sophia Hong has signed on as Warner Chappell Korea’s MD.

CD Baby

Downtown’s CD Baby has elevated Nicholas Salomone, who’s been with the company for nearly eight years, to SVP of business development and revenue.

TuneCore

Former seven-year Spotify FP&A higher-up Atticus Shelley is now VP of finance for Believe’s TuneCore.

Avant Gardner

Hospitality vet Josh Wyatt has become CEO of New York City’s Avant Gardner.

Mavin Global

Mavin Records founding member Tega Oghenejobo has been upped to president and COO at Mavin Global.

Red Bull Records

Red Bull Records has brought on Leif Janzen, formerly senior director of digital marketing at Capitol Music Group, as VP of digital marketing.

UMPG

Universal Music Publishing Group has promoted EVP Jennifer Knoepfle to head of U.S. A&R.

In the fresh role, the former Sony Music Publishing exec Knoepfle has bumped senior A&R managers Daniella Rasho (now director of global A&R) and Deeba Abrishamchi (director of U.S. A&R).

Lastly, Spotify and Polydor vet Hollie Boston has come aboard as director of U.S. A&R.

UMG

Universal Music has boosted CFO and operations president Boyd Muir to the newly created role of COO.

Spotify

After more than five years with the company, Spotify global head of music Jeremy Erlich is stepping down to pursue an as-yet-undisclosed entrepreneurial endeavor.

Tidal

Tidal is preparing to lay off “a number” of team members, reportedly referring to as many as 100 individuals, per owner Jack Dorsey.

DistroKid

DistroKid has placed 37 unionized employees on administrative leave “pending layoffs,” according to the appropriate union.

Lede Company

The Lede Company has established a music office in Nashville, with over six-year team member Cara Hutchison leading the division and Jess Anderson (previously part of Big Loud) serving as a publicist.

Empire

Empire has hired Jeffrey Yoo as SVP of East Asia.

Goldenvoice

AEG Presents’ Goldenvoice has announced a hire and multiple promotions. On the hire front, Candace Mandracia, who previously spent over 22 years with Live Nation, has joined as a talent buyer focusing on “shows in the San Diego area.”

Shifting to promotions, multi-year talent buyer Becky Rosen-Checa is poised to begin overseeing “bookings for the Fox Theater Pomona in addition to one-off LA area shows.”

Additionally, Chavanté Flakes (having joined the overarching AEG Presents in 2022) has been promoted to talent buyer at Los Angeles’ The Novo, with Montreh Nariman-Hassanabadi boosted from talent buyer assistant to talent buyer proper.

Jen

Former TikTok music exec Isabel Quinteros is officially SVP of marketing and industry relations for Jen Music AI.

TikTok/SoundOn

TikTok’s SoundOn distribution and promotion unit has elevated more than two-year team member Josh Mateer to A&R head for the U.K. and Europe.

In one of late October’s music industry hires, promotions, and departures, Chris McMurtry (pictured) joined OpenPlay as senior solutions architect. Photo Credit: Ernest Chapman

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of October 23rd, 2024.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Triller

Kicking off a “transformation journey,” the publicly listed Triller Group has named Vevo vet Kevin McGurn CEO and added 1-800-Flowers founder James McCann as well as Triller co-founder Bobby Sarnevesht to its board.

The Orchard

Sony Music’s The Orchard has made two executive appointments in South Korea: former Warner Bros. Discovery higher-up Jeeyoung Lee is now head of South Korea and country manager, while former Big Hit exec Sungho “Jake” Bae, also based in Seoul, has become director of artist and label services for Asia Pacific.

Additionally, the role of New York City-based SVP of strategy and corporate development John Park “has been expanded to focus on business opportunities in Korea.”

OpenPlay

Dart Music founder Chris McMurtry, previously with PEX, has joined OpenPlay as senior solutions architect.

Believe

Believe has “redesigned” its international strategy under longtime team member Romain Vivien, who, on top of his existing role as the company’s Europe president, is officially doubling as global head of music.

Plus, in the UK, Believe has elevated three-year employee Johnny Pinchard, formerly part of RCA, to A&R head.

EastCoast Entertainment

Longtime Carolina Panthers marketing exec Erin Collums has signed on as EastCoast’s director of marketing.

CD Baby

Downtown’s CD Baby has tapped former Sofar Sounds VP of growth marketing Jean Mischler to serve as SVP of marketing.

Ineffable Records

Ineffable has hired former Spirit Music Group film and TV creative services manager Sage Ressler as head of sync.

MNRK Music Group

MNRK has promoted Chris Moncada, who joined the company nearly a decade ago, to COO.

Killphonic Rights

Frenchkiss Records founder Syd Butler and former Spotify higher-up Michelle Fantus are now co-heads of A&R at Killphonic.

BMG

Melanie McAllister, who spent close to a decade at the HR helm of BMG “sister company” Arvato, is scheduled to begin as BMG’s chief human resources officer on November 1st.

UMPG UK

11-year UMPG exec David Gray has been upped to UK managing director as well as global head of A&R and is expected to relocate from New York to London in the new year.

He’ll replace MD Mike McCormack, who first joined UMPG UK a quarter of a century ago and “has established a consultancy and formed a joint venture with the company.”

iHeartMedia

In February of 2025, after 27 years, Paul Schadt will retire from Charlotte’s 96.9 The Kat. However, the Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee will still “serve as a station ambassador and make on-air and on-site appearances,” per iHeartMedia.

Apple Corps

Apple Corps CEO Jeff Jones is stepping down after almost 18 years.

Warner Music Japan

Universal Music Japan vet Takeshi Okada is poised to start as president and CEO of Warner Music Japan effective December 2nd.

MLC

Songwriter Oak Felder has been confirmed for a second three-year term on the Mechanical Licensing Collective’s board, which, on the publisher side, has seen Reservoir’s Rell Lafargue elected to a second term while adding Wixen’s Jason Rys.

Position Music

Position has welcomed former Anthem Entertainment creative director Chandler Thurston to the A&R team at its Nashville office, which is expected to open in Q3 2025.

Capitol Music Group

Capitol has brought on Justin Grant (who spent over nine years with Atlantic’s marketing team) as SVP and head of digital marketing for urban, besides boosting almost five-year team member Dante Smith to head of digital for Motown.

Now a publicly traded company, Triller Group (NASDAQ: ILLR) has kicked off a ‘transformation journey’ by appointing board members and a new CEO. Photo Credit: Solen Feyissa

On the heels of its public market debut, Triller Group (NASDAQ: ILLR) has kicked off a “transformation journey,” including the appointment of a CEO, as it plots a “new chapter of progress.”

Triller disclosed the “important updates” at hand via a formal release, having teed up the announcements at the time of its AGBA Group merger last week. As we covered, that merger finally brought Triller, which had previously pursued a SPAC deal and a direct listing, to the stock market.

Now, with its shares still hovering well beneath their opening value, Triller Group is looking ahead to the future – complete with former Vevo sales exec Kevin McGurn’s signing on as CEO. Expected to officially come aboard next month, the former Hulu, Shazam, and T-Mobile exec McGurn in a statement briefly touched on his vision for the business.

“The future is bright in the world of entertainment,” relayed McGurn, “and I am extremely excited to join the team at Triller Group to maximize our value to Creators, Fans, and Brands. Our renewed focus means Triller Group is well positioned to deliver best in class entertainment, when, where and how our fans watch it.

“We will continue to build from our strong roots in vertical video, music and sports, and optimise our expertise in mobile and connected television,” concluded McGurn, who spent almost seven years with Vevo.

Also joining, albeit as part of the board, is 1-800-Flowers founder and former CEO James McCann. Serving as the nominations committee’s chairman, the professional will “bring a depth of governance expertise,” to Triller, per the company.

Lastly, in terms of Triller’s latest moves, co-founder and former CEO Bobby Sarnevesht has transitioned to the board, where his “entrepreneurial track record positions him uniquely to help guide the” TrillerTV operator.

Closer to the present, Triller further emphasized that the appointments represent “the initial step in a series of forthcoming announcements” designed to set in motion the mentioned transformation journey.

These announcements are being planned for “the coming weeks,” while a November media event is expected to see Triller provide “detailed insights into its strategic business plan” as well as information regarding its “future vision and immediate growth strategies.”

Especially with TikTok staring down a possible U.S. ban (and plenty of different obstacles), it’ll be interesting to see exactly what this business plan entails. In a roughly 150-word statement, Triller board chairman Bob Diamond pointed to a “vision of a single, integrated platform that delivers for creators, brands and users while generating value for all of our stakeholders.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where TikTok layoffs are reportedly affecting hundreds of content-moderation employees. Photo Credit: Esmonde Yong

TikTok is reportedly laying off hundreds of employees, among them a large number of content moderators, with additional personnel cutbacks forthcoming.

The ByteDance-owned app’s latest staff reduction entered the media spotlight in reports this morning, though TikTok may have set the layoffs in motion months ago. Running with Reuters’ indication that most of the “hundreds” of axed team members are based in Malaysia and handled content moderation, multiple relevant individuals have changed their LinkedIn employment status.

Some of the changes are decidedly recent, and others date back to at least May of 2024. That said, all these changes fall squarely under the content-moderation banner, and affected professionals’ titles include content analyst, content safety labeler, and creator community operation specialist, to name just a few.

Building on the idea that TikTok’s Malaysia layoffs were perhaps underway prior to today’s coverage, AI is reportedly poised to assume the content-related duties in question. And June had seen ByteDance announce plans to drop a whopping $2.1 billion on an “AI Hub” in Malaysia, population 34 million.

As to the layoffs’ precise extent and possible industry impact, TikTok has confirmed less than 500 eliminated positions specifically in Malaysia, whereas anonymous sources have pointed to approximately 700 layoffs in the nation.

In any event, the news doesn’t appear to have directly affected the music operations of TikTok. However, the platform is in the process of axing its standalone streaming service, TikTok Music, and further layoffs are reportedly being teed up for next month.

While time will reveal the precise extent of the cuts – reports in May of 2024 touched on sizable marketing and operations layoffs at TikTok, it’s worth reiterating – the controversial-but-popular app is also grappling with a growing list of stateside hurdles.

Most conspicuously, those operational obstacles include the quick-approaching January deadline to sell or shut down TikTok in the States. But earlier this week, a number of states and D.C. sued the video-sharing giant over its allegedly harmful effects on children.

Then there’s the imminent expiration of the service’s Merlin deal, which will conclude on October 31st. The indie collective’s member labels are free to hammer out direct deals with TikTok, but reports are relaying that the offered terms have in several instances proven far from ideal. In a nutshell, that means a lot of music could be exiting the app by October’s end.

In one of early October’s music industry hires, promotions, and exits, Renato Vanzella (pictured) became FUGA’s LATAM GM. Photo Credit: Downtown Music

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of October 4th, 2024.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Downtown Music Holdings

Downtown has promoted Gareth Mellor to SVP of global marketing and communications, and the company’s FUGA subsidiary has elevated nearly six-year team member Renato Vanzella to LATAM general manager.

Believe

Believe has named Henri Jamet, previously with its AllPoints, naïve, and Animal63 labels, MD of France.

Newport Folk Festival

Newport has tapped Nathaniel Rateliff as the first appointee for its newly announced stewardship program.

iHeartMedia

Page Six’s Astra and “War of the Roses” co-host Marie have signed on to jointly host 103.5 KTU’s morning show in New York. Next, longtime iHeart team member Joe Albrecht has become SVP of programming for Alaska.

Lastly, in Texas, Christine Martinez-Escobar has rejoined iHeart in Austin as market president after approximately 16 years with Univision, while Rosie Perez (who’s been with the business for about 25 years) is now San Antonio’s market president and George Flora is SVP of sales for Dallas-Fort Worth.

Sony Music Publishing

SMP has boosted Antoine Dathanat, replacing the retiring Nicolas Galibert, to MD of France.

Sony Music Nashville

Multi-decade exec Randy Goodman is set to retire as chairman and CEO of Sony Music Nashville at 2024’s end.

MPG

The Music Producers Guild has made three additions to its executive board: Anu Pillai, AIR Studios mastering engineer Natalie Bibby, and Rak Studios manager Emma Townsend.

Recording Academy

Harvey Mason Jr. has inked a four-year deal to remain Recording Academy CEO.

Verve Label Group

UMG’s Verve has upped longtime team member Jamie Krents to president and CEO, besides bumping Dawn Olejar from GM to COO.

UMG Finland

UMG Finland has promoted nearly 15-year higher-up Petri Mannonen to CEO.

UMG Spain

UMG Spain has appointed as co-managing directors Alicia Arauzo (who’s been with the company for some three decades) and A&R exec Luis Fernández Sanz.

UMG UK

David Joseph is parting ways with Universal Music UK after over 25 years, and Dickon Stainer has been named as the CEO’s replacement.

CMT

CMT SVP of music and talent Leslie Fram is exiting after 13 years.

Spotify

Spotify global head of music Jeremy Erlich is stepping away after just shy of five and a half years. Also on the way out is VP and head of podcast business Sahar Elhabashi, who will leave at 2024’s end after roughly six years.

ADA

Warner Music’s ADA has brought on now-former TikTok/ByteDance music higher-up Corey Sheridan as global head of commerce and revenue.

Hallwood Media

Hallwood SVP of promotion and licensing Chris Moradi, who came aboard in 2022 after more than 22 years with Interscope, has departed the company.

Audoo has announced it has appointed several senior music industry executives as board advisors for the music technology company revolutionizing public performance rights.

The following was created in collaboration with Audoo, a company DMN is proud to be partnered with.

Steve Clark (COO of Round Hill Music), Isabel Garvey (COO of Warner Music UK), and Sean O’Malley (CEO & Founder of Regard Music) will help support the growth of Audoo. The music recognition technology and data company is working to improve the collection of public performance royalties with greater accuracy thanks to its unique hardware.

Clark, Garvey, and O’Malley join existing Audoo advisors—Cliff Fluet (Partner at Lewis Silkin) and Alistair Macdonald (former CEO of Syneos Health). These board advisors will further specialist guidance and counsel to the company board, which includes fellow music industry executives Chris Herbert and Nigel Elderton.

“The depth and understanding of music rights and royalties is at a critical juncture in the history of the music industry,” says Steve Clark. “As networks of music rights-holders evolve, we must ensure that systems do too, to meet the ever-changing rhythm and flow of this part of the business. The ethos of the Audoo offering is vitally worthy and the execution of its solutions to meet the growing needs of parties in the data chain has been impressive to observe. I look forward to supporting its progress in improving the landscape of tracking and distribution of royalties.”

“Having helped select Audoo for the Abbey Road Red program years ago during its start-up phase, it’s gratifying to see its elevated and thriving status now,” adds Isabel Garvey. “Audoo’s disruptive technology solution which delivers transparent and efficient royalty tracking and distribution has benefits across the whole value chain in music. I am excited to support Audoo on its growth journey as it transforms the current landscape in this space.”

“The innovation and practicality of Audoo solutions are positively disruptive,” comments Sean O’Malley. “These services will aid the refinement of our source data and change the landscape in this sector of our industry. Working with fellow musicians and music fan Ryan Edwards and his team, this worthy mission originates from the heart and I’m proud to advise and aid its next-level success.”

“The combined experience of Steve, Isabel, and Sean brings a powerful wealth of knowledge across labels, publishers, rights-holders, and creators,” adds Ryan Edwards, Founder & CEO of Audoo. “To have such revered executives join our existing world-class group of board members and advisors demonstrates the strength of belief in the business as we continue to build and refine the Audoo offering.”

Earlier this year, Audoo announced a partnership with PMY Group to integrate its hardware, the Audoo Audio Meter, into tech stacks at major events, enhancing public performance reporting in these settings. The growing tech company also announced a partnership with the Irish Music Rights Organization (IMRO) to amplify public performance royalty distributions in Ireland. Venues can request an audio meter for their premises from Audoo—free of charge.

Photo Credit: Atlantic Music Group

More details are emerging about the latest layoffs at Warner Music Group, which has moved forward with plans to reduce Atlantic Music Group’s headcount.

We covered that headcount reduction, the newest byproduct of a massive reorganization at the major label, yesterday. In a memo, WMG CEO Robert Kyncl indicated that some Atlantic Music Group (AMG) employees would be let go ahead of a leadership-team announcement from soon-to-be AMG CEO Elliot Grainge.

What Kyncl didn’t disclose, however, was the precise number of affected professionals. For a bit of quick background – it’s becoming increasingly difficult to track the many shakeups not just at WMG, but all three majors – March of 2023 saw Warner Music lay off a reported 270 team members.

A portion of these cuts reached AMG, and WMG in February of this year acknowledged plans for additional layoffs yet. At the time, the company expected the reorganization to encompass “a reduction in headcount of approximately 600 or 10%,” including in advertising, media, corporate roles, and “various support functions,” according to the relevant regulatory filing.

Now, though, WMG in an amended filing yesterday revised its estimates for the layoffs, which it relayed would instead impact 750 persons (or 13% of the company) in the same areas as those identified in February.

The business expects to save $260 million (with a “significant” chunk of the sum arriving by the 2025 fiscal year’s end) and to incur $150 million in severance expenses. Agreements associated with the latter are presumably preventing axed team members from publicly discussing the precise circumstances of the layoffs.

But they certainly aren’t preventing them from updating their LinkedIn profiles. Most will presumably make said updates in the approaching days and weeks, but one early adjustment shows that the new layoffs affected an Atlantic touring and artist-development coordinator.

Regarding the extent of the layoffs in hard numbers – the cuts are, of course, on top of the two dozen that hit AMG in February – Billboard has placed the total at between 150 and 175, against an estimate of 170 from Variety.

As to where things go from here, Grainge’s mentioned leadership-team announcement will provide further insight as to the new operational direction of Warner Music. Closer to the present, in a contrast to the post-reduction share-price surges attributable to different music companies, Warner Music Group stock (NASDAQ: WMG) is currently down about 1.3% at $30.12 per share.

On an adjacent-but-worthwhile note, Spotify stock (NYSE: SPOT) quietly spiked to a 52-week high of $368.29 per share yesterday – with even its slightly smaller present value representing a market cap nearly five times as large as that of Warner Music Group.

Following another layoff round at Atlantic Music Group, Elliot Grainge (pictured), who’s set to begin as the division’s CEO on October 1st, is preparing to announce a new leadership team. Photo Credit: WMG

Let the sweeping Warner Music Group reorganization continue – now with a “new dynamic structure,” in part the result of layoffs, at Atlantic Music Group (AMG).

CEO Robert Kyncl informed team members of the AMG restructuring and staff reduction via an internal memo that promptly entered the media spotlight. Yesterday, when covering the departure of Warner Music Japan CEO Kaz Kobayashi, we recapped some of the many structural changes and C-suite shakeups at WMG on the year.

While the developments aren’t confined to 2024 – the past 18 or so months have delivered a number of personnel pivots at Warner Music – things have certainly ramped up since the top of August. Solely in the U.S., Max Lousada, Julie Greenwald, and Kevin Liles are on the way out at the major label.

And according to Kyncl, since Greenwald (who’d initially been tapped for a promotion before opting to exit instead) announced her departure, he and his team have “been working thoughtfully on how to evolve Atlantic Music Group into the future.”

Enter the mentioned “new dynamic structure,” which has from the outset included Elliot Grainge’s elevation to Atlantic Music Group CEO effective October 1st.

Apparently, though, the changes aren’t ending there. Per Kyncl, whose company previously made Atlantic-specific layoffs in February, the same unit “will unfortunately be forced to say goodbye to some truly talented people.”

The team-member cutback is being executed “in one go,” with the affected professionals receiving word of the unfortunate news on the day of the memo’s issuance, Kyncl indicated. At the time of this writing, none of the impacted persons appeared to have confirmed the news on LinkedIn, and the reduction’s precise extent is unclear.

As to where things go from here, it remains to be seen whether WMG’s exits and layoffs are finally finished – with evidence pointing to the possibility of additional shakeups.

In any event, the wider reorganization definitely isn’t done, as Grainge – the noted 10K Projects founder Elliot, not UMG head Lucian Grainge, that is – intends to make “an announcement about the leadership team” at Atlantic Music Group next week.

Bigger picture, time will tell exactly what the far-reaching changes mean for the company’s performance during 2025 and beyond. Related questions can also be asked about a growth-minded Universal Music (which has made layoffs of its own in 2024) and Sony Music (which will see Sony Music Nashville CEO Randy Goodman retire at yearend).

An aerial shot of Tokyo, Japan. Photo Credit: George Kedenburg III

Moments after 300 Elektra Entertainment head Kevin Liles announced his exit, Kaz Kobayashi has revealed plans to step down at the helm of Warner Music Japan later this year.

Unlike Liles’ announcement, which was made first via an internal memo, Kaz Kobayashi’s Warner Music Group departure came to light in an official release today. Per that message, which was emailed to DMN, Kobayashi is currently working with Warner Music Japan chairman Kenji Kitatani “on a transition plan.”

Kitatani only recently signed on as chairman, and a successor for Kobayashi (who led Warner Music Japan for a decade) “will be announced in due course,” per WMG.

“I want to thank Simon Robson and the entire team at Warner Music Japan, past and present, who have been with me on what has been an incredible journey,” Kaz Kobayashi said of the news.

“I am truly grateful and feel honored to have been involved in the lives of many great artists, including Tatsuro Yamashita and Mariya Takeuchi. But all good things come to an end and I’ve decided it’s the right moment for me to move on,” concluded the former Sony Music exec Kobayashi.

As many know, Kobayashi is far from the sole Warner Music exec who’s decided this year that it’s time to move on. To be sure, the past two months alone have brought departure announcements involving him, Max Lousada, Julie Greenwald, and the aforementioned Liles.

The executive shakeups have been accompanied by several noteworthy promotions and, bigger picture, a sweeping reorganization spearheaded by Warner Music CEO Robert Kyncl. At this point, it makes more sense to recap the various components and byproducts of that reorganization than to dive into a comprehensive analysis.

Warner Music’s 2024 Reorganization, Expansion Initiatives, and Executive Shifts At a Glance

January – Warner Music Brazil opens a Rio de Janeiro headquarters, and WMG proper partners with Pakistan’s Giraffe.

February – WMG sets in motion a new layoffs round (affecting Atlantic and more) and moves to sell, among other media assets, Uproxx as well as HipHopDX.

March and April – Warner Music South East Europe takes a minority stake in Slovenian independent label NIKA before launching an EDM label called Balkan Electro.

Additionally, Warner Music South Asia officially debuts.

May and June – Warner Music unveils a revamped Música Mexicana team, and Goldman vet Michael Ryan-Southern comes aboard to pursue acquisitions as WMG’s EVP of corporate development.

July and August – WMG’s sweeping recorded music shakeup brings the exit of Max Lousada (and later Julie Greenwald) as well as the elevation of Elliot Grainge.

Plus, Warner Music Balkans launches, and WMG invests in Brazil’s Sua Música. Subsequently, Warner Music Brazil reveals a restructuring initiative designed to “turbocharge” growth, and Warner Music Japan adds Kenji Kitatani as chairman.

September – 300 Elektra Entertainment’s Kevin Liles and Warner Music Japan’s Kaz Kobayashi announce their departures.

(l to r) Julie Greenwald, Kevin Liles, and Max Lousada, all three of whom are exiting Warner Music Group. Photo Credit: WMG

Warner Music Group’s sweeping shakeup isn’t finished yet, as 300 Elektra Entertainment chairman and CEO Kevin Liles has announced his imminent exit.

The 300 Entertainment co-founder disclosed the news in a memo that, while first circulated in-house, promptly made an external splash. Marking the latest in a line of executive shakeups at Robert Kyncl-led WMG, Liles’ departure has arrived less than three years after the major label scooped up 300 for a reported $400 million.

Then, June of 2022 brought the formal launch of 300 Elektra Entertainment, encompassing the still-distinct namesake labels as well as Fueled by Ramen, DTA, and multiple others, under Liles. Now, a new leadership structure is in the cards for the label group, the outgoing higher-up indicated in the mentioned memo.

“At the end of this month,” reads the relevant portion of that lengthy memo, “I’ll be stepping aside and departing WMG, although to ensure a successful transition, I’ll continue to consult with the team through the end of the year.”

And while Liles didn’t dive into the precise reasons for the departure, he did touch on the perceived need to empower “the next generation of leaders” and “pass the torch” at the appropriate time.

Evidently, that time is now for Liles, with 300 co-presidents Rayna Bass and Selim Bouab poised to take “their turn to lead our 300 team into the next decade of excellence.” At the time of publishing, the two didn’t appear to have addressed the development via an official release.

But in many ways, the reorganization writing has perhaps been on the wall at WMG and 300 Elektra – and this doesn’t solely refer to the August of 2024 restructuring that set in motion the exits of Max Lousada as well as Julie Greenwald.

To be sure, the final five or so months of 2023 alone delivered the promotion of 300 and 300 Elektra higher-ups Aimie Vaughan-Früehe (EVP and head of promotion and streaming), Lallie Jones (marketing VP), and Josh D’Amore (SVP of digital and streaming).

Closer to the present, 2024 began with a painful downsizing at WMG (affecting Atlantic and more), before April saw the major offload Uproxx and HipHopDX. Subsequently, July of 2024 ushered in the start of a publishing JV between 300 Publishing and Warner Chappell.

From here, it’ll be worth keeping an eye out for further leadership changes across WMG – and possible stock sales from Liles. Ahead of his own planned departure, also scheduled for September 30th, Lousada has sold tens of millions of dollars in company stock.

In one of mid-September’s music industry hires and promotions, Warner Music UK COO Isabel Garvey (pictured) signed on as an Audoo board advisor. Photo Credit: Audoo

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of September 12th, 2024.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Audoo

Audoo has announced three new board advisors: Round Hill COO Steve Clark, Warner Music UK COO Isabel Garvey, and Regard Music founder Sean O’Malley.

Brilliant Corners Artist Management

Brilliant Corners has launched a producer management division and tapped management veteran Nicole Ficenec to oversee the unit.

Warner Chappell Music

Warner Chappell has revealed a pair of A&R promotions in the Nordics, with close to four-year team member Marion Skogseth now serving as A&R Manager and over six-year employee Leslie Tay beginning as senior A&R manager.

Additionally, in Germany, Jost Kaiser has returned to Warner Chappell as head of A&R for dance following a roughly two-year stint with Stefan Dabruck Management.

beatBread

Andrew Maddox, previously a TikTok finance exec, has joined beatBread as head of finance.

The MLC

The Mechanical Licensing Collective has promoted five individuals: Ellen Truley (chief marketing and external affairs officer), Lindsey Major (chief member experience officer), Andrew Mitchell (chief analytics and automation officer), Joya Carmichael (chief administrative officer), and Rick Marshall (general counsel).

National Independent Talent Organization (NITO)

NITO has elected a new board, including incoming members Amy Butterer (Outer/Most COO), Death Or Glory owner David Gottlieb, and Maria Matias (who owns a namesake music company) as well as rejoining member Stormy Shepherd (president of Leave Home Booking).

Meanwhile, the organization has 14 returning board members:

1. Partisan Arts CEO Tom Chauncey
2. Entourage Talent Associates president Wayne Forte
3. This Is Management owner Jon Grau
4. Q Prime South head of touring Fielding Logan
5. New Frontier Touring owner Paul Lohr
6. Kurland Agency president Jack Randall
7. Madison House operations director Adam Bauer
8. Rainmaker Management manager Christopher Harris
9. Axis Artist Management founder Nelly Neben
10. Fly South Music Group artist manager Randy Nichols
11. Distance Management founder Sean Patrick Rhorer
12. TKO agent/partner Steve Schenck
13. Magnus Media co-founder Michel Vega
14. Arrival Artists COO Matt Yasecko

Amuse

Amuse has established a sync department and brought on [PIAS] vet Daniel Copleston to lead the division.

Royalty Network

Former Quinn Emanuel associate Daniel Abowd, who previously spent eight years as part of Royalty Network, has rejoined the indie publisher as president and general counsel.

Rimas Publishing

Rimas has formed a marketing division and boosted Christopher Hernández from licensing manager to lead the new unit.

Third Side Music

Third Side has hired former Warp Records A&R head Stephen Christian, who’s based in London, as EVP of creative/A&R for international.

Position Music

Position has expanded its A&R team with the addition of longtime artist manager Josh Tangney, Josh Deane (formerly a Layers consultant), and Shannon Corsi (previously with Facet).

iHeartMedia Atlanta

Cox Media Group Miami operations director Jill Strada has become iHeartMedia’s SVP of programming for Atlanta.

Island Records

Island has elevated Jackie Winkler to SVP and head of A&R.

In one of early September’s music industry hires and promotions, Downtown Music Holdings elevated David Driessen (pictured) to chief commercial officer. Photo Credit: Downtown

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of September 3rd, 2024.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Downtown Music Holdings

Downtown has promoted David Driessen from chief business officer to chief commercial officer.

BPI

The British Phonographic Industry has brought on former Google music partnerships exec Gemma Cropper as its first senior events manager.

Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB)

CRB has announced its 2024-25 board and returning officers, with the latter including Townsquare Media’s Kurt Johnson as president, Country’s Radio Coach owner John Shomby as VP, and Beverlee Brannigan (who operates a namesake creative coaching company) as secretary.

Meanwhile, a number of non-officer directors have also been confirmed:

1. Amazon Music principal music curator Emily Cohen
2. Beasley Media Group chief content officer Justin Chase
3. UMG Nashville EVP and COO Michael Harris
4. Shazam music partnerships head and Apple Music for Artists global head of artist strategy Debra Herman
5. Riser House Records president Jennifer Johnson
6. iHeartMedia/WFUS program director Ashley Morrison
7. Opry Entertainment Group director of artist relations and programming strategy Jordan Pettit
8.  Hubbard programming EVP Greg Strassell
9. Cumulus Nashville VP/market manager Allison Warren
10. Warner Music Nashville SVP of radio and commercial partnerships Kristen Williams
11. Country Aircheck president/COO Chuck Aly
12. Triple 8 Management founder George Couri
13. iHeartCountry’s Gator Harrison
14. Sony Music Nashville EVP of promotion and artist development Steve Hodges
15. Big Machine EVP of label operations Clay Hunnicutt
16. Albright & O’Malley & Brenner consulting partner Kenny Jay
17. BMG president of frontline recordings for North America Jon Loba
18. McVay Media Consulting president Mike McVay
19. Curb Records SVP of promotion RJ Meacham
20. KUZZ program director and on-air personality Brent Michaels
21. Apple Music programming team head Charlie Morgan
22. iHeartCountry programming strategy EVP Rod Phillips
23. Country radio programming consultant Joel Raab
24. The Familie EVP Royce Risser
25. Audacy country format VP Tim Roberts
26. Center for Sales Strategy CEO Matt Sunshine

Warner Music Japan + Asia

Kenji Kitatani, chairman of Access Industries’ DAZN Japan, has been tapped to serve in the same role at Warner Music Japan.

Additionally, Warner Music Asia has hired Hong Kong-based Oscar Scivier, previously Digital Arts and Sciences’ head of music, as senior director of A&R for Asia.

Top Drawer Merch

Top Drawer has elevated operations director Robbie McPhail to VP of sales.

Big Noise Music Group

Big Noise has boosted Adam Muhlbaum to GM, and in the role, the over six-year higher-up “will focus on business development in licensing and brand partnerships while also overseeing administration and royalties.”

In transitioning to GM, Muhlbaum is handing off day-to-day management duties to five-year Big Noise team member Heather Castillo (VP of marketing) and two-year employee Josh Cohen (label operations manager).

BMG

Former UMG EVP of commercial innovation and artist strategy Celine Joshua has signed on as BMG’s first EVP of global marketing.

Sheppard Mullin

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton’s business trial practice group has added former Brown Rudnick partners Camille Vasquez, Leo Presiado, Andrew Crawford, Jessica Meyers, and Samuel Moniz.

The attorneys previously repped Johnny Depp in his much-publicized defamation trial against Amber Heard.

Leadership Music

Nashville-based Leadership Music, which in June revealed its newest class, has announced its 2024-25 board:

1. Farris, Self & Moore partner Catherine Moore
2. Delgado Guitars owner Manuel Delgado
3. Gospel Music Association president Jackie Patillo
4. Galante Entertainment chairman and Pinnacle Financial Partners board member Joe Galante
5. Maverick Management marketing VP Beville Darden Dunkerley
6. Country Music Hall of Fame external affairs EVP Lisa Davis Purcell
7. TNDV: Television founder Nic Dugger
8. Cumulus Nashville VP/market manager Allison Warren
9. Amazon Music head of country music Michelle Tigard Kammerer
10. Recording Academy managing director Tera Healy
11. Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy business manager David Boyer
12. CAA agent Brad Bissell (who’s also secretary)
13. WME agent Lane Wilson
14. Spielberg Entertainment and Consulting owner Neal Spielberg (president-elect)
15. Big Machine president Andrew Kautz
16. That Sounds Fun Network and Hsquared Management co-owner Kelli Haywood
17. Onsite Workshops VP of entertainment and specialized services Debbie Carroll
18. Ninthnote Music owner Phil Hughley
19. WMG Nashville SVP of strategic marketing and analytics Victoria Mason
20. AEG Presents SVP of global touring and talent Adam Weiser
21. RIAA head Mitch Glazier
22. Wiles+Taylor & Co. business manager Steven Eggart (treasurer)
23. Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee senior entertainment and donor relations liaison Rondal Richardson
24. Battery Lane Music owner Scott Gerow (president)
25. One Spark Entertainment owner and Born to Fly label president Craig Dunn
26. BMI assistant VP for creative Mason Hunter
27. Country Music Association VP of business strategy and operations Emily Evans

In one of early August’s music industry hires and promotions, Alix Kram (pictured) became Universal Music Publishing Group’s first global head of marketing. Photo Credit: UMPG

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of August 9th, 2024.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Capitol Christian

Capitol Christian Music Group has revealed three promotions: Carlos Monnaco is now SVP of finance, nearly 10-year company vet Emily Dashiell has been elevated to SVP of commercial partnerships, and Jeff Gunkel has been bumped to SVP of market development.

BMG

Maximilian Kolb, BMG’s EVP of repertoire and marketing for continental Europe, is stepping down after about 12 years with the company. BMG UK exec Alistair Norbury will assume Kolb’s duties on an interim basis until 2024’s end.

Additionally, BMG has brought on former JKBX, Big Machine, and Exactuals team member Jenn Dobbins as SVP of rights and royalties.

Universal Music Publishing Group

UMPG has hired former Netflix and Warner Music marketing professional Alix Kram as its first global head of marketing.

ASM Global

After some three decades in executive roles with the Phoenix Suns, Ralph Marchetta has joined ASM Global as regional VP of live entertainment.

Sony Music Publishing UK

SMP UK has boosted Rob Stratton, who’s been with the company for over five years, to VP of visual and media rights.

California Copyright Conference

The California Copyright Conference has announced its officers and directors for 2024-25.

On the former front, the CCC’s new officers are Exploration’s Rene Merideth (president), Disney Music Group’s Carolyn Soyars (VP), SESAC’s Alexandra Guzman (treasurer), Bardic Inspiration Music Services’ Sarah Brockman (secretary), and Peermusic’s Jean Montiel (assistant secretary).

Shifting to the board, reelected members include Sound Royalties’ Reggie Calloway, Angry Mob Music’s Debra Delshad, industry consultant Cheryl Dickerson, and Seeker Music’s Paula Savastano.

And newly elected members, for their part, are Austintatious Tunes’ Tara Austin, Heavy Harmony’s Rhonda Bedikian, publishing administrator Janelle Hawkes, producer-songwriter Brandon Jarrett, and ASCAP’s Wayne Josel.

Lastly, Sweet on Top’s Kristina Benson and Clearly Music Services’ Jonathan Lane are serving their second board terms, with A Bun Dance Productions’ James Jacoby and Star Vibe Group’s Sherry Orson as alternates.

GEMA

Longtime IT professional Ralph Kink, previously with Microsoft, is signing on as GEMA’s head of digital transformation on September 1st.

Blue Raincoat Music

Reservoir’s Blue Raincoat has hired Roman Tagoe, formerly a BMG and Napster higher-up, as streaming director for Chrysalis Records in the UK.

Prager Metis

Prager Metis has welcomed Jared Mahar as a partner in its tax department.

Paragon

Broadcast-focused digital strategist Seth Resler is officially Paragon’s community building consultant.

EastCoast Entertainment

EastCoast has announced the hiring of The Downtown Band booking agent Beth Potter at its Nashville office.

iHeartMedia

Alex Mac is poised to begin as night host for iHeartMedia Washington, D.C.’s DC101 on August 28th.

Kobalt

Kobalt has confirmed Bob Bruderman, who came aboard back in 2013, as its first chief digital officer. Additionally, head of global creative Alison Donald, having started in that role in March of 2023 after joining the company in 2017, is departing Kobalt at August’s end.

Musicians on Call

Five individuals have joined Musicians on Call’s Nashville team: Michael Blazer as operations manager, Salesforce developer Aniket Adhikari as technology manager, Gabi Coccio as strategic partnerships coordinator, Jennie O’Rourke as digital marketing coordinator, and Taylor Leibold as fundraising coordinator.

Mammoth Live

Mammoth has launched a touring division and tapped as global touring president Rob Owens (previously with AEG Presents and NoCap), besides enlisting Angela Brown (a Live Nation team member of over 27 years) to serve as president of global tour marketing.

Wasserman

Former Providence Equity Partners principal Steve Murray has joined Wasserman as EVP of mergers, acquisitions, and strategy.

MRG Group

MRG Group’s Live unit has named longtime Just for Laughs festivals exec Robyn Kaszor director and senior talent buyer.

Concord Music Publishing

“Water” producer Sammy SoSo has signed with Concord Music Publishing.

A shake-up in Kyncl’s cast: (l-r) Max Lousada, Julie Greenwald, Elliot Grainge (Credits, also l-to-r: Billal Taright, Matthew Furman, Logan Mock)

Warner Music Group confirmed a significant restructuring of its Recorded Music division on Thursday (August 1st), with an expressed aim to to better enhance artist services, streamline global operations, and position the company for sustained growth. The shakeup involves major leadership changes — including the departure of longtime Recorded Music CEO Max Lousada — and a flatter organizational structure going forward. Here’s the full breakdown.

Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl has now pulled the trigger on a serious restructuring, specifically involving the all-important (and far more profitable) recorded music division. The biggest bombshell is that after two decades with WMG, Max Lousada, CEO of Recorded Music, will step down at the end of the fiscal year on September 30th.

Lousada will continue as an advisor until January 31st, according to details confirmed by the major.

Staying in the building is Julie Greenwald, who will transition into the lofty role of Chairman of Atlantic Music Group, directly reporting to Kyncl. Also elevating ranks is Elliot Grainge, founder & CEO of 10K Projects, who will now become CEO of Atlantic Music Group, effective October 1st.

Grainge first joined WMG’s senior management team last year following the company’s acquisition of a majority stake in 10K Projects. The hip-hop-savvy executive, whose father is Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge, reportedly blasted an email to the 10K troops to reassure that business at the label would continue as normal.

Lousada is saying goodbye, though there won’t be a direct replacement.

According to WMG, the new structure, effective October 1st, will eliminate the roles of CEO, Recorded Music and President, International, Recorded Music. Regional and divisional leaders will report directly to Kyncl, fostering direct channels between local expertise and global opportunities.

That shifts the structure towards a more ‘flat’ organizational layout, which theoretically cuts bureaucracy and confusion with cleaner reporting lines.

Key regional leadership appointments include Simon Robson overseeing Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; Alejandro Duque continuing to lead Latin America; and a yet-to-be-appointed leader for the newly created Asia Pacific region.

In the US, the Atlantic Music Group, under the leadership of Grainge and Greenwald, will encompass Atlantic Records, 300 Elektra Entertainment, and 10K Projects. Warner Records, led by Tom Corson and Aaron Bay-Schuck, will now include Warner Music Nashville, Nonesuch, and Reprise.

Warner Music Group is also bolstering its global operations in distribution, Global Catalog, Marketing, and WMX. The heads of these divisions will report to Kyncl from October 1st.

“On behalf of everyone at WMG, I’d like to thank Max for his extraordinary achievements over the last twenty years,” Robert Kyncl relayed. “Max is a true artists’ champion, who created a culture that puts artistry first, growing our global reach and building a roster of incredible talent and an outstanding team. I’m grateful that he’ll be helping to ensure a smooth transition.”

Incoming Deezer CEO Alexis Lanternier. Photo Credit: Deezer

Deezer has officially named longtime e-commerce exec Alexis Lanternier as its new CEO.

The Access Industries-owned streaming platform just recently announced the appointment, with Lanternier poised to take the reins from interim CEO Stu Bergen on September 2nd. Bergen, who’s expected to remain on Deezer’s board after stepping down, replaced now-former CEO Jeronimo Folgueira in April.

Under the latter’s leadership, the service made some commercial strides but failed to crack highly ambitious performance goals amid stiff competition from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, and France’s Qobuz, among others.

Now, Deezer is once again looking to achieve largescale growth with a CEO hire from well outside the industry. (Before signing on with Deezer, Folgueira led dating-app developer Spark Networks.) Lanternier previously served as Walmart Canada’s e-commerce EVP and, prior to that, helmed the Singapore division of e-commerce company Lazada, in which Alibaba holds a controlling stake.

Addressing his new post, the Branded co-founder Lanternier emphasized Deezer’s advantageous positioning when it comes to supporting “the major changes happening in the global music industry.”

“Deezer is an inspiring French tech pioneer and is uniquely positioned to support the major changes happening in the global music industry while ensuring all stakeholders benefit,” Lanternier said in part. “Its consistent strategy in favor of fair artist compensation, immersive and collaborative music experiences and its state of the art technology platform make it ideally positioned to seize future growth opportunities.”

Additionally, Deezer board chair Iris Knobloch expressed the belief that the incoming CEO’s “leadership will propel the company to new levels of success.” Time will, of course, tell whether that’s the case. But at the intersection of these expansion objectives and Lanternier’s aim of “ensuring all stakeholders benefit,” there may be room to improve revenue under tie-ups with the likes of Universal Music Group.

Though the collaboration has fallen well outside the media spotlight due to 2024’s extremely quick-moving news cycle, the major label and Deezer coordinated on a controversial “artist-centric” model last year.

As UMG has emphasized plans to keep on leaning into artist-centric initiatives in an effort to offset slowing streaming growth – and as France is far and away Deezer’s biggest market – the companies will presumably keep on working together, possibly on a larger scale, after Lanternier comes aboard.

Closer to the present, Deezer has scheduled its second-quarter and half-year earnings release for next Tuesday, July 30th. At the time of writing, the company’s shares (DEEZR on the Euronext Paris) were up slightly at €1.76 apiece, having touched a 52-week low of €1.64 each earlier this week.

Lee Jae-sang (pictured) has been elevated to CEO of Hybe, where multiple execs are facing defamation litigation from Ador’s founder. Photo Credit: Hybe

Amid shakeups and drama in the K-pop space, BTS agency Hybe’s Park Ji-won has been replaced as CEO by Lee Jae-sang.

Regional outlets including the Korea Herald just recently shed light on the news, which has arrived days after it surfaced that longtime Hybe exec Lenzo Yoon would leave the company at 2024’s end. The latter exec previously served as the co-head of Hybe America alongside Scooter Braun, who retired from management five weeks ago.

Now, with an increasingly global Hybe continuing to expand and hunt for commercial results outside of the K-pop arena, management has revealed another C-suite shift. Lee Jae-sang, who signed on with the company about six years ago and has held roles including chief strategy officer as well as president of Hybe America, has been elevated to CEO.

The appointment is expected to be officially finalized at a forthcoming shareholder and board meeting. Meanwhile, though some outlets have indicated that now-former Hybe CEO Park Ji-won would exit the company, the Korea Times, citing an internal letter from the exec himself, has reported that the higher-up will simply transition to a fresh role.

Shifting the focus to a different and similarly important development concerning Hybe, the K-pop mainstay remains embroiled in an ugly dispute with its Ador subsidiary, which serves as the professional home of NewJeans.

We’ve covered the multifaceted confrontation in detail – including when Ador’s founder and CEO, Min Hee-jin, was slapped with a defamation suit levied by Hybe subsidiary Source Music earlier this month.

And according to new reports, the high-stakes confrontation isn’t abating; Min Hee-jin is now firing back with litigation against five Hybe execs, among them Park Ji-won, over alleged defamation, obstruction of business, and more.

Needless to say, the lawsuits hardly suggest that a semi-amicable resolution (or any resolution at all) is in the near-term cards for Ador and Hybe, shares in which dipped by 1.6% today to $128.13 (₩177,300) apiece.

Wrapping with a brief look at the broader K-pop landscape, Hybe is far from alone in grappling with drama at the executive level. Kakao, which holds a controlling interest in SM Entertainment, only recently saw an arrest warrant go out for its founder, Kim Beom-su, on stock-manipulation charges stemming from 2023’s SM takeover battle.

While Kim Beom-su and his attorneys have denied the allegations, the less-than-ideal situation is having an understandably disruptive impact on the company’s operations, according to regional coverage. All told, Kakao stock (KRX: 035720) is down almost 32% since 2024’s start, for a day-end value of $28.58 (₩39,550) per share.

In one of late July’s music industry hires and promotions, Jim Lucchese (pictured) was named president of Berklee. Photo Credit: Kelly Davidson

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of July 19th, 2024.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Berklee

On January 1st, 2025, former Echo Nest and Sofar Sounds CEO Jim Lucchese will begin as the fifth president of Berklee.

Virgin Music Group

Hidden Track Music founder Justin Bumper Reeve has signed on as Virgin’s SVP of global sync.

Warner Chappell Music

Warner Chappell has tapped Sony Music vet Tat Tong, based out of the publisher’s Shanghai office, to serve as VP of A&R and creative for Asia-Pacific.

Muse Group

Muse has revealed three hires: Debbie Diekelman (who previously held the same role at Hal Leonard) as CFO, over eight-year Spotify subscriber-growth professional Sven Ahrens as chief growth officer, and roughly 20-year Dell higher-up Mohammed “Mo” Chahdi as COO.

PPL PRS

PPL PRS has promoted more than five-year team member Greg Aiello from commercial director to MD.

iHeartMedia

Almost 27-year iHeartMedia vet Kim Williams has been named area president for Alaska as well as Hawaii, and Larry “Yako” Calderon Jr. is officially program director for iHeartMedia Miami’s Y100. Calderon Jr. is expected to continue as programming strategist and coordinator “for iHeart Latino stations across the US.”

BMI

BMI has welcomed longtime tech exec Tom Kershaw as CTO and added Justin Rohde (formerly with Xplor) as its first chief transformation officer.

Bertelsmann

BMG CEO Thomas Coesfeld has been appointed to Bertelsmann’s executive board.

Arista Records

Sony Music’s Arista has elevated three-year employee Nick Petropoulos to EVP of promotion and artist development.

Big Loud

Big Loud has formally boosted Stacy Blythe, who joined the company almost nine years ago, to EVP of promotion.

Pitchfork

No Bells founder Mano Sundaresan has become Pitchfork’s head of editorial content.

Republic Records

Republic has bumped David Wolter to co-head of East Coast A&R and upped Miles Beard to the same role but on the opposite coast.

Hybe

Longtime Hybe higher-up Lenzo Yoon, who previously served as co-head of the Hybe America division that’s now helmed solely by Scooter Braun, is reportedly set to leave the BTS agency at 2024’s end.

Universal Music UK

Former TaP and Atlantic marketer Hannah Neaves has been confirmed as president of Universal Music Recordings, Universal Music UK’s catalog division.

Splice

Splice has brought on Kenny Ochoa, formerly Snap’s head of music curation and creative licensing, as SVP of content.

In one of early July’s music industry hires and promotions, BSI Merch tapped Charlie Simmonds (pictured) to helm its new Tokyo office. Photo Credit: BSI

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of July 2nd, 2024.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Hipgnosis

Merck Mercuriadis has announced plans to step down as Hipgnosis Song Management’s chairman.

Merlin

Merlin has named former Greenberg Traurig partner Neil Miller as its general counsel.

BSI Merch

BSI Merch has opened an office in Tokyo and tapped longtime merch manager Charlie Simmonds to lead the division.

AMPAL

Sonic Rights Management’s Damian Rinaldi has signed on as general manager of the Australasian Music Publishers Association Limited.

UK Music

UK Music has selected interim chief executive Tom Kiehl to assume the role on a permanent basis.

Bravado

Universal Music’s Bravado merch and brand management company has revealed a “new leadership structure for strategic growth,” including the elevation of former Live Nation SVP of creative services Alyssa Tobias to SVP and head of creative services.

Next, over four-year Bravado team member Ashley Fogerty has been bumped to SVP of business affairs, former Songkick MD Bill Ashton has been boosted to SVP of commerce, and Brian Schechter has been upped to SVP and head of brand management.

Additionally, Revolt vet Colin McIntosh has come aboard as CFO, 14-year Bravado vet David Boyne is MD for the UK division, and Rachel Redfearn is SVP of UK A&R, brand management, and label liaison.

Lastly, Nashville-based Stacie Swanson has been promoted to the newly created role of artist strategy VP, 13-year team member Briana Farrell has become VP of US retail, and Keith Taperell is now VP of licensing.

iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia Minneapolis has enlisted Eric Lonnquist to serve as sales SVP, and iHeartMedia Baltimore has chosen Maurette Brown Clark to host the Heaven 600 morning show.

OTM Music

OTM has hired former Sony Music and Third Side Music higher-up Kristin Genovese as US head of sync.

Plus, the publisher has expanded its UK team with the addition of Downtown vet Kate Sweetsur (A&R head), former Sony Music Publishing sync professional Chi Chi Nwakodo (senior sync creative), and former House Anxiety label manager Ethan Mizen (A&R manager).

Believe

Eyeing a “long-term investment in Asia,” Believe has confirmed Charles Liu as GM for Greater China and brought on Rebecca Dong as operations MD for the same division.

BAPAM

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine’s board of trustees has added Music Leaders Network co-founder Remi Harris and Equity assistant general secretary for live performance Adam Adnyana.

Warner Records

Over four-year Warner Records team member Robert Santini has been elevated to SVP for brand partnerships and ad sync, while Kelly Bolton has joined from Tape Room Music as A&R VP.

Universal Music Central Europe

After recording “impressive achievements” for Universal Music Sweden, Joakim Johansson, who remains MD of the latter division, has become president of the Nordics for Universal Music Central Europe.

Frontiers Label Group

Frontiers has welcomed Turkish composer Cenk Eroglu as an in-house writer and producer.

Sony Music Nashville

Lauren Thomas, previously VP of Columbia promotion, is officially Sony Music Nashville’s SVP of promotion.

Spirit Music Group

Former Avex USA and Sony Music Publishing exec Lou Al-Chamaa has joined Spirit Music as EVP of A&R.

Fat Beats

Rostrum Pacific’s Fat Beats has appointed as president former Def Jam and Warner Records exec Chris Atlas.

Symphonic Distribution

Symphonic has named as its first territory manager for Asia TFTI member and Open Door Artists co-founder Guji Lorenzana.

AEG Presents

AEG Presents has announced Don Strasburg’s promotion from co-president to president of the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest regions.

Secret Sounds

Splendour in the Grass co-founder Jessica Ducrou is stepping down as co-CEO of Secret Sounds after close to three decades.

Rimas Entertainment

Longtime Universal Music Latin legal exec Rodrigo Prichard has joined Rimas Entertainment as GM, with Kristen Quintero-Garriga now VP of strategic partnerships for the company’s RiTmo creative consultant unit.

(l to r) Believe Greater China operations MD Rebecca Dong, CEO Denis Ladegaillerie, APAC president Sylvain Delange, and Greater China MD Charles Liu. Photo Credit: Believe

One week after an EQT-powered consortium took another key step on the road to privatizing Believe, the digital music company has made a major move in China.

Paris-headquartered Believe today disclosed that move, the formal appointment of two execs to its Greater China leadership team, as well as an anticipated “long-term investment in Asia.”

While the mentioned consortium is just now closing in on its privatization goal – unexpected purchase interest delayed but didn’t derail the process – Believe has for some time expressed plans to keep on leaning into global expansion initiatives.

Said initiatives evidently include achieving a larger presence in the quick-evolving Chinese music market, which, according to IFPI data, turned in 25.9 percent year-over-year growth in 2023. At the top level, Believe, having planted a flag in China eight years back, has tapped Charles Liu to serve as its Greater China GM.

In the Beijing-based role, the former Sony Music China higher-up will report to Believe APAC president Sylvain Delange and work to improve revenue, spearhead M&As, bolster the domestic artist and label rosters, and develop “high quality relations with local digital services,” according to the announcement message.

Meanwhile, former Nielsen exec Rebecca Dong has been confirmed as operations MD – a post that will see her report to Liu and manage “DSP partnership, finance, legal and human resources” areas, the Sentric and TuneCore parent relayed.

Addressing his appointment in a statement, Liu struck an optimistic tone about pursuing commercial results in “the vibrant and challenging music market of Greater China.”

“I am eager to leverage my professional skills to provide more assistance and create opportunities for a wider range of talented artists and their outstanding works,” proceeded the former Linfair Records China GM, “thereby contributing to the prosperity and growth of the music market in Greater China.”

And in comments of her own, Dong outlined a bigger-picture objective of fueling “the rise of a new generation of talented music executives, artists and labels across” the nation of over 1.4 billion residents.

Shifting the focus to Believe’s presence throughout the continent, the company has quietly made several high-profile moves in Asia during the past year or so – including the rollout of a Tokyo HQ in 2023 and the more recent launch of a hip-hop label in Japan.

Also during 2024, the Think Music owner scooped up the catalog of White Hill Music, reportedly including the rights to a number of well-known works from Indian artists. In 2023, India’s total on-demand streams were second only to those of the U.S., per consumption data.

In one of mid-June’s music industry hires and promotions, Sanujeet Bhujabal (pictured) became MD of Universal Music India and South Asia. Photo Credit: UMG

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of June 14th, 2024.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Universal Music India

Universal Music India has promoted Sanujeet Bhujabal, who joined the company in 2023 after 24 years with Sony Music India, from content EVP to MD for India as well as South Asia.

Additionally, Times Network vet Viral Jani has been elevated to chief revenue officer for Universal Music India and South Asia.

Songtradr

The LA-based Songtradr has just beefed up its board. Alex Rigopulos, cofounder of Harmonix and the studio’s director at Epic Games, and Priyanka Khimani, music entertainment lawyer and managing partner at Khimani Associates, now join existing board members Lindsay Nahmiache, Helge Steffen, and company founder/CEO Paul Wiltshire.

A2IM

Richard James Burgess has announced plans to step down as president and CEO of the American Association of Independent Music at 2026’s start.

The Circuit Group

The Circuit Group has tapped former Seven20 and Monster Energy higher-up James Sutcliffe to serve as chief strategy officer. Meanwhile, Simon Birkumshaw, previously a LabelWorx label acquisitions and A&R exec, is now Circuit Group’s director of operations and label services.

Next, the catalog investor has formally named Black Book Records partner Ian Massoth director of A&R and label services. Previously a Pixelynx/Animoca financial professional, Shivani Phull has signed on as CFO advisor, whereas Bianca Price has joined as social media manager.

Rounding out the appointments is Nick Sung (formerly Astralwerks’ global marketing director) as Circuit’s marketing director and Charlie Tadman (joining after six years in Spotify’s songwriter-relations department) as A&R director.

Sphere Entertainment

Sphere Entertainment has hired Carolyn Blackwood as head of Sphere Studios, and the longtime entertainment exec is set to “lead the day-to-day running of the Burbank-based” division.

UTA

United Talent Agency has enlisted former Ingrooves CEO Bob Roback to serve as COO.

Phantom Power

Former Vinyl Group business-development head Craig Sternberg is officially strategic advisor and head of client relations for production music company Phantom Power, which has inked exclusive pacts with composers Michael Maas and Jordi Rica.

Generator

Generator has confirmed Thea Van der Velde as its head of brand and marketing, with Columbia Records mentee Camilla Whitfield beginning as marketing coordinator for the self-described “creative and cultural talent development agency.”

Joining as program coordinators are Chyaro Hylton (focusing on business support initiatives) and Emily Bowdon (zeroing in on education and skills initiatives). Plus, the Interval Records creator’s first music industry intern, Lucy Bridge, remains part of the operation under “a groundbreaking partnership with Warner Music UK.”

Lastly, Generator has added as board members Beth Hazon, UK Music’s Jennifer Geddes, and ITV/Signpost’s Kenny Toal.

Re:Create

Copyright attorney Brandon Butler is now an executive director with Re:Create.

Warner Chappell Music

WCM has upped more than eight-year team member Jessi Vaughn Stevenson to VP of A&R and digital.

VRMA

The Vinyl Record Manufacturing Association has welcomed Furnace Record Pressing founder Eric Astor to its board.

BMG

Alexandra Behrens, previously with Bertelsmann’s Gruner + Jahr, has become SVP of global people excellence for BMG.

Downtown/CD Baby

Downtown has promoted Molly Neuman, formerly with Songtrust, to president of its CD Baby subsidiary.

Reed Smith

After spending the better part of a decade with UMPG and close to three years in YouTube’s publishing department, Jackson Abbeduto has joined Reed Smith as counsel in its global entertainment and media industry group.

Cumulus Media

Cumulus has boosted eight-year team member Kriston Aitken to chief HR officer effective July 1st.

In one of early June’s music industry hires and promotions, UMG’s Island Records named Austin Jenkins (pictured) VP of A&R for Nashville. Photo Credit: UMG

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of June 7th, 2024.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Prager Metis

Prager Metis has hired Dan Smith as a manager in its entertainment and music group.

PRS for Music

The PRS Members’ Council has confirmed four newly elected members: Sentric’s Phil Rose and S2K’s Laura Young have joined the Publisher Council, while the Writer Council has added Mike Stobbie and appointed Pete Woodroffe to a second term.

Additionally, Stevie Spring has formally become part of the Council and succeeded Stephen Davidson as chair of PRS’ separate board. Lastly, Erica Ingham has been reappointed as a member of the four-person Independent Non-Executive Council.

CAA

CAA has boosted agents Emma Banks, Darryl Eaton, and Rick Roskin to co-heads of global touring, whereas partner and existing global touring head Rob Light has been promoted to managing director.

Sphere Entertainment

Sphere Entertainment has tapped former Oak View Group exec Chandra Allison to serve as EVP of sales and service for Las Vegas’ Sphere.

ByteDance

Former WarnerMedia general counsel John Rogovin has joined ByteDance in the same capacity, and the role “will encompass oversight of TikTok.”

Wasserman Music

Lee Anderson, a founding member of Wasserman Music’s executive team, has been elevated to president.

Warner Music Group

An acquisition-minded WMG has brought on Goldman Sachs vet Michael Ryan-Southern as its first EVP of corporate development.

ASM Global

More than two-decade hospitality vet Kathy Taylor is now general manager of ASM Global’s Ithaca Downtown Conference Center, which is scheduled to open next month.

Spotify

Spotify has upped five-year team member and former YouTube TV head of international partnerships Federica Tremolada to general manager for Europe.

A2IM

The American Association of Independent Music has hired former iHeartMedia and Superfly higher-up Alex Machurov as head of business development.

Gamma

Anchor Promotions founder Lionel Ridenour has signed on as EVP of promotion for Gamma, where he’ll zero in on “radio promotion efforts across all formats and genres.”

Island Records

Island has bumped Nashville-based Austin Jenkins, who began working with the UMG subsidiary in 2023, to A&R VP.

MNRK

MNRK Music Group CEO Chris Taylor is set to resign on June 28th, at which point COO Sean Stevenson will take his place.

Concord Music Publishing

Chosen Music vet Adam Salomon has joined Concord as senior director of A&R.

Madison House

Madison House has enlisted Thomas Ponsart, owner of the namesake Ponsarts Concerts Touring, to serve as an agent.

Riser House Records

Riser House has added Amy O’Connor, previously an associate director of catalog marketing at Sony Music’s Legacy Recordings, as head of sales and streaming.

Dayglo Presents

Dayglo has officially named producer and longtime collaborator Jesse Lauter head of production and media.

UMG Nashville

UMG Nashville director of radio marketing Donna Hughes has exited the company after 13 years, with David Friedman (VP of national promotion and strategy) and Nick Kaper (director of promotion and radio marketing) handling the involved duties on an interim basis.

MSG Entertainment

Courtney Zeppetella, now a VP and corporate controller with SpaceX, has stepped down as MSG Entertainment’s SVP, controller, and chief accounting officer.

In one of May’s music industry hires and promotions, Warner Music’s ADA Asia named Sarah Ismail (pictured) managing director. Photo Credit: WMG

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of May 24th, 2024.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Karta

Metaverse developer Karta has hired former Tommy Hilfiger senior menswear designer Morgan Evans as fashion and beauty director, with Emperia senior creative designer Sarah Richards joining as art director.

Additionally, Karta has brought on Tork Shaw (previously with Epic Games) as game design director, Oscar Halland (formerly a Supersocial engineering manager) as lead programmer for Roblox, and Jonny Coelho (most recently with Beyond Creative) as lead producer.

UMG

Universal Music has elevated over nine-year team member Todd Goodwin to SVP of culture marketing and creative strategy for °1824.

WMG

Sarah Ismail is now MD of Warner Music’s ADA Asia, a role she’ll hold while continuing as MD of Warner Music Philippines “on an interim term.”

BMG

BMG has boosted publishing A&R exec Marc Johlen, who came aboard in 2020, to MD of operations in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

iHeartMedia

Multiple iHeartMedia stations have announced promotions, with 31-year iHeartMedia Philadelphia vet Marie Tolson-Overton becoming sales manager for WDAS FM (Philly’s Best R&B & Throwbacks) and Power 99 (Philadelphia’s Hip Hop and R&B).

Next, Minneapolis’ 101.3 KDWB has confirmed Vont Leak (a KDWB night host whose “show numbers have been among the best on the radio station”) and Bailey Hess as on-air personalities for The Dave Ryan Show.

Lastly, Phoenix’s 99.9 KEZ (More Music, More Variety from the 80’s, 90’s & Today) has upped Andrew Babinski to co-host of the Beth and Friends Morning Show.

Sony Music Publishing

SMP has tapped two-year team member Nasra Artan for its newly created head of international A&R role.

BeatBread

Former Hightouch renewals lead Julian Dunn has signed on with BeatBread as director of business and legal affairs.

Peermusic U.K.

In addition to his existing roles overseeing operations in Australasia, Africa, and the Middle East, Ralph W. Peer has been named MD of Peermusic U.K.

Z100

iHeartMedia New York’s Z100 has hired Kiana Singh, previously part of Cox Media Group, as an overnight host.

Downtown Music

Downtown has launched a royalties and financial-services division with Curve Royalty Systems founder Tom Allen as president and Curve GM Richard Leach as MD.

Blue Note Entertainment Group

Blue Note has revealed a new talent-buying team for midtown Manhattan’s Sony Hall: senior talent buyer Jack McFadden, talent buyer Alli Vega, and junior talent buyer Niko Murray.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry has named Victoria Oakley (pictured) CEO. Photo Credit: IFPI

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has officially named a new CEO: former Google global director of public policy Victoria Oakley (née Dean).

The IFPI announced Oakley as its head via a formal release today, after revealing in July of 2023 that Frances Moore would step down as CEO. Having started in the position in 2010, Moore retired when 2023 wrapped, at which point CFO John Nolan and chief legal officer Lauri Rechardt took the reins on an interim basis.

Nolan and Rechardt are set to continue leading the recorded industry representative until Oakley comes aboard in June. The exec, who most recently served as CEO of Portland, has already had her name and picture removed from the leadership section of the website behind the “fully integrated communications consultancy.”

The IFPI, which, like Portland, is based in London, also took the opportunity to highlight Oakley’s experience and career high points, including the aforementioned executive role at Google.

Additionally, Oakley spent close to two decades in the British Diplomatic Service. Of course, government policies regarding AI companies’ training practices, adjacent name and likeness rights, and more remain a key industry focus.

Addressing her appointment in a statement, Oakley touched on the current “rapid evolution with new technology” as well as a corresponding need to confront “new challenges.”

“I’m delighted to be joining IFPI and leading the global team as it continues its work to create the best possible environment for music worldwide,” communicated Oakley. “The sector is once again experiencing a period of rapid evolution with new technology creating both exciting opportunities and new challenges. We must continue to stand up for the rights of those creating and investing in music in order to secure its incredibly exciting future.”

Predictably, the heads of the major labels – Universal Music, Sony Music, and Warner Music – provided straightforward statements in support of the appointment.

“I’m pleased that Vikki is joining the IFPI during this dynamic time for the music industry,” weighed in UMG CEO Lucian Grainge. “Vikki brings the right skills and experience to help the global industry tackle important issues and opportunities collaboratively and with a fresh vision. We look forward to working with her.”

“We are delighted that Vikki will be representing our global industry at a time of great change and transformation,” added SME CEO Rob Stringer. “Her decades of expertise combined with strong relationships around the world, will help us ensure music is recognized for the value it deserves and artists are always put first.”

“As our industry rapidly evolves,” relayed WMG’s Robert Kyncl, “it’s vital we continue to build an environment where investment in talent thrives, and technology helps creativity flourish. Vikki is a great choice to help lead the global campaign for the rights of artists and those who back them, and I’m excited she’s bringing her expertise and experience to IFPI.”

In one of April’s music industry hires and promotions, Warner Chappell named Shelby DiPerri (pictured) VP of creative sync. Photo Credit: WCM

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of April 12th, 2024.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Round Hill

Round Hill Music has added former American Idol judge Randy Jackson and Shorebreak founder John Greenberg as advisors.

SESAC Music Group

SESAC Music Group has brought on Andy Bodkin, previously with Out of the Ark Music, as president of international for its music services division.

Additionally, the company has elevated Rose Cook from SVP of operations to music services COO and upped Monica Hertz, who signed on with SESAC Music Group’s namesake PRO more than six years back, to senior director of operations.

Warner Chappell Music

Atlantic Records and Zync Music vet Shelby DiPerri is now Warner Chappell’s VP of creative sync. Plus, the Warner Music-owned publisher has promoted over five-year team member Jenni Pfaff to EVP of strategy, integration, and operations.

Downtown Music Holdings

Former FUGA head Pieter van Rijn is officially CEO of Downtown Music.

MaMA Music & Convention

As part of its “most significant structural transformation” to date, France’s MaMA has announced the retirement of co-founder Daniel Colling. Fellow co-founder Fernando Ladeiro-Marques “has taken ownership” of the event and is eyeing expansions “into new territories.”

More immediately, ahead of its 2024 edition in Paris this October, MaMA has named 10-year consultant Emmanuel Legrand coordinator of its Grands Débats conference program and tapped entrepreneur Emily Gonneau to curate the innovation-focused Invent conference stream.

MaMA has also enlisted journalist Flavien Appavou to coordinate Le CosyLab (a “forum on new ideas and social trends”) and hired former Festival TransAmériques project manager Elise Yacoub as coordinator of the happening itself.

Nettwerk Music Group

Nettwerk has boosted almost seven-year team member Angus Blair to SVP of A&R for the UK and the EU, while former 9PR deputy head of press James Crosley has joined as publicity director for the UK and the EU.

Recording Academy

The Recording Academy has officially promoted over four-year higher-up Adam Roth to EVP of global partnerships and business development.

ASM Global

Square Circles Creative Solutions founder and former AEG Asia Pacific SVP Matthew Lazarus-Hall has come aboard ASM Global as EVP of entertainment and content for Australia and Asia.

YG Entertainment

YG has named as CEO Yang Min-seok, the brother of the K-pop company’s founder.

Spotify has officially named its new CFO. Photo Credit: Eyestetix Studio

Spotify (NYSE: SPOT) has officially named its new chief financial officer, Saab exec Christian Luiga, following the exit of Paul Vogel.

The Stockholm-based business formally revealed the appointment of Christian Luiga yesterday, when its shares hit a 52-week high of $304 apiece. (Today’s trading delivered another five percent gain for SPOT, which touched a fresh 52-week high of $313.07 and finished at $310.31.) Furthermore, this stock-price resurgence arrived on the heels of reports that Spotify will increase its prices in several markets by April’s end.

Notwithstanding the ongoing SPOT rally and the price-bump reports that seem to be behind it, Spotify first disclosed the expected March 31st departure of Vogel in December of 2023. The former Barclays managing director had signed on with Spotify in June of 2016 and began as CFO in early 2020.

During his roughly four-year tenure in the latter post, Spotify embarked on an aggressive expansion into non-music audio – including but not limited to podcasts, audiobooks, live programming, and even games.

But the business has tightened the belt (seemingly in earnest) and prioritized profitability as of late, and CEO Daniel Ek indicated four months ago that “Spotify is entering a new phase and needs a CFO with a different mix of experiences.”

That CFO is the initially mentioned Christian Luiga, whose “different mix of experiences” includes nearly four years as an exec (CFO and deputy CEO) at Swedish defense and security company Saab.

As we highlighted yesterday, Saab is an investor in and partner of Ek-backed AI defense operation Helsing. In November of 2021, Ek dropped (via his Prima Materia investment firm) €100 million in Helsing, where he’s co-chairman.

Then, as described by Helsing itself, June of 2023 saw the German government select it and Saab “to provide the new AI-enabled electronic warfare capabilities for the upcoming update of the Eurofighter.”

Helsing in September of last year announced a €209 million Series B that drew support from Saab, and late last month, Saab provided an update on its (and Helsing’s) contract with Berlin.

Returning the focus to the music space, the brass-tacks takeaway is that Ek and incoming Spotify CFO Luiga aren’t without existing ties. Moreover, the Stockholm University graduate Luiga is Swedish; with Vogel’s departure, a clear-cut majority of Spotify’s senior management, including Ek, chief HR officer Katarina Berg, CBO Alex Norström, and CTO Gustav Söderström hail from the Scandinavian nation.

Luiga is expected to start as Spotify CFO sometime during this year’s third quarter, the company indicated, noting also that VP of financial planning and analysis Ben Kung will serve as interim CFO until then. However, per a separate release from Saab, Luiga “will stay with Saab until latest 3 October in order to ensure a smooth transition to his successor.”

In one of late March’s music industry hires and promotions, Didi Purcell (pictured) was tapped to handle artist and label partnerships at Stem. Photo Credit: Stem Disintermedia

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of March 28th, 2024.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

UMPG Brazil

Universal Music Publishing Group Brazil has named 11-year higher-up Adriana Ramos MD.

Yamaha Corporation of America

Longtime Yamaha sales exec Paul Furtkamp is set to retire on July 1st, and on April 1st, eight-year team member Julian Williams will take his place leading the commercial audio and NEXO sales team.

Additionally, David Venus, who last October succeeded Williams as western regional manager for commercial audio and NEXO, has officially been promoted to the post.

Primary Wave

Primary Wave has brought on former SixtyFour Music senior music supervisor Julianne Wilson as senior director of creative sync. Meanwhile, over eight-year employee Peter Kurczaba has been elevated to the same role, and four-year team member Derek Pierce has been boosted to director of creative sync.

Hallwood Media

Close to eight-year Interscope Geffen A&M urban A&R exec Roderick “PushaRod” Bullock has joined Hallwood as VP of A&R/management.

Arista

Sony Music’s Arista Records has promoted Kathryn Sullivan McDonald from senior marketing director to VP of marketing.

Austrian Audio

Bernd Gossi, who joined Austrian Audio in September of 2020, has become manager of artist relations and PR.

Splash

Former SoundCloud chief content officer Tracy Chan has signed on as CEO of Amazon-backed AI music platform Splash.

iHeartMedia

Anthony Fuscaldo, who exited iHeartMedia in 2017, has rejoined the company in Philadelphia as SVP of sales.

Stem

Stem Disintermedia has hired Didi Purcell (previously with TikTok’s SoundOn) to spearhead artist and label partnership initiatives. Additionally, Nima Khalilian (formerly with UMG’s Interscope) has come aboard as head of international for artist and label strategy.

TBA Agency

TBA has revealed three promotions: New York City-based Katie Nowak is now VP of marketing and partnerships, Los Angeles-based Corynne Fernandez is director of marketing and artist development, and nearly two-year team member Ashley Torres is marketing and partnerships coordinator.

Plus, San Francisco-based creative consultancy firm Department of Culture & Technology “is partnering with TBA.” The Department’s founders, Jack Pitney and Kosta Elchev, are expected to “work hand in hand with TBA” to drive “innovative, creative opportunities for the roster.”

SONGS Foundation

The NMPA’s nine-year-old SONGS Foundation (“Supporting Our Next Generation of Songwriters”) has announced a new board, adding songwriters Pasek and Paul (Kobalt), Dan Wilson (UMPG), The Matrix’s Lauren Christy (Reservoir), Allison Russell (Concord), Jordan Reynolds (Warner Chappell), Gaby Moreno (Peermusic), and Cam (SMP).

On the executive side, the NMPA also revealed SONGS Foundation board additions of Sony Music Publishing head Jon Platt, Warner Chappell COO Carianne Marshall, Reservoir founder Golnar Khosrowshahi, Peermusic COO Kathy Spanberger, BMG general counsel Keith Hauprich, Concord chief publishing officer Jim Selby, Kobalt creative head Alison Donald, and UMPG co-head of A&R Jennifer Knoepfle.

Neste Live!

Live Nation’s Neste Live! has upped Madison House vet Andrew Fortin to VP of fairs and festivals, almost 10-year corporate talent buyer Jill Kopecky to VP of corporate and private events, and Last Best Entertainment owner Annette St. Onge to operations director.

Sounds of Saving

SOS has hired Anjali Ramasunder as executive director and added musicians Sharon van Etten, Nick Hakim, and Taja Cheek (known professionally as L’Rain) to its advisory board.

Additionally, the non-profit has added to its main board Buzz1441 co-founder Perry Bashkoff, Saatchi & Saatchi chief data and AI officer Das Dasgupta, Roku legal exec Mariana D’Andrea, Goldman global chief brand officer Arianna Orpello Lewko, AllTrack chief revenue officer Brian Mullaney, Netflix vet Erica Sewell, and Format Entertainment music supervisor Martin Mycoo.

National Opera Studio

Coach, pianist, and conductor Eric Melear will begin as artistic director for London’s National Opera Studio in July.

Warner Chappell Music China

Warner Chappell China has named Lisa Li (formerly Warner Bros. Discovery’s business-development head in China) MD and appointed Universal Music Publishing China vet Mar Ma as an A&R director.

Warner Records

13-year Warner Records team member Josh Reich has been elevated to SVP of top-40 promotion.

Range Media Partners

Range has officially opened its Nashville office, which will be led by Red Light vet Shawn McSpadden, Brigade Media Capital founder William Lowery, and co-founding managing partner Jack Minihan.

SM Entertainment

SM has promoted COO Tak Young-jun to co-CEO.

Concord

Concord has enlisted Soundly owner Stephanie Hudacek to serve as president of Rounder Records.

The SoCal Sound

Longtime DJ Matt Pinfield has joined The SoCal Sound (88.5 FM) as the afternoon drive host.

Photo Credit: Interscope Capitol Labels Group

Steve Berman and Annie Lee have been elevated to primary positions within the Office of Chairman at the newly formed Interscope Capitol Labels Group (ICLG).

Chairman & CEO John Janick made the announcement, with Berman appointed Vice Chairman and Lee as Chief Operating Officer. ICLG now comprises all artists, labels, and personnel within the companies formerly named Interscope Geffen A&M and Capitol Music Group.

In his new position, Berman oversees numerous areas within ICLG and works closely with all labels under the company’s umbrella to build and enhance artists’ global profiles and the broader ICLG brand. Lee is charged with seamlessly integrating Finance alongside the company’s CFO George Harris. She will also oversee Operations and Culture, while ensuring that ICLF runs efficiently and sustains a positive artist experience for its artists and teams.

“Steve and Annie are both highly accomplished executives who have been critical to our company’s growth and success for more than two decades,” adds CEO John Janick.

“They have worked closely with me in redesigning ICLG to benefit and enhance each individual labels under our umbrella and foster an entrepreneurial spirit that will set the standard for what a modern music company should be. I congratulate Annie and Steve on their well-deserved promotions, and look forward to sharing enormous success with them in the coming years.”

Prior to his promotion, Berman was Vice Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M, having been appointed to that position in 2010. He joined the company in 1991, only six months after its inception as Interscope Records to lead its marketing and sales efforts.

In 2005 Steve Berman was named President, Marketing & Sales at the expanded Interscope Geffen A&M. Berman began his career in 1981 as a teenager in the mailroom at Warner Bros. Records, later joining WEA Distribution as National Marketing Coordinator before transitioning to Interscope.

Annie Lee was most recently the Chief Financial Officer of Interscope Geffen A&M, having been appointed to that position in 2019. She began her tenure at the company in 2006 as Senior Director of Finance and Operations. She was later promoted to Senior Vice President in 2014. She joined Universal Music Group, parent company of ICLG, in 2005 as a Senior Financial Analyst.

Left to right: WCM CEO Guy Moot, WCM Germany MD Natascha Augustin, and WCM Scandinavia MD Lars Karlsson. Photo Credit: Warner Music Group

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of January 26th, 2024.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Warner Chappell Music

Warner Chappell has promoted more than 15-year team member Lázaro Hernández to SVP of A&R for U.S. Latin and Latin America.

Additionally, 14-year Warner Chappell Germany higher-up Natascha Augustin has been boosted to managing director, with Lars Karlsson, previously MD of both WCM Germany and WCM Scandinavia, now focusing “on the publisher’s expanding business in the Nordics.”

SONA

Songwriters of North America has established a New York chapter and announced a series of leadership shifts, including the elevation of Michelle Lewis, previously executive director, to CEO of SONA as well as the associated-but-distinct SONA Foundation. Meanwhile, industry vet Erin McAnally has signed on as executive director.

Next, Sound Circle Management head Kellie Brown has become COO of SONA proper and its namesake foundation, whereas Linda Bloss-Baum, who spent about nine years with SoundExchange, has joined SONA’s board and “been retained to lend her expertise in policy and government affairs.”

Lastly, SONA’s board has also added Truideation co-founder Camus Celli, who’ll “lead the new New York chapter and head SONA’s growth efforts on the east coast.”

Angel Studios

Angel Studios has hired former Millennium Media head of music Ryan Svendsen in the same role.

A2IM

Former Qobuz music merchandiser Emmaline McCourt has come aboard the American Association of Independent Music as membership manager.

BMG

BMG Nashville president Jon Loba has transitioned to president of frontline recordings for North America, and Thomas Scherer has pivoted from president of repertoire and marketing to president of global catalog recordings.

Primary Wave

Primary Wave has brought on Agnes Kacicki (previously an RBC Capital Markets director) as head of corporate development.

V13

V13 Promotions has officially launched its publicity division and elevated marketing and publicity intern Erin Browne to publicity and marketing manager.

FiXT

FiXT has promoted marketing and sales director Kurtis Redden to operations director and head of marketing, besides boosting accounting and royalties manager Travis Brockett to administrative director.

We Are Giant

We Are Giant has added AEG Presents global touring COO David Rappaport to its board.

Big Loud Rock

Big Loud Rock has tapped former C3 Management exec David Barbis to serve as head of promotion.

NMPA

The National Music Publishers’ Association has hired veteran political strategist Chris Barkley as SVP of government affairs.

Kakao Entertainment

Kakao has announced COO Kweon Ki-su and global strategy officer Joseph Chang as co-CEOs.

CAA

Creative Artists Agency has officially elevated six-year team member Jenna Powell to communications executive.

In one of January 2024’s music industry hires and promotions, Luke Ericson (pictured) became Gibson’s COO on a permanent basis. Photo Credit: Gibson Brands

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of January 12th, 2024.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Hipgnosis Songs Fund

Sylvia Coleman has resigned from HSF’s board.

Gibson

Luke Ericson, who was named Gibson’s interim COO last May, has assumed the role on a permanent basis.

Deezer

Deezer has named former Meta product-marketing director Ivana Kirkbride chief commercial officer.

Beatport

The Beatport Group has elevated Matt Gralen (who will continue to fulfill his duties as CFO post-promotion) to president and boosted almost two-year team member Helen Sartory to CRO.

Utopia

Approximately three months after signing on as Utopia Music’s CEO, Nielsen vet Alain Couttolenc has been replaced by Michael Stebler, who reportedly “represents the majority shareholder group behind” Utopia.

Couttolenc has transitioned to deputy CEO and chief commercial officer, with UDS and Proper Music MD Drew Hill a deputy CEO as well. Plus, Pedro Lima, previously with NielsenIQ, is now Utopia’s COO.

Arista

Sony Music’s Arista has hired longtime Island marketing professional Sharon Timure as head of marketing and tapped former Glassnote publicity head Kelsey Hession to serve as its publicity lead.

ArtistVerified

ArtistVerified has announced its eight-person advisory board: Cool Sh*t, Cool People founder Maria Gironas, Everybody Ventures founder Bruce Hamilton, former Deutsche Bank higher-up Alex Medana, Ozzy Osbourne bassist Rob Nicholson, Loma Vista Recordings’ Rian Rochford, SongHub co-founder Steve Stewart, Goldman Sachs vet Michael Swell, and Michelle Yuen (formerly with Chartmetric).

Fair Trade Services

Indie Christian music company Fair Trade Services has upped Darren Elrod from COO to president and promoted nearly two-decade team member James Rueger to chief creative officer.

US Patent & Trademark Office

The USPTO has brought on Sharon Israel as chief policy officer and director for international affairs, an appointment that the RIAA “welcomes.”

DistroKid

DistroKid founder Philip Kaplan is exchanging his CEO post for a role as chairman, whereas COO (and CD Baby vet) Phil Bauer has become president.

ASM Global

ASM Global has hired former Live Nation exec Jason Rio as SVP of live entertainment and content development.

Heavys

Metal-focused immersive-audio business Heavys has named as its chief commercial officer more than 10-year Warner Music professional Itay Rahat.

iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia has announced Seth Pitkin (previously with Sinclair Broadcast Group) as market president for Des Moines. Additionally, Zann Fredlund is transitioning from iHeartMedia Seattle to begin as program director for San Antonio and Austin.

One Finnix Live

London-based live music agency One Finnix Live has enlisted UTA vet Bex Wedlake to serve as a U.S.-based booking agent.

EastCoast Entertainment

Entertainment agency ECE has elevated 10-year team member Kaitlin Sweeney, who’s based in Philadelphia, to managing partner.

Longborough Festival Opera

Emily Gottlieb, formerly with the National Opera Studio, is officially the Longborough Festival Opera’s executive director.

Topeka Music Vacations

Topeka has hired Anthony Diaz as COO and Rachel Voorhies as senior operations director, besides boosting Nicole Steed to senior marketing and community director. Each individual previously worked or consulted for Sixthman, another company from Topeka founder and head Andy Levine.

Photo Credit: SoundCloud (Tom Sansone)

Following the leak of ‘$1B+’ sales rumors, SoundCloud has a new CFO/COO. Tom Sansone steps into the role following the departure of Drew Wilson.

SoundCloud CEO Eliah Seton made the announcement yesterday, effective immediately. Tom Sansone brings more than 20 years of global financial and operational experience in the technology and music industries, including a track record of leading business transformation.

In his new role, Sansone will help drive the execution of SoundCloud’s strategic roadmap through operational rigor, corporate development, M&A, financial performance and capital restructuring. Sansone will report directly to Seton. Sansone most recently served as CFO for Kobalt Music Group for seven years. In that position, Sansone was a key architect of the company’s operational restructuring and profitable growth, capital planning, and successful sale of the businesses.

Previously, Sansone was COO and CFO of Gilt Groupe for 8 years, leading the company through a period of growth. Earlier in his career, Sansone worked for Arthur Anderson and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and management of SoundCloud, I want to welcome Tom to the team. Tom is a proven global executive with a highly differentiated and relevant skill set that includes accelerating business transformation, establishing operational and financial discipline and executing strategic alternatives,” says Eliah Seton. “Now that we are a profitable growth company and in control of our own destiny, Tom will be a key partner in helping us realize SoundCloud’s unique opportunity and industry-changing vision.”

“I am passionate about helping businesses realize their potential and am incredibly excited about the opportunities for SoundCloud,” adds Tom Sansone. “The evolution of the business has been exciting to see and the company remains one of the most trusted brands for creators and super fans of music discovery. I’m looking forward to working with an incredible leadership team and board to execute on the strategy to empower artists and fans to share and connect through music and to build on our strong financial footing.”

Universal Music Mexico has named Alfredo Delgadillo (pictured) president and CEO. Photo Credit: Universal Music Group

Longtime Universal Music Group (UMG) higher-up Alfredo Delgadillo has been named CEO and president of Universal Music Mexico effective immediately.

The Big Three label today announced the appointment, with the EMI vet Delgadillo having served as MD of Universal Music Mexico since 2017.

In the expanded role, Delgadillo will keep on leading Universal Music Mexico and begin overseeing the operations of Fonovisa Records as well as Disa Records, per the overarching Universal Music.

As described by UMG, Delgadillo was during his tenure as MD of Universal Music Mexico “instrumental” in developing homegrown acts such as Mon Laferte (who was born in Chile but has for some years been based in Mexico) and Caloncho. Additionally, the professional has bolstered the domestic commercial results of projects from Taylor Swift, J. Balvin, Luis Fonsi, Metallica, and others, the major label highlighted.

Mexico City-based Delgadillo, who first signed on with Universal Music back in 1998, will in the just-disclosed role report to Universal Music Latin America and Iberian Peninsula CEO Jesús López.

Addressing the news, Delgadillo emphasized the rapid growth attributable to both Mexican music and the broader Latin space.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and the trust that has been placed in me throughout my career and now in this new professional challenge,” Delgadillo communicated in part. “The support of the entire UMG team will be integral to continuing to make history and furthering Latin music culture around the world.”

And in remarks of his own, López touted the “extensive experience” and varied career achievements of Delgadillo.

“Alfredo is an executive with extensive experience in all fields of entertainment, including Records, Management and Touring,” indicated the 68-year-old López. “He has incredible leadership capacity and a great track record of developing and integrating young executives into his teams. These are among the many reasons for his ongoing success at Universal Music Mexico. I wish him every success in his new mission within the company. He has the support of our entire team.”

Of course, Delgadillo’s start as Universal Music Mexico president and CEO has arrived only days after Virgin Music Group revealed the buyout of Saban Music Latin. As part of the deal, UMG-owned Virgin has added to its catalog the rights to a number of commercially well-known Latin efforts.

Plus, Virgin said that it intends to sign and release projects from certain Saban Music Latin acts. While the purchasing party has already ripped down Saban’s website and socials, the latter company’s roster appears to include the likes of Chesca, Loyal Lobos, Kyen Es, and YoGambii, with connections to Don Omar and others via distribution pacts.

In one of December’s music industry hires, Nathaniel Marro (pictured) joined the National Independent Talent Organization as managing director. Photo Credit: NITO

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of December 28th, 2023.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

WME Agency

Amid a major music-department restructuring, WME has promoted six Nashville-based agents – former Spectra Presents marketing director Beth Hamilton, Elite Talent Agency owner Mark Claassen, Andrew Colvin, Ticketmaster vet Sloane Cavitt Logue, Travis Wolfe (previously with Paradigm), and longtime team member Austin Mullins – to partner.

Additionally, eight staffers have become agents: John Showfety (who started with WME in 2018), Jeremy Upton, Josh Green (initially with Red 11 Music), Dan Kuklinski (also a Red 11 alumnus), Janelle Flint, Carlile Willett (focusing on talent-brand partnerships), former Paradigm agent assistant Lindsey Hastings, and Laura Williams.

Warner Music Nashville

A&R EVP Scott Hendricks is set to exit Warner Music Nashville at December’s end after about 16 years with the company.

DistroDirect

DistroDirect has announced four hires, including the addition of Music Gets Me High owner Ritnika Nayan as business development and partnerships manager for India and South Asia.

Next, ONErpm A&R vet Ben Frigeri has signed on in New York as U.S. business development and partnerships manager, with former CD Baby market-development professional Henriette Heimdal joining as head of UK and EU business development.

Lastly, software specialist Samuel Fernandes has come aboard “from Brazil to expand DistroDirect’s presence across Latin America.”

NITO

The National Independent Talent Organization has tapped Sofar Sounds vet Nathaniel Marro to serve as its first managing director.

Sonar Media

Sonar Media has added former Stone Temple Pilots manager Steve Stewart to its advisory board.

Death Row Records

Death Row Records has brought on over six-year Universal Music Publishing Group sampling employee Kat MacLean Daley as VP and head of publishing.

Warner Chappell Music

Warner Chappell has hired Jessica Entner (who previously had a deal with the publisher) as its first VP of creative sync strategy.

300 Entertainment

Warner Music’s 300 Entertainment has promoted Lallie Jones (“the label’s first employee”) to VP of marketing and Josh D’Amore (who’s been part of 300 since 2014) to SVP of digital and streaming.

Guild of Music Supervisors VP Heather Guibert (left) and president Lindsay Wolfington. Photo Credit: Khalid F

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of December 1st, 2023.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Guild of Music Supervisors

The Guild of Music Supervisors has added Jonathan Leahy (Aperture Music) and Robin Urdang (Reel Music) to its board.

Leahy and Urdang will serve alongside seven existing board members – Joel C. High, Howard Paar, Todd Porter, Aminé Ramer, Jennifer Smith, Andrea von Foerster, and Madonna Wade-Reed – under Lindsay Wolfington (president) and Heather Guibert (VP).

Catch Point Rights Partners

Catch Point has brought on former Capital One product manager Clay Sosis as its first investment and technology associate.

Musixmatch

Lyrics and music data platform Musixmatch has just tapped Rio Caraeff as its Chief Business Officer. Caraeff will oversee and bolster relationships with Musixmatch’s clients, partners, IP owners, and other stakeholders.

AIM

Beggars Group director of live licensing Ruth Barlow has been named chair of The Association of Independent Music.

Additionally, four professionals have joined AIM’s board: Transgressive co-founder (and former AIM chair) Tim Dellow, Chrysalis Records/Blue Raincoat Music general counsel Jackie Joseph, Ninja Tune chair Peter Quicke (also a former AIM chair), and Secretly Group VP of operations Chloé van Bergen.

Syntax Creative

Syntax Creative has promoted 18-year company veteran Brandon Musser to chief operating officer.

Warner Music Latina

Warner Music Latina has upped 13-year team member Brenda Carrasco to VP of marketing and artist strategy.

Sony Music Publishing UK

SMP UK has announced three A&R promotions: Universal Music vet Felix Canetty-Clarke has been boosted to VP of UK A&R strategy and international research, roughly eight-year A&R professional Sarah Gabrielli-Cohen has been elevated to senior director of A&R for the UK and Europe, and Saul Fitton, previously with Warner Chappell, has been enlisted to serve as senior director of A&R for the UK.

iHeartMedia Baltimore

iHeartMedia Baltimore has named Bethany Linderman, formerly with Entercom, co-host of 93.1 WPOC’s The Laurie DeYoung Show.

FBMM

Los Angeles-based business manager Jordan L. Josephs has joined FBMM.

In one of November’s music industry hires and promotions, Jordan Lee (pictured) rejoined WYMS Radio Milwaukee as senior director of programming. Photo Credit: Radio Milwaukee

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of November 10th, 2023.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Spotify

Longtime Warner Music Nashville higher-up Tim Foisset has signed on as Spotify’s head of label partnerships for Nashville.

WYMS Radio Milwaukee

After stepping away from Radio Milwaukee in January of 2022 to accept a position with Paragon, Jordan Lee has rejoined the station as senior director of programming.

Danny Wimmer Presents

Danny Wimmer Presents has announced five additions to its team. First, former TikTok head of global marketing intelligence Lise Brende is now EVP of intelligence, whereas Performance Paradigm vet Steve Donovan has become project manager within the production department.

Next, Dan Lerner has joined as senior designer, former Live Nation senior accountant Ryan Brady is officially accounting manager, and Tanvi Varma (previously with Wasserman Media and Live Nation) has been tapped to serve as staff accountant.

PPL

Phonographic Performance Limited has promoted more than 13-year team member Camilla Waite to general counsel.

Warner Music Group

Alexandra Condon, who spent over 10 years with PRS for Music, has joined Warner Music as a London-based VP of public policy and government affairs.

Warner Classics

Sean Michael Gross, who’s headed Warner Classics UK since 2021, has been upped to the newly created role of VP of Warner Classics UK and North America.

Warner Music Nordics

After holding executive positions at Warner’s NYC-based Atlantic Records for half a decade, Tim Braüner is returning to Denmark, effective February 1st, as director of international A&R for Warner Music Nordics as well as Warner Music Denmark.

Warner Music Música Mexicana

Warner Music has named nearly three-year team member Delia Orjuela and over 18-year employee Ruben Abraham co-heads of its Música Mexicana division.

The National Independent Talent Organization (NITO)

NITO has named as officers for 2023-2024 The Kurland Agency’s Jack Randall (president), Magnus Media’s Michel Vega (VP), Arrival Artists’ Matt Yasecko (secretary), and Partisan Arts’ Tom Chauncey (treasurer).

Additionally, the organization has announced newly elected board members Adam Bauer (Madison House’s operations director), Chris Harris (a longtime Rainmaker manager and partner), Randy Nichols (owner of and MD at Force Media Management), Nelly Neben (who established Axis Artist Management about 28 years ago), and Sean Patrick Rhorer (Distance Management’s founder).

Wasserman Music

Wasserman Music has hired WME vet Brad Goodman as SVP in Los Angeles and brought on former CAA and ICM professional Sam Bartlett as a New York-based VP of casinos and performing arts centers.

Plus, Wasserman has enlisted former HIFI Labs strategy head Taryn Haight as its first LA-based VP of strategy for electronic music and confirmed Guy Mason as its legal counsel in London.

Sony Music Publishing

Laura Mendoza, previously with Believe, is now managing director for Sony Music Publishing’s Colombia division.

Kobalt

Kobalt has elevated Sean Dishman, who has held various roles at the company since 2013, to senior director of creative.

In one of late October’s music industry hires and promotions, PRG named Ariane Coldiron (pictured) SVP of corporate events. Photo Credit: PRG

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of October 27th, 2023.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Sony Music Publishing

SMP has brought on Robin Nastri as SVP of global business office. In the newly created role, the longtime Accenture higher-up will spearhead “transformation initiatives to streamline operations, enhance technology, and optimize processes.”

Mom+Pop

Mom+Pop has promoted three-year team member Whitney Dublin to senior director of digital marketing.

Tickets for Good

Tickets for Good has added Live Nation vet Don Orris and former Audoo chief commercial officer Will Mills to its advisory board.

Voice-Swap

Dan Stein-led Voice-Swap has unveiled a new team, including advisory board members Michael Pelczynski (previously SoundCloud’s strategy VP), Joshua Hodge (founder and CEO of The Audio Programmer), Romanna Dadral (a Meta product-security vet), and Aaron Ross (who owns Infinite Future Management).

Additionally, Benn Jordan is now the AI-powered vocals platform’s creative director, with journalist Declan McGlynn serving as communications director and Infectious Records co-founder Chris Gilbert working as chairman.

PRG

Production Resource Group has hired 10-year Freeman exec Ariane Coldiron as SVP of corporate events.

BandLab

BandLab Technologies has officially announced Rolling Stone Culture Council founding member Drew Silverstein as its senior advisor for AI, innovation, and strategy.

Utopia Music

Longtime Nielsen team member Alain Couttolenc has become CEO of Utopia Music.

Live Nation

Nearly 14-year Live Nation higher-up Roger Field has resigned from his position as president of Asia Pacific.

In one of October’s music industry hires and promotions, Warner Music Finland announced that Jukka Immonen (pictured) will begin as A&R head on January 1st, 2024. Photo Credit: Warner Music Group

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of October 9th, 2023.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Warner Music Malaysia

Former iQIYI exec Dinesh Ratnam has signed on as MD of Warner Music Malaysia.

Warner Music Finland

Over 15-year Warner Music Finland vet Ramona Forsström is set to begin as MD in November, while Jukka Immonen will start as head of A&R in the new year. Warner Music has also acquired the recorded business of Immonen’s The Fried Music company.

Audoo

Audoo has tapped former Facebook international music publishing partnerships head Melanie Johnson to serve as chief commercial officer.

Kobalt

Kat Basolo, a Kobalt higher-up of about one decade, has been boosted to SVP of creative sync.

JKBX

JKBX has promoted former Warner Music senior product director Amanda Kopp to chief product officer.

Hallwood Media

Hallwood Media has promoted three-year team member Quinn McGinley to GM of its recording division.

Fantasy Records

Former C3 Presents manager Lindsay Brandt has become Fantasy Records’ first VP of marketing, creative.

Anthem

Having served as Anthem Entertainment’s interim CEO and interim CFO, respectively, since earlier in 2023, Jason Klein and Sal Fazzari have accepted the roles on a permanent basis.

Also as part of the company’s far-reaching reorganization, nearly 10-year team member Tom Leighton is officially VP of licensing, seven-year employee Andy Hawke has been confirmed as Anthem Records’ GM, Andrew Jamal has been acknowledged as director of acquisitions, and former Universal Music marketing manager Ryan Cain has joined the business as director of marketing and communications.

Next, Stephanie Haas has rejoined Anthem as VP of HR following a stint at Shaftesbury, and A&R professional Andy Curran has returned to Anthem after working for businesses including Inveniem.

Lastly, Anthem has upped over five-year director Adrian Battiston to VP of business and legal, promoted 16-year higher-up Jennifer Correia to senior director of legal and Canadian operations, confirmed Dave Collier as VP of technology, and elevated Sony Music Masterworks vet Amanda Dworetsky to senior director of business and legal.

Beatport

Beatport has promoted former Warner Music strategy and innovation consultant Charles Morgan to chief marketing officer.

Warner Music Group

Oana Ruxandra has stepped down from her role as WMG’s chief digital officer.

In one of August’s music industry hires and promotions, Gili Brandshtein (pictured) was named CTO of Artlist. Photo Credit: Artlist

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of August 23rd, 2023.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Blackx

Equipped with $100 million, Asia-focused music investment company Blackx has officially opened an office in Japan and tapped Giant Artist Management co-founder Hiroki Shirasuka to lead the division.

Additionally, the Singapore-based business has added longtime Twentieth Century Fox exec Catherine Chow (CFO) and ADA vet Chiou Chiou (GM for acquisition and commercial) to its Greater China operation. Meanwhile, financial professional Hudson Wong has come aboard as head of business operations in Singapore.

Too Lost

Too Lost has hired seven employees, including enlisting former BeatStars COO Damien Ritter to serve as director of communications, naming former Spotify sales team member Meghan Lyttle product operations coordinator, and bringing on Jennifer Ferrer (previously with ADA) as senior product manager.

Next, Ariana Slater (formerly Get Engaged Media’s music team lead) and Carly Golisch (formerly an Oracle NetSuite account executive) are now product and operations coordinators. Rounding out the hires, former 300 Entertainment A&R consultant Jake Selvey has signed on as A&R Manager, with former Maverick Management manager Jheanelle Henry stepping up as Too Lost’s product manager for label services.

Finally, Too Lost has elevated Aldo Davalos from head of business development to GM/head of business development and upped Buster Ross from A&R manager to associate director of A&R.

Sony Music Publishing Nashville

SMP Nashville has promoted Kenley Flynn, who joined the company in 2020, to VP of creative A&R.

Katz Media Group

Katz Digital Audio has named former Triton Digital EVP Dominick Milano SVP of programmatic audio.

Artlist

Former 888 Holdings higher-ups Gili Brandshtein and Roee Peled have become Artlist’s CTO and chief product officer, respectively.

Kobalt

Kobalt has boosted over five-year employee Alaine Fulton to VP, creative and clearance sync, where she’ll oversee the entity’s London-based sync team.

ASM Global

Former Appalachian Wireless Arena GM Paul Bowles is now GM of Huntington, West Virginia’s Mountain Health Arena and Convention Center.

Elektra

Jacob Fain, who joined Elektra Entertainment in November of 2020, has been promoted to EVP and head of A&R.

NPR

Longtime NPR programming higher-up Anya Grundmann has announced plans to step down at 2023’s end.

Odyssey Touring

Odyssey Touring has hired as agents Matthew Mentele (a multi-decade Event Resources vet) and Spencer Hooks (formerly with 40FI Creations).

Sound Talent Group

Former ICM concerts VP Jon Pleeter and former Paradigm booking coordinator John Lashnits have become Sound Talent agents.

In one of August’s music industry hires and promotions, Paul Langworthy (pictured) was named chief revenue officer of Songtradr. Photo Credit: Songtradr

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of August 9th, 2023.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Songtradr

Songtradr has named Paul Langworthy, formerly CEO of its 7digital subsidiary, chief revenue officer.

A2IM

The American Association of Independent Music has hired Tracklib vet Melissa White as director of membership and UnPeeled founder Jasmine Lopez-Alvarez as marketing manager.

300 Elektra Entertainment

Warner Music’s 300 Elektra Entertainment has elevated former Columbia Records exec Aimie Vaughan-Früehe to EVP and head of promotion and streaming.

Primary Wave

Primary Wave has brought on former UMG global marketing manager Songhay Taylor as estate marketing manager for the James Brown and Prince estates. Additionally, the company has upped more than two-year team member Christopher Green to content development manager.

DiMA

Digital Media Association CEO Garrett Levin has stepped down and relocated to Geneva, Switzerland. While a replacement hasn’t yet been announced, VP of legal Kirsten Donaldson has taken Levin’s place on the Mechanical Licensing Collective board.

Concord Label Group

Red Light Management’s Tom Becci is set to begin as Concord Label Group’s chief executive next Monday, August 14th.

Wasserman

Wasserman Music has announced four hires, adding to its New York team VP Andrew Buck and agent Ryan Soroka. Plus, Shanae Dennis has become an agent in London, and Andrew Morgan has joined as an agent in Los Angeles.

Kobalt

Kobalt has promoted UK A&R head Kenny McGoff to head of creative for the UK.

TuneCore

Over 12-year Spotify exec Tash Shah is now VP of international for Believe’s TuneCore.

Photo Credit: Mattias Hjelmstedt

After divesting multiple recently acquired businesses (Absolute and ROSTR among them) and laying off a number of employees, Utopia Music has reportedly delayed paying certain team members, and two of its subsidiaries look to have filed for bankruptcy.   

Following our report on the state of Utopia Music, the company reached out to clarify some final points. “All outstanding tax debts have been cleared, including our financial obligations in Sweden,” adds Utopia Co-Founder and CEO Mattias Hjelmstedt. “We continue to actively work on this process to ensure that we never find ourselves in this position again.”

These latest less-than-ideal developments pertaining to Utopia Music entered the media spotlight in a pair of reports from Complete Music Update, after the Swiss music fintech a week back revealed plans to close two R&D offices (one in Finland, the other in the UK).

In an internally circulated memo that was shared with Digital Music News, Utopia co-founder and CEO Mattias Hjelmstedt described the closures as “a necessary step to realize our long-term vision of Fair Pay for Every Play” – while opting against mentioning the initially highlighted bankruptcies. Similarly, a Utopia representative in a lengthy statement to DMN didn’t elaborate upon the precise fate of the research and development operations at hand.

According to the aforesaid reports, however, the UK R&D division has been put into liquidation, and the hub in Finland has filed for bankruptcy. When inquiring about their due pay, employees at the former division were reportedly told to speak with the liquidators. At the time of this writing, none of these undoubtedly ticked-off professionals appeared to have taken to LinkedIn to discuss their recent experiences with Utopia.

Meanwhile, different Utopia employees yet – referring specifically to those who are still part of the troubled company but excepting the teams of Proper Music and Utopia Distribution Services – are waiting to receive their owed paychecks, per the above-noted outlet.

Though it’s certainly little consolation to the workers who haven’t been compensated for their efforts, this is according to the reports not the first time that Utopia’s delayed making salary payments.

Additionally, third-party vendors are likewise awaiting the fulfillment of outstanding invoices from Utopia, the report shows – with the latter entity having reportedly responded to associated inquiries by communicating that further funding would be required to honor the relevant contracts.

Addressing the alleged failure to pay employees, a Utopia spokesperson acknowledged that “there have been some hiccups in internal processes due to our transformation efforts,” proceeding to state that “all employees are in the process of being paid.”

And when asked whether the overarching Utopia Music AG would be able to meet its financial obligations in the long term, the company somewhat noncommittally relayed that “part of the reason that the R&D entities in the UK and Finland were closed down was to safeguard our global operations.”

Worth mentioning in conclusion is that an April report suggested Utopia Music, which had previously sold off Sentric to Believe in a $51 million deal, was battling allegations of massive tax debts. Plus, at least one company is litigating against Utopia over an acquisition deal that evidently fell through.

In one of July’s music industry hires, Fred Rubenstein (pictured) became VP of digital marketing for Sony Music Nashville. Photo Credit: Rebecca Lader

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of July 20th, 2023.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

IFPI

International Federation of the Phonographic Industry CEO Frances Moore will step down at 2023’s end and is currently assisting “in the global search for her successor.”

PRS for Music

Veteran songwriter Crispin Hunt has signed on as a PRS for Music director.

Kobalt

Kobalt has hired former BMI creative director Teresa Romo as senior creative director for Latin America – a role in which she’ll “primarily” oversee the business’s “creative expansion in Mexico.”

Primary Wave

Primary Wave has promoted more than 13-year company vet (and partner) Marty Silverstone to president of global sync.

Prager Metis

Longtime tax professional Anson Loi has joined Prager Metis as a partner.

Kanpai Pandas

“Omnichain NFT collection” Kanpai Pandas has brought on former Red Bull music-marketing manager David Nam to lead its Kanpai Media venture as head of marketing.

Sony Music Nashville

Sony Music Nashville has hired former Warner Music Group and Twitch higher-up Fred Rubenstein as VP of digital marketing.

Royal College of Music

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra MD James Williams is scheduled to begin as director for the Royal College of Music on September 1st of next year.

Eat Music

Eat Music has added Hanse Booking’s Torben Meyer as a senior talent agent for international.

Interscope Geffen A&M

Interscope Geffen A&M has made four promotions: Sam Riback and longtime UMG employee Nicole Wyskoarko are now A&R presidents, 17-year team member Michelle An has become president of creative strategy, and over 13-year Interscope higher-up Gary Kelly is GM of Interscope as well as EVP and chief revenue officer of Interscope Geffen A&M.

Warner Music Latina

Warner Music Latina has named former Warner Music Colombia senior A&R manager Andrés Shaq A&R director.

BPI vet Geoff Taylor, who’s joined Sony Music Entertainment as EVP of AI. Photo Credit: Mary McCartney

With the artificial intelligence boom in full swing, 15-year British Phonographic Industry (BPI) head Geoff Taylor has signed on as the first EVP of artificial intelligence for Sony Music Entertainment (SME).

The IFPI vet Taylor, who said last August that he would depart the BPI in 2023 to pursue “a more directly commercial role,” formally announced his new position in a LinkedIn post today. Of course, the development arrives as AI continues to play an increasingly significant part in the industry, creating no shortage of infringement concerns as well as perceived revenue opportunities for the major labels and other prominent companies.

“I’m delighted to share that I have joined the brilliant team at Sony Music Entertainment to lead their global AI strategy,” penned Taylor. “It’s the next exciting chapter in the evolution of the music business and it will be a privilege to work with so many talented colleagues to help Sony Music embrace this change in a way that will benefit its artists and songwriters.”

On the latter front, Sony Music and its fellow Big Three labels are taking steps to stem the tide (or at least the prevalence) of AI releases. Echoing remarks made by Universal Music Group (UMG) CEO Lucian Grainge towards 2023’s start, SME CEO Rob Stringer last month claimed that streaming services had been “watered down by low quality and meaningless volume.”

And when it comes to allegedly infringing AI music – unauthorized soundalike tracks chief among them – the majors have been quick to compel streaming-service removals and are reportedly developing a related takedown notice system with leading platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Moreover, certain emerging streaming players are now catering to fans who are looking to listen to the mentioned AI-powered soundalike projects.

But beyond these and adjacent efforts to counteract the abundance of both legal and allegedly infringing AI music, the majors have also been moving to cash in on the unprecedented technology. Prior to Taylor’s joining SME, for instance, Universal Music one month ago unveiled a partnership deal with relaxation app Endel.

As part of the union, Endel and UMG said they’d use AI to create “both new music and new versions of catalog music” – with execs emphasizing “the incredible potential of ethical AI.” In April of 2022, well before the Endel tie-up closed and all manner of AI media began pouring into the entertainment landscape, Universal Music joined Disney, Microsoft, and others in backing artificial intelligence music-creation platform Soundful.

In one of May’s music industry hires and promotions, Ineffable Records named Pandora vet Diego Herrera (pictured) director of business development. Photo Credit: Ineffable Records

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of May 19th, 2023.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

BMG

Though originally set to depart BMG at 2023’s end, CEO Hartwig Masuch will now be succeeded by his previously announced replacement, CFO Thomas Coesfeld, on July 1st.

Masuch is “leaving BMG and Bertelsmann at his own request and on the best of mutual terms,” citing “personal plans for the future,” according to his employer. Additionally, Bertelsmann/RTL exec Mathis Wolter will replace Coesfeld as CFO.

Chrysalis Records/Blue Raincoat Music

Reservoir’s Chrysalis/Blue Raincoat has named Donna Vergier (who’s spent about one year as the company’s “freelance international consultant”) VP of international marketing.

LiveCo

LiveCo has brought on ASM Global vet Steve Tadlock as SVP of venue relations and promoted Mark Dinerstein (who’s been with the business since its 2021 founding) from EVP to president of the live entertainment company’s newly formed corporate development group.

Ineffable Records

Ineffable Records has hired roughly nine-year Pandora music programmer and curator Diego Herrera as director of business development.

Hallwood Media

Neil Jacobson’s Hallwood Media has elevated 2wenty 2wenty vet Danny Berkeley-Scott to VP of management.

Warner Chappell UK

Warner Chappell UK has upped Amber Davis to SVP – a role she’ll fill while continuing as the publisher’s head of A&R.

Elektra Entertainment

Warner Music’s Elektra has promoted three employees: Chris Brown is now EVP of Elektra and co-head of Roadrunner Records, whereas Katie Robinson has become Elektra’s head of marketing.

Rounding out the promotions, Johnny Minardi is officially head of Fueled by Ramen, co-head of Roadrunner, and SVP of A&R for Elektra.

musicFIRST Coalition

musicFIRST has tapped Mark Pryor (previously a U.S. senator) and Will Moschella (formerly a principal associate deputy attorney general) to serve as co-chairmen.

Atlantic

More than 40-year Atlantic Records team member Andrea Ganis, who in 2019 became the label’s first president of promotion, has announced plans to exit the WMG subsidiary.

Gibson

Over seven-year Gibson higher-up Elizabeth Heidt has been appointed chief marketing officer.

In one of May’s music industry hires and promotions, Belmont named 15-time Grammy winner CeCe Winans (center) its inaugural artist in residence. Photo Credit: Belmont University

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of May 10th, 2023.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator

The White House has nominated former Paramount anti-piracy exec (and former RIAA regional counsel) Deborah Robinson as intellectual property enforcement coordinator. In a statement, RIAA head Mitch Glazier thanked “President Biden for selecting such an outstanding nominee to advance smart, pro-growth IP policies and enforcement practices around the world.”

Belmont University

Belmont has named CeCe Winans as an “artist in residence” for the fall of 2023, and besides “engaging with members of the Belmont community at campus events” as part of the arrangement, the gospel mainstay is scheduled to perform at the university’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on September 15th.

PPL

10-year Unilever higher-up Suzi Ibbotson has signed on as PPL’s director of communications.

Reitler Kailas & Rosenblatt LLP

More than 36-year Rosenfeld, Meyer & Susman vet Todd Bonder has joined Reitler as a partner.

UMe

Universal Music’s UMe catalog company has elevated seven-year team member (and former New West Records media exec) Tim Plumley to VP of media and artist relations.

WMG

Val Blavatnik, the son of Access Industries owner Len Blavatnik, has been elected to Warner Music’s board of directors (and appointed to the major label’s executive committee), replacing Len’s brother Alex Blavatnik.

unhurd

Former AWAL general manager Paul Trueman has become unhurd’s first COO, and SoundCloud VP of music intelligence Hazel Savage (who participated in unhurd’s March seed round) has joined the AI music-promotion startup’s board.

BMG

BMG has upped longtime Rise Records exec Sean Heydorn to SVP of the Portland-based label as well as frontline catalog.

VuHaus

VuHaus Group has hired Engage Youth operations director Michelle Conrad as marketing director, brought on Sixthman venue manager Zac Altheimer as sponsorship and partnership coordinator, and transitioned founding team member Michele Tharp to partnership marketing consultant.

VDC Trading

VDC has hired veteran sales professional Jason Shaw as UK sales manager “to help drive the company’s growth post Covid.”

Warner Music Latina

Former Universal Music Latino public relations exec Carlos Pérez has joined Warner Music Latina as its Miami-based SVP of communications and PR.

Bose Professional

Transom has tapped former Blue Microphones CEO John Maier to lead the newly independent Bose Professional.

Concord Music Publishing

Concord has promoted 25-year publishing vet Brooke Primont to EVP of global sync.

Photo Credit: LinkedIn

ByteDance is hiring a US-based music strategist to help coordinate its music strategy across TikTok, Resso, and other apps. Beyond the requisite perks and shiny LA office, the right candidate can easily bag a $300,000+ annual salary.

According to the job description, the music strategy team oversees the overall strategy of ByteDance’s global music business, working closely with business departments across TikTok, SoundOn, and Resso. The role ByteDance is looking to fill would give the right candidate the opportunity to contribute to the creation and development of a world-class music ecosystem that “brings value to both ByteDance and the whole music industry,” according to the job listing on LinkedIn.

If TikTok craters in the states, don’t worry: ByteDance has plenty of other apps that need music-related attention. But one thing this job probably won’t require is travel to the state of Montana.

The right candidate would also be responsible for ‘developing and refining’ the overall strategy of ByteDance Music as well as the breakdown of each business’ tactics. They would also identify new opportunities for expansion through in-depth research of emerging opportunities and help with project landing. 

Here are the listed qualifications per ByteDance’s posting.

• A minimum of 8 years of experience working in strategy, consulting and corporate development on the TMT sector, or a strategic thinker with vast knowledge and experience in the music business. 
• Strong understanding of digital environments.
• An experienced and independent researcher using data and analytics
• Highly self-motivated idealist with strong project management skills
• Experience in the global music industry is highly preferred, despite being a US-based position. 

ByteDance is looking to expand its U.S. presence, despite looming bans for its apps like TikTok. That includes the US state of Montana, which became the first state to pass legislation that would officially ban TikTok for all of its citizens. That bill is now waiting for Montana’s governor to sign it into law. If signed, the bill wouldn’t go into effect until 2024. The issues surrounding TikTok highlight why it’s important for ByteDance to continually cement its position in the U.S. market via alternate paths.

ByteDance recently introduced Lemon8 as a Pinterest and Instagram mash-up aimed at Gen-Z. Many TikTok users and young adults (18-24) are flocking to the platform as a way to unmesh themselves from Instagram, which is owned by Facebook’s parent company Meta. 

In one of March’s music industry hires and promotions, Musicbed named Chris Lavarias (pictured) head of its newly launched film and television division. Photo Credit: Musicbed

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of March 17th, 2023.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Warner Chappell Music (WCM)

Warner Chappell Music has hired The Artist’s Attorney founder Catalina Santa Peña as WCM Colombia’s managing director, while former Meta and Google music exec Arica Ng has signed on as president of WCM Asia Pacific.

Arista

Veronica Sanjines, previously VP of marketing at Warner Records, has joined Sony Music’s Arista Records as general manager.

300 Entertainment

Warner Music’s 300 Entertainment has announced three promotions, upping seven-year company vet Ryan MacTaggart to SVP of artist development and lifestyle marketing, elevating former Columbia higher-up Gary Sargeant to VP of urban and rhythm promotion, and naming former UMG exec Michael McArthur VP of A&R.

BMI

Nine-year Broadcast Music, Inc. team member John Coletta has been promoted to SVP and managing director, international.

Muserk

Muserk has hired former Universal Music Publishing Group data professional Sophia Pin as music rights technical administrator.

Screencastify

LearnCore co-founder Vishal Shah is now CEO of Chicago-headquartered Screencastify. The self-described “leading end-to-end video creation platform” has also named Paul Ray (likewise a LearnCore vet and most recently an Amazon Web Services higher-up) CTO and promoted former EAB VP Alex Stepien to president and CRO.

Musicbed

Fort Worth’s Musicbed has tapped Hidden Track Music vet Chris Lavarias to head its newly launched film and television division.

Ultra International Music Publishing

Ultra International Music Publishing and its Helix Records “sister company” have brought on Vanessa Kanapin (previously with Budde Music) as director of A&R for Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

Belmont University

Brittany Schaffer (who has for five years been Spotify’s head of artist and label partnerships in Nashville) is poised to begin as dean of Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business on May 1st.

Karta

Metaverse studio Karta, which launched in 2021, has officially announced former Hipgnosis and EMI exec Tony Barnes as its co-founder.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Former Greenberg Traurig and iHeartMedia attorney Gabe Fleet has joined Latham & Watkins as a partner in the firm’s connectivity, privacy, and information practice.

Audoo

Publishing vet Nigel Elderton has become chairman of music technology company Audoo.

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG)

Former BMI VP of creative for Europe Shirin Foroutan has joined UMPG as SVP and GM for Europe, succeeding GM of European operations Simon Baker, who’s set to “continue at the company in a senior management capacity.”

Additionally, 21-year team member Jonas Wikström is succeeding Martin Ingeström (who will retire in June) to become Universal Music Publishing Scandinavia’s MD of the Nordics.

First Artists Management (FAM)

FAM has hired Zoe Hart (who joins from Faber Music) as an agent in its European office and elevated Hailey Flame (who’s been with the company for more than two years) to the same position in Los Angeles.

Warner Music

Following the departure of Warner Music CEO Stephen Cooper, EVP and CFO Eric Levin has announced that he’ll retire later this year.

SoundCloud

SoundCloud president Eliah Seton has replaced Michael Weissman as the music-sharing platform’s CEO; Weissman just recently joined Wade Davis’ ForgeLight VC as a partner.

In one of February’s music industry hires and promotions, ADA Worldwide named Cathy Bauer (pictured) head of physical sales and marketing. Photo Credit: Warner Music Group

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of February 24th, 2023.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Too Lost

Too Lost has announced the opening of a Hollywood office, and as part of the expansion, Dim Mak Records and Ultra Records vet Aldo Davalos has signed on as head of business development.

The indie distributor has also brought on longtime Create Music Group A&R exec Dan Mody as its own A&R lead, with Courtney Young (previously with Dim Mak and Create) joining the LA office as head of label services.

Lastly, former beatBread and Universal Music higher-up Conner Davis is now serving as head of deal operations at Too Lost’s New York headquarters.

UTA

UTA Nashville has added longtime talent professional Brian Hill as a music agent and hired former Messina Touring Group marketing director Jaime Roberts as tour marketing director.

ASM Global

More than two-decade San Francisco Travel Association exec Leonie Patrick has become general manager of ASM’s Moscone Center.

Primary Wave

Former Warner Chappell UK and Round Hill MD Robin Godfrey-Cass has joined Primary Wave’s executive roster “to focus on catalog acquisitions of iconic and legendary” songwriters.

Spitfire Audio

Spitfire Audio co-founder Christian Henson announced he will ‘step back’ from his position at the production music and virtual library company. Henson, who faced backlash after tweeting support for author J.K. Rowling, announced his departure on February 24th, effective immediately. “As an original founder I am deeply saddened that Spitfire and Pianobook has become embroiled in something it has no involvement with,” Henson wrote on Twitter. “Spitfire employs a large number of people from a diverse range of backgrounds, all of whom are united in their passion for music, sound, and composing.”

The Syndicate

The Syndicate has promoted more than seven-year team member Amy Tremmel to SVP of marketing and events. Additionally, the Weehawken, New Jersey-headquartered entertainment marketing agency has elevated Canvas Media founder Brendan Bourke to VP of publicity and upped more than 10-year radio-promotion professional Joe McGinnis to VP of radio promotion.

ADA Worldwide

Warner Music’s ADA has tapped Cathy Bauer (previously ABKCO’s marketing and sales VP) to serve as its first head of physical sales and marketing.

YMU

Roc Nation Latin vet Yvette Medina has been named head of Latin music at YMU.

Wise Music Group

Wise has promoted Marcus Wise from global head of media to CEO for Europe, while Dave Holley has transitioned from CEO to chief operating officer.

In one of February’s music industry hires and promotions, the Worldwide Independent Network elevated Noemí Planas (pictured) to CEO. Photo Credit: WIN

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of February 20th, 2023.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

WIN

The Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) has promoted former Unión Fonográfica Independiente higher-up Noemí Planas to CEO. Additionally, Partisan Records’ Zena White has been elected chair, with the AIM’s Gee Davy, the Belgian Independent Music Association’s Geert De Blaere, GoDigital’s Jason Peterson, and Sub Pop’s Tony Kiewel joining the board.

Thirty Tigers

Thirty Tigers has elevated seven-year team member John Moser and five-year company veteran Ale Delgado from project manager positions to senior project manager roles.

Next, the Nashville-based indie distributor and management firm has promoted three-year staffer Micki Windham to senior production manager, upped Sydney Clancy (who signed on with the company in 2020) to production coordinator, and named more than five-year employee Alex Ramsay to independent retail sales and marketing manager.

Finally, Thirty Tigers has formally announced the hiring of Kayla Ganz (formerly with Naxos Music Group) as director of digital sales and streaming and Zack Hallcroft (who’s returned after a stint with CDA Entertainment) as project management coordinator, besides the promotion of artist manager Lauren Caudle to project manager.

YMU Music

YMU has promoted former Ultra Records head of digital Dani Chavez to senior marketing manager.

Wixen Music Publishing

Wixen has hired industry vet Jon Pikus as VP of A&R and business development.

Warner Music Andes

Warner Chappell Colombia’s Daniel Mora is replacing Maria Montejo as MD of Warner Music Andes and will oversee operations in Peru and Colombia. Execs intend to announce Mora’s own replacement “soon.”

Range Media Partners

Former WME electronic music head and partner Joel Zimmerman has become a partner in Range Media’s music division.

Parlophone

Warner Music’s Parlophone Records has promoted eight-year Polydor marketing director Jack Melhuish to general manager. Plus, longtime WMG team member Grace O’Neill has been upped to head of radio, and Sam Palm (who’s been with Parlophone for about 30 months) is now head of insight.

Parlophone has also brought on Arina Logacheva (previously with Universal Music), Molly McNulty (formerly with Kobalt), and Believe’s Seb Smith as senior A&R managers. Lastly, Jason Ngimbi has joined as junior A&R manager from BMG.

Qobuz

Qobuz has tapped jazz professional Christian McBride to serve as its newest “Artist-Approved Sound spokesperson.” In the role, the eight-time Grammy winner is poised to “work closely with the platform to create specially curated playlists, videos, and other content.”

BMG

BMG has promoted former UMG higher-up Nitsa Kalispera to EVP, global supply chain.

In one of December’s music industry hires, Cosynd named Rhea Ghosh (pictured) chief marketing officer. Photo Credit: Cosynd

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of December 20th, 2022.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

G.O.O.D. Music

Pusha T has confirmed that he’s no longer president of (or in any way involved with) Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music.

JKBX

Former Warner Music chief innovation officer Scott Cohen has announced multiple executive appointments at his JKBX fractional music-rights platform, which is expected to launch in 2023.

Former Foot Locker VP of marketing and NTWRK exec Jason Brown has signed on as JKBX’s CMO, while Whitney-Gayle Benta (previously Spotify’s global head of artist and talent relations) has joined as chief music officer.

Additionally, former Dapper Labs chief legal officer Scott Shipman has been tapped to fill the same role at JKBX, former Robinhood communications exec Jacqueline Ortiz Ramsay is now JKBX’s chief communications and public affairs officer, and former Ripple senior manager Matthew Brown has been hired as CTO.

Deezer

Deezer has named Ingrid Bojner (part of the executive roster at Stockholm’s Storytel) and investment banker Mark Simonian independent board directors, replacing Jeronimo Folgueira (who remains CEO of the company) and longtime Groupe Artémis higher-up Alban Gréget.

UMG Australia/New Zealand

Universal Music has upped nearly 16-year team member Sean Warner to president of its Australia and New Zealand division, and he’ll formally replace George Ash on Sunday, January 1st.

UROK

UROK Management has hired Sophie Lane (previously with September Management) as senior artist manager and PR vet Tayla Dhyll as head of audience.

Besides these new hires, UROK has promoted four employees: Chris Kasa (“UROK’s longest serving employee”) is now SVP of artist management, close to three-year team member Afoma Ojukwu has become artist relations manager, A&R vet Steve Sasse is officially artist and repertoire director, and former Atlantic Records creative director Annabelle Scott-Curry is tackling the same role at UROK.

Cosynd

Cosynd has elevated former Downtown Music marketing head Rhea Ghosh to chief marketing officer.

Big Sync Music

Songtradr’s Big Sync Music has named Christina Spoljaric Konig (formerly director of brand partnerships for Sixième Son) client services director for its North America division.

Amuse

Former Fotografiska CMO Karl Skoog has signed on to serve in the same position at Stockholm’s Amuse.

Range Media Partners

Range Media has hired The Heavy Group co-founder Jared Cotter and Federico Morris (who joins from Electric Feel Entertainment) as VP of A&R and director of A&R, respectively.

JamFeed

Nashville’s Innovo Management has invested in content-aggregation platform JamFeed, and Innovo co-founder and CEO Sam Saideman has joined JamFeed’s board.

88rising

Sameen Singh, previously with Create Music Group, has signed on as chief strategy officer and chief digital officer at 88rising.

Fruits Music

Playlist-promotion company Fruits Music has announced that former Warner Chappell Benelux managing director Arno Van Berkel will begin as its own MD on Monday, January 23rd.

Warner Music Entertainment & Theatrical Ventures

Ghostlight founder Kurt Deutsch, who joined Warner Music in 2017, has become SVP of Warner Music Entertainment & Theatrical Ventures.

AIMP

The Association of Independent Music Publishers’ board elections have concluded, and the newly formed Atlanta chapter’s inaugural officers are Made in Memphis Entertainment’s Tony D. Alexander (president), Digital Royalty Distribution’s Crystal Morris (vice president), Music Tech Works’ Jarrett Hines (treasurer), and Cleerkut’s Cheryl Potts (secretary). Made in Memphis Entertainment’s Demarcio Parks will serve as administration director.

Additionally, the Atlanta chapter’s newly elected board consists of Clark Atlanta University’s Christopher Bass, MO Amper’s James Commander, Hardin Music Group’s Hamilton Hardin, Music Education Group’s Amadi Jae, First Horizon’s Ben James, Fender Guitars’ Moya Nkruma, Skybound Entertainment’s Megan Oliver, Sound Royalties’ Cappriccieo Scates, and Hip Hops Den Media’s Cedric Wilcoxson.

Moving to AIMP’s Los Angeles chapter, Angry Mob’s Marc Caruso is set to succeed Reel Muzik Werks’ Teri Nelson Carpenter (who’s hit her four-year term limit) as head and president.

Also within AIMP’s Los Angeles chapter, Position Music’s Frank Handy is transitioning from treasurer to VP, with Universal Pictures’ Eric Polin poised to begin as secretary and Alibi Music’s Jonathan Haskell having been elected treasurer. New board members include attorneys Marjorie Garcia and Garrett Johnson.

Shifting to the Nashville chapter, Reservoir’s John Ozier has likewise completed a four-year term as president and head and will be succeeded by Wrensong’s Ree Guyer. Meanwhile, Concord’s Duff Berschback will replace Guyer as VP, Me Gusta Music’s Trina Smith Dort is stepping in as treasurer, and Big Machine’s Tim Hunze was voted in as secretary.

In New York, all four chapter officers – Imachew Music’s Michael Lau (president), Sundae Songs’ Debbie Rose (vice president), The Levy Firm’s Art Levy (secretary), and Janover’s Steven White (treasurer) – were reelected to another two-year term, with Downtown’s Amber Charania, Reservoir’s David Hoffman, and Anthem’s Joanne Kelsey having been elected to the board.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Hardly Strictly has hired San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center MD John Caldon as its first executive director.

Silo Music

Silo has named Lip Sync Music founder Lauren Harman president of film and TV licensing.

ERA

7digital founder Ben Drury will formally become ERA’s chair on Sunday, January 1st.

NVAK Collective

NVAK Collective, billed as a “next generation web3 record label,” has hired former Atlantic higher-up Nikisha Bailey as GM.

Warner Records

Sam Riddle (previously with Roc Nation and Capitol) is now SVP of marketing at Warner Records.

AIM

Association for Electronic Music head Silvia Montello will begin as CEO of the Association of Independent Music on Tuesday, January 31st.

beatBread

beatBread has hired Dogstar Management founder Mark Terry as head of Europe.

ASM Global

ASM Global has grown its team with the addition of former Drone Racing League chief partnerships officer Bryce G. Townsend (SVP of commercial partnerships), former Zoundz Music for Pets COO Kevin Dent (VP of sponsorship sales and business development), and former Meredith Corporation senior marketing manager Emily Wilson (director of marketing solutions).

Sony Music Publishing

SMP has upped Naomi Asher, who joined the company in 2020, to VP of songwriter services and neighboring rights for its UK division.

In one of December’s music industry hires and promotions, the AIM named Nina Radojewski (pictured) head of membership. Photo Credit: AIM

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of December 2nd, 2022.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

AIM

The Association of Independent Music has promoted six-year team member Nina Radojewski to head of membership.

Audoo

Audoo has tapped Matthew Fackrell and Eric Nguyen to helm the newly-created roles of  Senior Vice President & General Manager, Asia Pacific, and Senior Vice President & General Manager, North America, respectively. Both bring performance rights experience to the table: Nguyen previously worked at SOCAN, while Fackrell brings experience from APRA AMCOS.

Fat Wreck Chords

Fat Wreck Chords co-founder Erin Burkett has become president of the San Francisco-based indie label.

Venice Music

Alt Eden co-founder Dani Oliva has signed on as Venice Music’s VP of business and legal affairs.

TuneCore

Believe’s TuneCore has promoted two-year company vet Melanie Seddon to VP of brand marketing.

Reservoir/ICMP

Reservoir Media has joined the board of the International Confederation of Music Publishers.

ASM Global

ASM Global has formally named longtime higher-up Kelvin Moore regional vice president and GM of Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center.

Sony Music Publishing

SMP has promoted Michèle Hamelink (who joined the company nearly 11 years ago) to MD of Benelux.

elasticStage

elasticStage has enlisted former SoundCloud exec Raoul Chatterjee to serve as COO.

Motown Records

Ethiopia Habtemariam has announced plans to step down from her role as chairwoman and CEO of UMG’s Motown.

In one of November’s music industry jobs, MaryLynne Drexler (pictured) became ADA Worldwide’s head of business and legal affairs. Photo Credit: Warner Music Group

Here’s a recap of recent music industry jobs — including both hirings and in-house promotions — as of November 18th, 2022.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Warner Music Italy, Warner Music Japan, WMX UK, and ADA Worldwide

Sony Music Italy veteran Pico Cibelli is set to begin as president of Warner Music Italy “in the near future,” whereas Kazuhiro Shimada, formerly with Amazon Music Japan, has become COO of Warner Music Japan.

Next, WMG has promoted longtime team member Bob Workman to SVP of international brand partnerships at Warner Music as well as general manager of WMX UK.

Lastly, Warner’s ADA Worldwide has hired MaryLynne Drexler (who was for nearly nine years an exec at The Orchard) as head of business and legal affairs and Bryan Roberts (also an Orchard alumnus) as VP of A&R and label acquisition.

mtheory

Cameo Carlson, CEO of manager-services business mtheory, has made multiple executive appointments following Universal Music’s purchase of mtheory’s label division. Five-year mtheory team member Michael Corcoran is now a GM, and nine-year company vet Carmela Frangella is serving as CFO.

Meanwhile, Amy Davidson (who’s been with mtheory since 2016) has been named EVP, Vince Amoroso (eight years with mtheory) is officially head of marketing, and Jonah Berry (five years with mtheory) has been tapped as VP of marketing for the business’s New York and Los Angeles offices. Kaitlyn Moore (also five years with mtheory) is holding the same position at the Nashville office.

Finally, former Sony Music VP of digital strategy Ed Rivadavia has joined as head of digital.

YMU Music

YMU has brought on Mad Ones owner Mike Kadziulis as executive manager and head of radio.

Blue Raincoat/Chrysalis

Reservoir’s Blue Raincoat/Chrysalis has enlisted former BMG marketing exec James Meadows to serve as SVP of marketing. Additionally, four-year Warner Music employee Rachel Forde has become campaign marketing manager, with Aaron Skates (previously with state51) having signed on as catalog marketing manager.

AIM

The Association of Independent Music has added four members to its board: Alex Kennedy (Believe’s UK MD), ConnectsMusic and WeAreMusic creator Emily Saunders, Sarah Cole (AEI Group’s COO), and Tony Morley (The Leaf Label’s MD).

ASM Global

ASM Global has named former NFL and NBA marketing professional Gary Jacobus president of business development for the US and Latin America, and former Compass Group sales exec Patrick Lynch has become SVP of private events for the US.

Folk Alliance

NPREX co-founder Neeta Ragoowansi will begin as executive director of Folk Alliance International on Monday, December 5th.

Pulse Music Group

Seven-year Artist Publishing Group A&R higher-up Tizita Makuria is Pulse’s new VP of A&R.

companyX

Arrival Artists and ATC Management have jointly launched companyX, which serves as the “brand strategy agency representing both rosters,” and announced 12-year Atlantic Records brand-partnerships exec Mara Frankel as CEO.

Arista Nashville

Chris Schuler has stepped down as Arista Nashville’s VP of promotion after starting in the role earlier in 2022.

Audacy

Audacy has tapped former WarnerMedia ad-tech executive Seema Kumar to serve as SVP of advertising platforms.

Sony Music Publishing

The Go 2 Agency founder Shauni Caballero is now a senior A&R manager at Sony Music Publishing.

Capitol Christian

Capitol Christian Music Group has promoted Karrie Dawley (formerly Essential Music Publishing’s creative director) to SVP of A&R, upped nine-year team member Joseph Brazil to SVP of business affairs, elevated former EMI Christian Music Group employee David Sylvester to SVP of operations, and made David Gutekunst (who’s been part of the company for almost two decades) SVP of publishing.

In one of October’s music industry jobs, Atlantic Music Group named Julie Greenwald (pictured) chairwoman and CEO. Photo Credit: Matthew Furman

Here’s a recap of recent music industry jobs — including both hirings and in-house promotions — as of October 12th, 2022.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Atlantic Music Group

Warner Music Group has tapped 18-year Atlantic Records veteran Julie Greenwald to serve as CEO and chairwoman of the newly created Atlantic Music Group, which encompasses the namesake label as well as 300 Elektra Entertainment.

See Tickets

Vivendi’s See Tickets has promoted Boris Patronoff to COO of See Tickets Group – Patronoff, formerly an exec at Vivendi proper, will remain CEO of See North America – and elevated former Paylogic higher-up Marijke van den Bosch to CEO of See in Germany and Benelux.

Next, former StubHub team member Adriana García-Abril Ruiz, who joined See last year, has become MD of Iberia, whereas L’Olympia president Laurent de Cerner has been brought on as See Tickets France’s CEO.

Spotify

Nicole Beemsterboer, who joined Spotify’s Gimlet Media in March after spending 15 years with NPR, has become the podcast studio’s MD. Additionally, Liliana Kim, previously with HBO and Viacom, will begin leading Parcast on Monday, November 7th.

Slate Digital

Audiotonix has named former PreSonus and Avid Technology exec John Bastianelli CEO of Slate Digital.

Reservoir

Russell Hunt, previously an A&R professional at Syco Entertainment and Tigerspring, has joined Reservoir Media as a senior creative manager.

Peermusic

Ralph W. Peer – not to be confused with his grandfather, Peermusic founder Ralph S. Peer, or his father, Peermusic executive chair Ralph Peer II – is now MD for Peermusic Australia.

Sony Music Nashville

Sony Music Nashville has upped Madison Square Garden Company alum Nicole Marinake to VP of partnership marketing and new ventures.

MassiveMusic

Songtradr’s MassiveMusic has appointed former McCann Worldgroup music head Eric David Johnson executive creative director and enlisted 194 Group founder Shez Mehra to serve as head of partnerships.

Additionally, composer Johanna Cranitch has been promoted from associate creative director to creative director.

Priority Records

Former Atlantic Records SVP Orlando Wharton has signed on as president of Priority Records and EVP of Capitol Music Group.

Secretly Group

Secretly Group has hired 12-year Downtown exec Mark Czarra as MD of radio.

TikTok

TikTok has upped Tidal vet William Gruger to its newly created Global Music Programs team, which, according to a description on Gruger’s LinkedIn profile, is “focused on building out the strategies designed to elevate and amplify key music trends and campaigns across all regional territories and across the wider family of Bytedance products.”

In one of September’s music industry jobs, Napster named Jon Vlassopulos (pictured) CEO. Photo Credit: Napster

Here’s a recap of recent music industry jobs — including both hirings and in-house promotions — as of September 26th, 2022.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Napster

Napster has named former Roblox global head of music Jon Vlassopulos CEO and launched Napster Ventures, “which will focus on fostering, investing in, and acquiring the best Web3 music startups.”

Believe

Believe has made four leadership appointments in Southeast Asia: former UMG higher-up Antoine El Iman has been promoted to MD of Southeast Asia and Australia/New Zealand, four-year Believe team member Dahlia Wijaya is now country director for Indonesia, Georgette Tengco (previously with Tencent Music) is officially country director for the Philippines, and Somwalee Limrachtamorn (a longtime Nielsen exec) has come aboard as country director for Thailand.

StubHub International

StubHub International has tapped former Photobox head Dan Mucha to serve as CEO.

Sentric Music Group/Utopia Music

Utopia’s Sentric Music has hired four A&R directors in the US: Academy Fight Songs co-owner Matt DuFour (“covering the Midwest from Chicago”), HITMUSIC 21 Productions co-founder Carlos Escalona Cruz (“covering the US based Latin market and LATAM”), former Gas Music Group A&R exec Kebu Commissiong (“covering the South East from Atlanta”), and ReverbNation co-founder Lou Plaia (“covering the East Coast from New York”).

Warner Music Brazil + Warner Music UK

Leila Oliveira, who joined WMG in 2013, is set to start as president of Warner Music Brazil on October 28th. Meanwhile, longtime Warner Brazil president Sérgio Affonso is departing “to launch his own independent label, which will be distributed by Warner Music.”

Additionally, more than 15-year Warner UK attorney Charlotte Saxe has been promoted to SVP of legal and business affairs and is expected to begin in the position on October 3rd.

Propeller

Propeller, a self-described “digital platform that unites social activism, charitable efforts and impactful marketing campaigns in the music space,” has brought on former Warner Music and ICM Partners higher-up Annie Flook as director of artist partnerships and business development.

Universal Music Publishing Group

UMPG has upped Pete Simmons, who joined the company in 2014, to head of A&R for the UK.

Downtown Music Holdings

Downtown Music Holdings has rolled out a new global services division, Downtown Music, and tapped FUGA CEO Pieter van Rijn to serve as president.

KCRW

KCRW has enlisted Gina Delvac, previously the head of Spotify’s Studio 4, to spearhead the rollout of the Podcast Audience Lab. Plus, 14-year NPR vet Arnie Seipel has signed on to lead KCRW’s news offerings.

UnitedMasters

UnitedMasters has hired Pablo Jablonski (formerly with Twitter) as head of engineering, Nicole Keller (who joined from Adobe’s Frame.io) as chief people officer, Andre Howard (formerly WMG’s VP of digital marketing and commerce) as head of commerce, Meg Donovan (previously an Uber marketing exec) as head of marketing, Matt Wing (formerly Uber’s head of work communications) as head of communications, and Damien Scott (who used to be president of Dreamville) as head of brand strategy and editorial.

WMG

YouTube chief business officer Robert Kyncl is expected to succeed Stephen Cooper as Warner Music CEO on February 1st, 2023.

Newly appointed SonoSuite CEO Sebastián Mañana Lenzi. Photo Credit: SonoSuite

Here’s a recap of recent music industry jobs — including both hirings and in-house promotions — as of September 19th, 2022.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

SonoSuite

Former Axis Corporate exec Sebastián Mañana Lenzi has become CEO of SonoSuite.

RCA Records

IAMSOUND founder Niki Roberton has signed on as RCA’s SVP of creative.

Warner Recorded Music

Warner Recorded Music has enlisted longtime WMG higher-up Tracie Parry to serve as SVP, head of business and legal affairs for its global catalog division, Rhino Entertainment.

Warner Benelux

12-year Sony Music Publishing executive Niels Walboomers is set to begin as Warner Music Benelux’s president of records and publishing on November 1st. In the role, Walboomers will oversee the separate Warner Music Benelux and Warner Chappell Benelux teams.

Over 18-year Warner Music Benelux president Martin Jessurun “is stepping down,” the company said, whereas 14-year Warner Chappell Benelux MD Arno Van Berkel “has chosen to stand down.”

Warner Music Group

The Orchard founder Scott Cohen is bowing out as WMG’s chief innovation officer and says that he’s preparing to announce his next venture on November 1st.

Peloton

Peloton founder John Foley has departed as executive chairman of the exercise equipment company, while Hisao Kushi is no longer chief legal officer and Kevin Cornils has exited the role of chief commercial officer. Uber chief deputy general counsel Tammy Albarrán will reportedly replace Kushi.

YouTube

Robert Kyncl, who previously confirmed his plans to leave YouTube in early 2023, is reportedly being considered to replace Warner Music head Stephen Cooper.

Universal Music Publishing

More than 13-year Sony Music Publishing senior director of creative Jennifer Knoepfle has become EVP and co-head of U.S. A&R for Universal Music Publishing Group.

Apple Music

Roughly seven-year Apple Music global creative director Larry Jackson is stepping away from the role.

Soundstripe

Soundstripe has upped the “instrumental” Sourav Nayak to CFO.

iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia has named four-year team member Uta Knablein chief product officer for iHeartRadio.

Additionally, iHeartMedia has announced a trio of promotions to fill newly created metro president positions: More than 15-year iHeart vet Kris Foley is metro president for the Cleveland and Columbus markets, 11-year iHeart employee Dave Carwile has accepted the role for the Carolina markets, and DJ Hodge (who joined iHeart about a decade ago) is poised to oversee the Cincinnati and Pittsburgh markets.

AEG

Sally Bae, who signed on with AEG in 2014, has been elevated to SVP of global partnerships for the AEG in Las Vegas joint venture.

WME

WME chairman Lloyd Braun is expected to step down at 2022’s end, with Richard Weitz (who’s been a partner since 2002) and Christian Muirhead (who’s spent some 19 years with the company) having been tapped as co-chairmen.

In one of late August’s music industry jobs, Dave Hansen (pictured) signed on as FiXT’s A&R manager. Photo Credit: FiXT

Here’s a recap of recent music industry jobs — including both hirings and in-house promotions — as of August 30th, 2022.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

YouTube

12-year YouTube chief business officer Robert Kyncl has confirmed his plans to depart the Google-owned company early next year.

WME

WME has promoted four individuals to agent in its music division: Justin Edwards (who joined WME in 2017), Mary Hannon (a six-year WME veteran), Phoebe Holley (whose WME tenure initiated in 2019), and Matt Smith (who’s been with the business for four years).

Exactuals

Exactuals co-founder and CEO Mike Hurst is transitioning to chairman, and roughly 10-year president and COO Bryan Walley has replaced him as the company’s head. Additionally, former Big Machine exec Lindsay Conlin has been elevated to SVP of revenue.

Elektra

Elektra Entertainment has upped former Red Bull Records marketing professional Katie Robinson to SVP of marketing, and Adam Ruehmer (previously director of fan engagement and digital marketing for Warner Records) is now senior director and head of digital marketing.

FiXT

FiXT has brought on former Encore higher-up Dave Hansen as A&R manager.

iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia has named Michael Burger (who signed on with the company six years ago) market president for Raleigh, whereas Cox Media vet Leon Williamson has become iHeart’s VP of sales for Indianapolis.

Lucy Dickins, WME’s global head of contemporary music and touring. Photo Credit: WME

Here’s a recap of recent music industry jobs — including both hirings and in-house promotions — as of August 26th, 2022.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

UMPG

Universal Music Publishing Group has announced that nine-year company veteran David Gray will head the newly established Global Creative Group while continuing as EVP and head of U.S. A&R.

Factory New

Anthony Martini, one of the execs behind virtual rapper FN Meka, has exited Factory New (which he co-founded) amid public outcry over the digital character.

WME

WME has upped former ITB team member Lucy Dickins to global head of contemporary music and touring.

Warner Records

Warner Records has promoted four-year employee Sean Stevens to VP of A&R and head of research and analytics.

Hipgnosis

Hipgnosis Song Management has enlisted former BMG COO Benjamin Katovsky to serve as its own COO and president.

AIF

Nine-year Association of Independent Festivals CEO Paul Reed is preparing to step down in November.

SXSW

Bossy Music founder Claire Collins is now SXSW Sydney’s head of music.

BMI

Broadcast Music, Inc. has laid off a reported 10 percent of its workforce after failing to execute a multibillion-dollar sale.

Litmus Music

Litmus Music has brought on nearly five-year BMG exec Monti Olson as president.

Nvak Collective

“Next generation record label” Nvak Collective has hired longtime CG supervisor Tamir Diab as chief computer graphics officer.

ONErpm

ONErpm has named Allison Hamamura (previously with Hollywood Records) GM for Los Angeles and VP of A&R, whereas three-year team member Joseph Aldulaimi has been promoted to VP of A&R.

AIM

After six years as CEO, Paul Pacifico will depart the Association of Independent Music at 2022’s end.

BPI CEO Geoff Taylor, who’s preparing to step down in 2023. Photo Credit: Mary McCartney

Here’s a recap of recent music industry jobs — including both hirings and in-house promotions — as of August 4th, 2022.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

BPI

15-year British Phonographic Industry CEO Geoff Taylor is set to step down in 2023 to pursue “a more directly commercial role.”

YMU Music

YMU has tapped Roc Nation and Live Nation veteran Elena Awbrey to serve as an executive manager at its U.S. division.

Soundstripe

Soundstripe has hired Sorted Noise co-founder Josh Collum as senior director of publishing.

Music Venue Trust

The Music Venue Trust has upped five freelancers to full-time positions: Rebecca Walker is now the MVT’s live projects coordinator, Jay Taylor and Sophie Asquith are MVT coordinators for England, Chris Sherrington is the non-profit’s policy and strategy support officer, and Matthew Otridge is the organization’s “lead coordinator” on the #OwnOurVenues initiative.

PRS for Music

Singer-songwriter Laura Mvula has joined the PRS Members’ Council.

Curve Royalty Systems

London’s Curve Royalty Systems has brought on Mhairi Palmer (formerly with Anthem Entertainment) as director of North American sales, while Britt Timmerman (previously with Kobalt) has signed on as client and sales manager.

Prescription Songs

Dr. Luke’s Prescription Songs has promoted Christian Conant to A&R manager for its Nashville office.

Warner Records

Warner Records has elevated 12Tone Music veteran Miles Gersh to VP of A&R.

Australian Festival Association

Mitch Wilson is set to become the AFA’s managing director on August 15th, and current MD Julia Robinson is preparing to begin as head of advocacy and policy at ARIA and PPCA.

Radio Milwaukee

Radio Milwaukee has named five-year team member Kenny Perez 88Nine assistant program director and afternoon drive host.

In one of June’s music industry jobs, Erica Krusen (pictured) signed on as Gibson’s senior director of cultural influence. Photo Credit: Gibson

Here’s a recap of recent music industry jobs — including both hirings and in-house promotions — as of June 29th, 2022.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Gibson

15-year MusiCares MD Erica Krusen has joined Gibson as senior director of cultural influence.

American Federation of Musicians

AFM has named 11-year organization veteran John Painting assistant to the president and director of the electronic media services division.

Thematic

Thematic has brought on Loudr co-founder and three-year Spotify exec Chris Crawford as a strategic advisor.

Beatport

Beatport has added former Yamaha marketing exec Emilie Birks, former Serato higher-up Baptiste Grange, and veteran attorney Shana White to its marketing and legal departments.

CD Baby/Soundrop

Downtown Music has elevated nine-year CD Baby VP of technology and CTO Scott Williams to president of the latter distributor as well as Soundrop.

Pandora

SiriusXM’s Pandora has enlisted former KKBQ-FM Country director of operations Johnny Chiang to serve as senior director of country programming beginning on Monday, July 25th.

RCA

RCA Records has promoted former Atlantic Records marketing professional Anthony De Padua to VP of digital marketing.

Roblox

Former Roblox global head of music Jon Vlassopulos has accepted a seat on the advisory board of metaverse game studio Dubit.

Sony Music Nashville

Meg Kehoe will leave RCA Records tomorrow (after 14 years with the Sony Music-owned label) before beginning as Sony Music Nashville’s head of media on Tuesday, July 5th.

TuneCore

Alisha Outridge, previously Facebook’s director of product management, has become TuneCore’s first chief technology and product officer.

Estefanía Parra, Downtown Music Services’ new manager of A&R and partnerships for LatAm. Photo Credit: Downtown

Here’s a recap of recent music industry jobs — including both hirings and in-house promotions — as of June 14th, 2022.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Downtown

As part of “a major expansion of its operations in Spanish speaking Latin America,” Downtown Music Services has brought on Daniela Gutiérrez as marketing manager for Mexico and promoted Bogota-based Deezer veteran Estefanía Parra to manager of A&R and partnerships for LatAm.

Additionally, Martin Liviciche and Juan Nuñez have transferred to DMS from Downtown’s CD Baby. Based out of Buenos Aires, Liviciche is now in charge of business development for DMS and FUGA in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, whereas Nuñez is marketing manager for LatAm.

ONErpm

ONErpm has announced the debut of five additional offices in Africa – in Accra, Ghana; Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Nairobi, Kenya; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Johannesburg, South Africa – following its arrival in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2020.

And to staff these new African offices, ONErpm has upped two-year team member Osagie Osarenz to director of African operations and made multiple executive appointments.

Specifically, Almah Salum is ONErpm’s country lead in Dar es Salaam, while George Avakian has accepted the same role in Johannesburg and Bilha Ngaruiya is filling the position in Nairobi.

Lastly, ONErpm has named Mutuma Vincent marketing lead in Nairobi, appointed former Crux Global operations manager Florence Delali Kpeglo country lead in Accra, and tapped Afi Cakpo to serve as lead for Francophone Africa in Abidjan.

Xavier University of Louisiana

Dr. Anderson Sunda-Meya, who in July of 2021 became interim dean of Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences, has officially been appointed dean on a full-time basis.

Bethel Music

Bethel Music co-founder Jenn Johnson has become president and interim CEO of the label, which has likewise revealed a series of promotions.

In its Redding office, Bethel has elevated 11-year company veteran Katie Langenberg to CFO, four-year employee Blake Citro to head of events, two-year team member Vanessa Nulick to head of operations, seven-year staffer Balt Pazos to head of business strategy, and Eric Allen (who’s also been with Bethel for seven years) to director of creative publishing.

And in the Nashville office, Erica Boutwell (three years with Bethel Music) is officially head of communications, and Adrian Thompson (nine months with Bethel) is now head of A&R. Finally, one Matt Lopez, who’s worked out of the Redding office for four years, will relocate to Nashville this summer.

Crowdguard

Crowdguard, which bills itself as “the specialist in event safety management and perimeter protection,” has announced Iain Moran (formerly with ATG Access) as an equity partner and its MD.

Wasserman Music

Wasserman Music has promoted five bookers – Laura Brown, Cecilia Chan, Suzie Melki, Lucy Putman, and Holly Rowland – to agents at its London office.

Tiago Maia, Move Concerts Brazil’s new managing director. Photo Credit: Move Concerts

Here’s a recap of recent music industry jobs — including both hirings and in-house promotions — as of June 2nd, 2022.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Warner Music Nashville

Warner Music Nashville has announced the promotion of EVP and general manager Ben Kline and EVP of A&R Cris Lacy, who are now co-presidents.

20-year Warner Music veteran John Esposito, for his part, will transition from Warner Music Nashville’s chairman and CEO to chairman emeritus in 2023.

FiXT

FiXT has hired Ninety9Lives CEO and former Songtradr director of owned music Heather Johnson as label manager.

Live Nation

Live Nation’s Latin touring team has added Univision veteran Daryivett Romo (director of Latin tour marketing), former Universal Music exec Katrina Rodriguez (manager of Latin tour marketing), six-year iHeartMedia higher-up Stephanie Rodriguez (Latin tour marketing coordinator), and Walt Disney Company vet Nadia Hernandez (director of Latin communications).

Snap

Maaliq Joseph, formerly with Warner Music and CAA, has joined Snap as music artist partnerships manager.

Psyko Steve Presents

Psyko Steve Presents has upped 10-year team member Jeff Taylor to general manager.

TuneCore

TuneCore has elevated Jason Allen, who joined the Believe subsidiary in 2018, to senior director of infrastructure operations.

PRS for Music

PRS for Music’s members’ council has added Hannah Peel as a writer, while Tom Gray, Crispin Hunt, and Philip Pope have been reelected.

Additionally, the organization has revealed newly elected publisher members Nigel Gilroy (of Wise Music), Daniel Lang (Warner Chappell), John Minch (Concord), and Richard Paine (Faber Music).

Warner Music Canada

18-year Universal Music Canada employee Madelaine Napoleone has signed on as Warner Music Canada’s VP of marketing.

Move Concerts

Tiago Maia (formerly with DC Set Group) is now managing director for Move Concerts Brazil.

Apple Music

Apple Music has enlisted former ADA managing director Juan Paz to serve as its global head of Latin music business.

Epic Records/Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music’s Epic has promoted former Roc Nation communications director Ayanna Wilks to VP of publicity, in addition to rehiring Natalie Geday (who previously worked for Epic for three years) in the same role.

Goldenvoice

Melissa Ormond has been named COO of Goldenvoice, a position she’ll hold while remaining COO of festivals for the promoter’s AEG Presents parent company.

NFL

The National Football League has tapped longtime NFL Network higher-up Seth Dudowsky to head its music division.

Recording Academy

The Recording Academy has “elected 19 new leaders of diverse backgrounds and disciplines to add to its 2022-23 National Board of Trustees.”

These newly elected persons are Yolanda Adams, NBCUniversal president of music and publishing Mike Knobloch, producer Chuck Ainlay, Alex E. Chávez, Jordan Hamlin, John Legend, Nabil Ayers, Doug Emery, PJ Morton, Terry Jones, Natalia Ramírez, EJ Gaines, Andrew Joslyn, Michael Romanowski, former UMPG SVP Jennifer Blakeman, Von Vargas, Silent Sound Studios owner Thom “TK” Kidd, Sound Credit CEO Gebre Waddell, and Chelsey Green.

In one of May’s music industry jobs, Julia Hummel (pictured) rejoined Warner Music Canada as VP of digital strategy and business development. Photo Credit: Warner Music Group

Here’s a recap of recent music industry jobs — including both hirings and in-house promotions — as of May 20th, 2022.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

FaZe Clan

FaZe Clan has named former BMG president for U.S. Zach Katz president and COO.

Warner Music Canada

Warner Music Canada has rehired Julia Hummel, who will come aboard this time as VP of digital strategy and business development. In the new role, the former Amazon Music Canada exec will “help the label’s artists leverage the opportunities opening up in the web3 universe.”

Position Music

Caitlin Haurie, previously a sync higher-up at MNRK and Downtown, is now Position Music’s senior director of creative sync for ads and brands.

ONErpm

ONErpm has opened an office in Atlanta and enlisted head of urban Orlando McGhee to lead the division.

Additionally, Coalition DJs founder Nick Love has become the Atlanta office’s project manager, with Glenn “Guccio” Teague, who already handles the company’s urban A&R in Detroit and St. Louis, signing on as head of urban A&R.

OKRE

Tiago Correia, Warner Music’s senior director of new business and ventures, has joined the advisory board of OKRE, which bills itself as “an independent charity and international hub.”

OVG360

Oak View Group’s OVG360 has tapped former Milwaukee Bucks booking exec Starr Butler-Jemison to serve as SVP of content development and private events.

Butler-Jemison will start in the position on Tuesday, July 5th, “overseeing a new division focused on innovative private functions, major corporate events, and content development.”

iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia Tampa has promoted six-year company veteran Jorge Lopez to VP of sales for Hispanic brands.

UMPG

Universal Music Publishing Group has hired four-year ASCAP team member Cristina Chavez as VP of A&R.

CAA

Creative Artists Agency has elevated Jacob Lapidus (who joined the company in 2016) and Dan Rais (who’s spearheaded CAA’s music brand partnerships for half a decade) to agents in its music touring division.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater has upped Mike Clem, who started with the business in 2003, to the newly created position of chief growth officer.

Dalmar James Jr. (left) and Eric Namour (right) Photo Credit: DistroDirect

Australian white-label distribution platform DistroDirect today announces the physical expansion of its global footprint with the addition of two new key business development and partnerships hires in the Americas.

The following comes from DistroDirect, a company DMN is proud to be partnering with.

Music industry veteran Dalmar “Biz Dev” James Jr. takes reigns as VP of North American Business Development and Partnerships while digital supply chain expert Eric Namour and his team head up Business Development operations for the Latin American market. The team additions follow DistroDirect’s official global launch in August 2021 which has since seen over 250 hyper-local micro-distributors launched in over 40 international markets.

Brooklyn native, Dalmar James, Jr. brings over 25 years of experience in music and film production and distribution, partnership development, and digital marketing to DistroDirect after working with companies like HBO, Adobe, Broad Street Digital, SongClip and others.

At Meredith Corporation, he led digital business development for the twice Emmy-nominated Better Show and provided leadership on award-winning marketing campaigns for brands like Kmart, AOL, YouTube, Yahoo, and DailyMotion. Also an award-winning music producer and film director, Dalmar is committed to the ongoing development of the ecosystems that drive commerce in the entertainment industry, and to empowering creators to control all aspects of their business and content in an ever evolving digital marketplace.

“DistroDirect is giving incredibly powerful tools, that before only belonged to major labels and aggregators, to independent creators.” he says “Artists are being successfully developed inside the culture, and outside of the traditional label systems, creating scalable opportunities to compete at a high level. CEO Andy [Irvine] has put together a smart and aggressive team that’s accelerating this global movement and making an impact. I’m excited to lead the way in the US and Canada for artists, labels, partners and brands that are committed to owning their destiny and disrupting the current state of affairs.”

Mexico City based Eric Namour has deep roots in the global independent music tech industry with over 20 years specialising in metadata, supply chain and reporting, strategy and project management.

A co-founder of OTTOmate – a reporting and analytics product suite and platform for the independents – Eric and his team have been behind the global rights agency Merlin Network reporting and statements processes for the past 10 years and built a bespoke CMS used by the entire network. With further business development, consulting and technical management experience for clients such as IDLA, Virtual Label, Secretly Canadian, Altafonte, state51 conspiracy, CI and Mexican rights owner Multimusic, Eric is looking forward to creating new partnerships within the Latin American region.

“I am thrilled and honored to be able to take on this role along with my team as I have seen how DistroDirect’s parent company GYROstream has organically grown from day one with a clear and efficient strategy as a relatively latecomer in the market. DistroDirect bridges a gap in a market that has now matured enough to understand more complex options than the traditional aggregator model. Latin America has a huge potential so providing an alternative tool and necessary guidance on how to run one’s own white label distribution service seems like the best way forward. “Working with such a team is bound to be very productive and fun!”

GYROstream CEO Andy Irvine says the new team members are just the first of a number of expanded network hires planned for DistroDirect. “As the world opens up our focus for DistroDirect and its partners is a human one.

Nothing beats a ‘boots on the ground’ approach and the ability to talk to an expert who knows your market intimately. Eric and Dalmar are seasoned professionals with incredible networks and we are so excited to have them as part of the team. We plan to add key business development and partnership roles in a number of other territories across the next six months.”

In one of several recent music industry jobs, Linkin Park co-founder Mike Shinoda (pictured) became Warner Recorded Music’s community innovation advisor. Photo Credit: Frank Maddocks

Here’s a recap of recent music industry jobs — including both hirings and in-house promotions — as of April 20th, 2022.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Warner Recorded Music

Warner Recorded Music has tapped Linkin Park co-founder Mike Shinoda to serve as community innovation advisor. In the “first-of-its-kind post,” Shinoda will “help shape the company’s artist-centric approach to Web3.”

Warner Music South East Europe

Warner Music South East Europe has selected six-year WMG team member Izabela Ciszek-Podziemska as its first general manager.

ASM Global

ASM Global has named 16-year company veteran Charles Beirne general manager of the Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

Live Nation

Live Nation has hired former WME agent Maria Lanao as Latin talent buyer for the northeast.

Voly

Ryan Williams-Reid, formerly a sync executive with Sentric Music, has joined Voly as client relationship manager.

Believe

Former Sky Tickets higher-up Alex Kennedy is now Believe’s UK managing director.

WK Records

WK Records has made three promotions, elevating former Warner Music exec Pierina Jatem to artist strategy and marketing director, Anita Tillero to creative director, and former Roc Nation marketing professional Kearie Reyes to director of sales and digital marketing.

Republic Records

Former Warner Music attorney Danielle Price has become EVP of Republic Records.

WME

Nine-year WME country agent Brian Jones has been promoted to partner at the Endeavor subsidiary’s Nashville office, while Lindsey Dodge, Kevin Falck, Adam Fisher, and Moira McCravey have been upped to country agents.

Additionally, Kari Kronsbein is WME Nashville’s new HR manager, Dylan Zenga has formally started as business affairs executive, and Carlile Willett is officially coordinator for country.

Finally, Stefanie Billue has been hired as tour marketer, and Kara Lusk has signed on to handle external relations for country.

Capitol Christian Music Group

Phil Thornton, formerly SVP and general manager for Sony Music’s RCA Inspiration, has joined Capitol Christian Music Group as its first SVP.

Spotify

Nearly five-year Spotify head of studios and video Courtney Holt is reportedly preparing to exit the company.

Warner Music Nashville

Elsewhere in the WMG empire, longtime Warner Music Nashville chairman and CEO John Esposito is now preparing to move into an ’emeritus’ position, part of a top-level succession plan according to emerging reports. Current executive vice presidents Ben Kline and Cris Lacy are expected to fill Esposito’s shoes in a dual capacity.

Music industry veteran Brigette Boyle, Warner Recorded Music’s new EVP of media operations. Photo Credit: Jill Augusto

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Round Hill

Round Hill Music Nashville has hired Sony Music Publishing vet Mike Whelan as SVP and general manager.

YMU

YMU has promoted five-year staff member Taren Smith to senior manager of its U.S. division.

UTA

United Talent Agency has added three individuals to its music team: Nashville-based Mary Allen (a music agent) as well as Los Angeles-based Aaron Arkin (a music crossover agent) and Vatana Shaw (a music brand partnerships agent).

Symphonic

Symphonic Distribution has elevated three-year higher-up Randall Foster to chief creative officer and boosted Nick Gordon, formerly an exec at The Orchard, to chief partnership officer.

Virgin Music

UMG’s Virgin Music Label and Artist Services has named former Mattel and Sprint marketing professional Armando Rodriguez general manager for US Latin.

Additionally, Manuel Valverde (previously with ONErpm, TikTok, and Believe) has joined Virgin’s team in Mexico as director of business development and marketing, whereas Diana Silva has become head of A&R at Virgin’s Chile office and Guido Filippelli has taken the same role at Virgin Argentina.

Warner Recorded Music

Warner Recorded Music has upped longtime WMG employee Brigette Boyle to EVP of media operations.

Gratitude Sound

Boston-headquartered Gratitude Sound has tapped former Blue Man Group music professional Jeff Turlik to serve as creative director.

Warner Chappell

Former Downtown Music general counsel Peter Rosenthal has joined Warner Chappell in the newly created position of EVP, global head of legal and business affairs.

Sony Music Publishing

Sony Music Publishing has promoted former CAA and Prescription Songs staff member Thomas Krottinger to VP of creative.

Variety

Variety has named Andrew Hampp (previously Billboard’s senior correspondent for branding) senior director of music and consumer partnerships.

Photo Credit: Rodeo Project

Are NFTs coming to Spotify? Two open job listings hint the Swedish tech company is looking to expand into web3.

Spotify’s first job listing is for a senior manager of Innovation and Market Intelligence “with expertise in emerging trends.” Spotify is seeking someone who has expertise in web3 technology as it relates to creators. The position will report directly to Spotify’s Head of Innovation and Market Intelligence – Máuhan Zonoozy. Zonoozy moved into the new role last year to identify what Spotify calls ‘moonshot‘ ideas.

Spotify is also looking to hire a senior back-end engineer who can help “uncover the next growth opportunity leveraging new technologies, like web3.” The candidate will work within Spotify’s experimental growth team on its freemium side – suggesting this is the position that would build-out blockchain-focused ideas.

Web3 encompasses a myriad of technologies that embrace the blockchain, including decentralized apps, NFTs, DAOs, and more. The music industry has whole-heartedly embraced NFT technology, with some bands like Kings of Leon selling ‘golden tickets’ that are transferable and can be resold.

Many other tech companies are also experimenting with adding web3 technology to their legacy platforms. Twitter allows Blue subscribers to use any NFT they own as their profile picture and displays it as a hexagon instead of the traditional circle.

Meanwhile, at SXSW last week, Mark Zuckerberg announced that NFTs would be coming to Instagram. Zuckerberg said that his company’s version of the metaverse would eventually allow users to mint their virtual assets as NFTs.

More than $17.7 billion worth of NFTs were traded last year, according to market tracker NonFungible.com. Musicians like Snoop Dogg and Steve Aoki are already prominent figures in the crypto community. While Kings of Leon and Grimes have all sold NFTs of their music. Major labels like Warner Brothers and Universal are forging ahead with their NFT projects, too including a virtual band featuring characters from the Bored Ape Yacht Club.

Music industry veteran Aton Ben-Horin, Atlantic Records Group’s new EVP of global A&R. Photo Credit: Warner Music Group

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Atlantic Records Group

Warner Music’s Atlantic Records Group, including Atlantic Records as well as Elektra Music Group, has promoted 10-year WMG team member Aton Ben-Horin to EVP of global A&R. The former Ultra Music Festival exec Ben-Horin has also “launched a publishing partnership with Warner Chappell Music.”

Downtown Music Services

Downtown Music Services has upped former CD Baby exec Dan Miller to director of client services, while nearly seven-year Downtown vet David Labovitch has been elevated to content operations manager.

Utopia Music

Utopia has hired Jonathan Abon (formerly with HERE Technologies) as VP of product for distribution services, and Jordan Gremli (previously with DICE) has joined the company as VP of product for creator services.

Grandstand Media

Grandstand Media has brought on six-year Goldenvoice publicity manager Jessica Puchli as director of tours and festivals.

Ye

“YE, formerly known as Kanye West,” has hired Hollywood Unlocked founder Jason Lee, who assisted with the release of Donda 2, as head of media and partnerships.

Stem

Stem has tapped former Spotify product-marketing lead Charleton Lamb to serve as head of marketing.

Hipgnosis

Longtime Pamplona Capital Management partner Markku Lonnqvist is now Hipgnosis Song Management’s chief investment officer.

Commercial Radio Australia

Former Universal Music exec and current Digital Radio UK head Ford Ennals is set to replace Joan Warner as CEO of Commercial Radio Australia at March’s end.

Creative Artists Agency

CAA has hired former Nike higher-up Hilary Crane as chief legal officer.

Downtown Music Holdings

Downtown Music Holdings has added former SoundCloud chief revenue officer Alison Moore and former SESAC president Kelli Turner to its board of directors.

Music industry veteran Anthony Rodol, YMU’s new managing director for U.S. music. Photo Credit: YMU

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

BPI

Seven-year BPI chair Ged Doherty is stepping down to focus on his film company, and “a process of recruitment is now underway” for his successor.

AIMP

The Association of Independent Music Publishers’ Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville Young Professional Committees have named Ashley Morey, director of client services for Harry Fox/Rumblefish, chair of the national Young Professional Committee.

Warner Music Latina

Former Sebastian Yatra manager Roberto Andrade Dirak has become managing director of Warner Music Latina (WML). Additionally, more than 17-year WMG veteran Ruben Abraham has been elevated to SVP of marketing and artist strategy, and five-year WML team member Hector Rivera is now SVP of A&R for Latin music.

Global

Global has enlisted former Media.Monks higher-up Ryan Ladisa to serve as DAX’s VP of sales for Canada.

YMU

YMU has promoted former Universal Music and Warner Music exec Anthony Rodol to managing director for U.S. music.

Downtown Music Services

Downtown’s UK division has hired Sandra Croft (formerly with CD Baby) as marketing manager, and Chelsey Blow (formerly with Sentric Music) has joined the company’s client-services team.

Warner Music Group

Kabiru Bello, who signed on with Warner Music Sweden in 2017, has been named VP of global A&R for Warner Recorded Music. He will also remain head of Asylum Records Nordics.

Plus, Warner Music Turkey general manager Gülce Özyeşilpınar is set to simultaneously serve in the newly established role of VP of marketing for Eastern Mediterranean, handling the major label’s promotional initiatives in Cyprus, Greece, and Israel.

Invisible Narratives

Invisible Narratives has brought on former Apple Music Radio and iHeartRadio higher-up Julie Pilat as president of music.

ONErpm

ONErpm has hired former Ticketmaster and UMG Nashville team member Amy Jackson Moore as senior product manager for country.

Music industry veteran Roberto Razzini, Sony Music Publishing’s new managing director, Italy. Photo Credit: Sony Music Publishing

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Sony Music Publishing

SMP has named more than 30-year Warner Chappell veteran Roberto Razzini managing director of its Italy division.

Utopia Music

Former UMG and Spotify higher-up Ulf Zick is set to start as Utopia Music’s chief marketing officer on April 1st, 2022.

Songtradr

Songtradr has hired 10-year SEEK Limited exec Steven Moran as chief financial officer.

The company’s previous CFO, Clare Nicholls, has joined the board of directors and become chief corporate development and strategy officer.

Quality Control

Quality Control has brought on Brandra Ringo (formerly an A&R exec with UMPG and Warner Chappell) as EVP and head of A&R, whereas Triangle Offense Management founder Wayne Clark has joined as VP and head of A&R.

Def Jam/4th and Broadway

LaTrice Burnette has become EVP of Universal Music’s Def Jam – a role she’ll fill while remaining president of the major label’s 4th and Broadway, which will operate under the Def Jam banner.

SoundExchange

Nashville-based Marc Rucker has joined SoundExchange’s brand marketing and industry engagement team as manager of industry engagement.

Cumulus Media

Cumulus Media program director and VP of country music Charlie Cook has inked “a long-term contract extension,” and 20-year Cumulus team member Emily Boldon has announced that she will exit the company at March’s end.

FBMM

Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy has promoted 19-year company veteran Betsy Lee to business manager.

Brooklyn Academy of Music

Gina Duncan has returned to the Brooklyn Academy of Music as president after serving as the Sundance Institute’s producing director for 18 months.

SiriusXM

Former Avaya HR head Faye Tylee will begin as SiriusXM’s chief human resources officer in March.

Music industry veteran Kylie Everitt, Stem’s new artist and label strategy manager. Photo Credit: Stem

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

STEM

Stem has promoted two-year team member (and former Primary Wave exec) Seth Faber to VP of artist and label strategy.

Additionally, the distribution and payments platform has elevated former Big Hype higher-up Kylie Everitt to artist and label strategy manager and brought on Epic Records vet Vivian Yohannes as director of artist and label strategy for hip-hop and R&B.

BRIT Trust

The BRIT Trust has tapped Google music attorney Mulika Sannie to serve as its first deputy chair.

AFM Local 47

Longtime professional violinist Marc Sazer has been elected vice president of the American Federation of Musicians Local 47.

Music Health Alliance

Nashville’s Music Health Alliance has hired Decca and Atlantic veteran Laura Flagler Crowell as executive administrator to the CEO, besides promoting fellow Decca alumnus Shelia Shipley Biddy to CFO and Georgia native Nikki Black to VP of programs and policy.

See Tickets North America

See Tickets North America has made three promotions, elevating former Azoff Music Management manager Steve Oberman to EVP and head of music, former Daniel K Presents concert promoter Daniel Spicka to EVP of venue partnerships, and four-year company vet Phil Lawrence to VP of festival partnerships.

The Vivendi subsidiary has also enlisted former Eventbrite higher-up Steo Britton and former Front Gate Tickets client operations manager Allison Leidy to serve as account managers.

Artist Rights Alliance

Longtime Viacom vice president Stacey Dansky is now the ARA’s executive director.

AIMP

Alibi Music VP of publishing Jonathan D. Haskell has joined the board of directors for the Association of Independent Music Publishers’ Los Angeles chapter, and Concord SVP of sync Brooke Primont has joined the New York chapter’s board.

Both will be up for a full term during AIMP’s November election.

WIN

The Worldwide Independent Network has selected Australian Independent Record Labels Association CEO Maria Amato to chair its 2022 board.

Said board has likewise added directors Jeffrey Chiang (Fluxus’ international relations and global marketing professional), Paul Pacifico (the Association of Independent Music’s CEO), and Sandra Rodrigues (ABMI’s general director).

Warner Records

Warner Records has hired two-decade Universal Music exec Josh Remsberg as SVP of commercial revenue.

Downtown

Downtown Music has upped Claire Jacobs, formerly a legal exec at its FUGA subsidiary, to VP of international legal and business affairs. Plus, Downtown counsel Amber Charania has been promoted to director of legal and business affairs.

YMU

Artist-management firm YMU has hired seven-year CAA agent Brad Pophal as head of Web3 and NFT for US music.

Audio Up

Audio Up has hired Warner Records vet PJ Bloom as co-president of music and former Island Records SVP of brand partnerships Christine Kauffman as EVP of brand strategy and partnerships.

Purplebeat Music

Nashville-based publisher Purplebeat Music has appointed five-year employees Eric Daigle and Andy Friday co-heads of creative.

Various Artists

London-based Various Artists Management has announced plans to open a new office in Los Angeles.

Anthem

Nick Di Fruscia (formerly the Recording Academy’s director of awards) is Anthem Entertainment’s new director of sync and licensing, and Angela Persaud (previously an HR manager at BlackRock) has joined the company as global head of people and culture.

BMG

BMG has tasked 10-year team member Allegra Willis Knerr with leading its global sync licensing division.

(l to r) Music industry and talent agency veterans Brandi Brammer, Amy Lynch, Emily LaRose, Emily Wright, Marissa Smith, and Elisa Vazzana, UTA’s newest hires. Photo Credit: Austin Lord

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

UMPG

Universal Music Publishing Group has promoted Lillia Parsa to SVP of A&R.

Warner Music Mexico

Nearly six-year WMG veteran Alejo Mejia is set to start as Warner Music Mexico’s VP of A&R strategy in the new year.

Plus, 20-year WMG team member Miguel Vela will serve as VP of marketing and strategy as well as general manager for Central America starting in 2022.

ICMP

Warner Chappell exec Daniel Lang has joined ICMP’s board.

Warner Chappell Music

Kobalt Music veteran Christine Belden has signed on as Warner Chappell’s first VP, global head of film, TV, and media music.

Symphonic Distribution

Symphonic has brought on former SoundExchange higher-up Ali Lieberman as VP of product.

Round Hill Records

Round Hill Records has hired former WMG (and Rhino Entertainment) exec Brian Hay as head of catalog.

UTA

Former CAA and WME agent Matthew Morgan has become co-head of UTA’s Nashville office, which has also welcomed longtime agent Buster Phillips.

UTA has likewise announced the addition of music agents Emily LaRose, Marissa Smith, and Elisa Vazzana at its Nashville headquarters. Amy Lynch is now an agent in UTA’s comedy-touring division.

Lastly, UTA has enlisted former WME and CAA employee Brandi Brammer to serve as senior HR business partner, with 10-year CAA brand-partnerships professional Emily Wright beginning as a music brand partnerships agent.

Slip.stream

Slip.stream has tapped former Royalty Exchange CEO Anthony Martini to serve as chief music officer and partner.

WIN

As part of “a strategic restructure,” the 15-year-old Worldwide Independent Network has promoted Noemí Planas from network-development director to general manager. Plus, two-year WIN employee Denis Simms has become membership and projects manager.

VNUE

StageIt founder Evan Lowenstein will join VNUE’s board “at the closing of the acquisition of that company.”

ADA Worldwide

Warner Music’s ADA Worldwide has hired former UMG exec Samantha May Juneman as head of marketing and services.

Additionally, former DistroKid product-innovation lead Andrea Slobodien is ADA’s new SVP of product and integration, and former DistroKid product-operations lead Ty Teixeira has joined ADA as VP of operations and integrations.

Former Recording Academy President and CEO Deborah Dugan

Nearly 18 months after ousted Recording Academy head Deborah Dugan levied all manner of shocking allegations against the Grammys, she and the 64-year-old organization have quietly settled.

The Recording Academy placed Deborah Dugan on administrative leave just 10 days before the start of the 62nd Grammys, initially citing “a formal allegation of misconduct” from assistant Claudine Little, who’d worked under Neil Portnow when he led the Academy between 2002 and 2019.

However, it subsequently came to light that Dugan – who joined the organization in August of 2019 – had sent the HR department a firmly worded memo three weeks before being placed on administrative leave. This no-holds-barred document featured a number of stunning allegations, involving Grammys’ voting-process corruption, sexual harassment, and sexual-misconduct coverups, to name some.

Harvey Mason Jr. became interim president and CEO of the Recording Academy following Dugan’s exit – assuming the roles on a permanent basis last month – and the short-lived Grammys head in late January filed a shocking complaint, covering the aforementioned allegations as well as different claims yet. Dugan was officially fired in March of 2020, though the far-reaching effects of her statements remain apparent at the Academy.

And now, after blocking access to the corresponding arbitration hearing, the Recording Academy has officially finalized a settlement agreement with Deborah Dugan.

The involved parties acknowledged the settlement via a brief, widely circulated statement, relaying: “The Recording Academy and Deborah Dugan have agreed to resolve their differences and to keep the terms of their agreement private.”

Maintaining the “private” nature of the deal, neither the specifics of their talks nor the actual settlement terms had been publicly disclosed at the time of this piece’s publishing. Similarly, Dugan – who currently holds an executive position at New York City-based Handshake Consultants – hadn’t addressed the matter on social media, though the former EMI Records higher-up has retweeted several pieces about rule changes and shakeups at the Recording Academy.

Said rule changes and shakeups appear poised to continue arriving in the coming months (and possibly years), for Mason Jr., upon dropping “interim” from his title, vowed to proceed with the Recording Academy’s “transformative journey.” To be sure, following 2020 Grammys boycotts from artists including Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, the Recording Academy hired a “chief diversity officer” (who will soon start as co-president), removed the word “urban” from award categories, made substantial layoffs, and more.

Despite managing to avoid continued boycotts from Beyoncé and Swift, however, the Grammys weren’t without high-profile complaints before the 2021 edition, for The Weeknd and Halsey criticized the event and the Recording Academy after receiving zero nominations notwithstanding the commercial success of their After Hours and Manic efforts, respectively.

On this front, the Recording Academy last month voted to end Grammy “nominations review committees” and implemented a series of additional rule changes. But it remains to be seen whether these and other transparency-minded pivots will help to reverse the happening’s years-running viewership and ratings falloff, for the 63rd Grammys suffered a 53 percent year-over-year decline in watchers and a 61 percent YoY dip in the ratings department. Both figures were record lows, and the 2022 Grammys are slated to take place on a Monday.

Music streaming and discovery platform Audiomack has tapped Queens-born rapper and former Spotify higher-up Himanshu “Heems” Suri to spearhead its ambitious South Asian expansion.

The following article was written in conjunction with Audiomack, a longtime partner of DMN.

Nine-year-old Audiomack just recently announced that it had appointed Himanshu Suri to the newly created position of director of marketing and South Asian music strategy. The 35-year-old Wesleyan University graduate rose to prominence after forming the hip-hop group Das Racist in 2008, before achieving additional career success with a pair of mixtapes, a 2015 solo album, Eat Pray Thug, and multiple releases as part of the Swet Shop Boys.

Suri, who is of Punjabi-Indian descent, also founded the indie label Greedhead Music and has written extensively of music-related topics as well as South Asian culture for outlets like Stereogum.

Now, drawing upon both his creative and executive experience, Suri intends to help Audiomack bolster its presence across South Asia, including by identifying and developing talent from throughout India’s fast-growing music industry. Moreover, Audiomack has signaled that a key component of Suri’s job-related responsibilities will involve bringing emerging South Asian acts – and, in turn, a wide variety of cultures – to fans in countries around the globe.

Audiomack appears well situated on this front, as north of 17 million monthly active users (MAUs) utilize the service to discover quick-rising talent. Plus, a substantial portion of these individuals are part of rapidly evolving music markets, and particularly nations in Central America and Africa.

In one of many testaments to the latter’s considerable industry influence and promising future, Universal Music, Sony Music, and Warner Music alike have made high-profile moves to establish footholds on the continent as of late. Similarly, Spotify has expanded into 80 new states – a multitude of African locations among them – in 2021, while Deezer this month halved its price in Kenya and Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country.

Addressing his role as Audiomack’s director of marketing and South Asian music strategy, Suri said: “As a rapper, manager, and label founder, I partnered with Dave Macli and DJBooth in 2010 to release Das Racist’s Sit Down, Man. I’m excited to reconnect over a decade later over our shared passion for artist development, music discovery, and global music.

“I look forward to working with Audiomack to replicate what they’ve done in Africa for music creators and audiences in India and across the world. It’s a privilege to shine a light on Punjabi, hip-hop, and electronic music creators from India and its global diaspora. I’m also excited about spreading independent music from other South Asian countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka,” he concluded.

Atlas Music Publishing CEO (and founder) Richard Stumpf has exited the company after more than seven years, according to details now surfacing.

Stumpf, who founded Atlas Music Publishing in 2013 and remained as CEO after Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings purchased the company in early 2019, left the “full service music publisher” last month, according to his LinkedIn profile.

The ink still appears to be drying on this one. Richard Stumpf hasn’t commented publicly on the departure, though a transition appears to be already underway. Philip Cialdella, who became Atlas’s COO in April of 2016, has reportedly been tapped to serve as interim CEO — though at the time of this piece’s writing, the nearly five-year company veteran (and partner) hadn’t updated his LinkedIn profile to acknowledge the new role or mentioned the development on social media.

Similarly, Atlas Music Publishing hasn’t confirmed Stumpf’s departure (or Cialdella’s reportedly becoming interim CEO) on social media, and the New York City-headquartered company didn’t respond to a request for comment in time for publishing.

However, there’s this tidbit: Digital Music News has confirmed that Richard Stumpf is already serving as CEO for another company, Hawkeye Music Group. The newly founded (and New York City-headquartered) business specializes in “strategy development and execution based on collaboration between sectors,” per its LinkedIn account, with an emphasis on providing expertise “across the music and new media industries.”

Hawkeye’s website, currently featuring a close-up shot of the company’s logo as well as a photo of a live event, is “under construction.”

Stumpf is also a Recording Academy voting member and maintains a position on the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) board.

Mario Forsyth, Tuned Global’s new head of business development for Europe.

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job listing to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Pulse Music Group

Pulse Music Group has promoted five-year company veteran Ashley Calhoun to SVP and head of creative, while seven-year Pulse employee Maria Egan has departed from the latter role.

Tuned Global

Tuned Global has hired former 7digital team member Mario Forsyth to lead its business development efforts in Europe.  The move comes as Tuned Global has been expanding its European client; Forsyth will be based in London.

Atlantic Records UK

Former Apple Music UK editorial head Austin Daboh has joined Atlantic Records UK, where he will serve as executive vice president.  Daboh will be responsible for signing and developing domestic British artists, while coordinating with the US-based Atlantic Records to grow the label’s black music roster in the UK.  Prior to his stint at Apple Music, Daboh was handling editorial at Spotify UK.

Apple Music UK

Apple Music UK has tapped head of artist relations Ryan Newman to fill the executive editorial role previously held by Austin Daboh.

ViacomCBS

ViacomCBS has promoted longtime MTV Europe Music Awards executive producer Bruce Gillmer to president of music, music talent, programming, and events at ViacomCBS Media Networks.

Sony Music Turkey

Sony Music Turkey has hired 20-year music-industry veteran Özden Bora to serve as managing director.

Universal Music Greater China

Universal Music Greater China has named former 20th Century Fox Film exec Nan Jin head of communications.

Exiting StubHub President Sukhinder Singh Cassidy

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job listing to share, we’re all ears. Send a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Maverick Collective

Guy Oseary has stepped down from his leadership role within the Maverick management collective, which he founded six years ago under the Live Nation umbrella.  In a vague departure announcement, Oseary said he plans to dedicate more time to managing Madonna and U2, assisting developing companies, and consulting Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino.

StubHub

StubHub President Sukhinder Singh Cassidy has exited her executive position within the leading ticket-resale platform, according to a report from Billboard.  StubHub North America General Manager Jill Krimmel will fill the role on an interim basis.

TalentX Entertainment

TalentX Entertainment has hired Gersh Agency veteran Sean Stewart to serve as its digital talent director.

 The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP)

APAP has named 20-year performing arts professional Lisa Richards Toney president and CEO.

Sony/ATV Music Publishing

Sony/ATV has promoted Peter Brodsky to general counsel and executive vice president of business affairs. Brodsky has led Sony/ATV’s legal and business departments for 13 years.

GoDigital Media Group

GoDigital Media Group has rehired Doug Reinart to fill the role of COO Americas; Reinhart originally departed GoDigital about two years back.

Sony Music India

Sony Music India has named Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) veteran Rajat Kakar managing director. Kakar initiated his music industry career with Sony Music India in 1996.

Ticketek

Australian ticketing company Ticketek has brought on former Goldman Sachs banker Matthew Donazzan as a director of strategy and M&A (mergers and acquisitions).

Here’s a wrap on the latest music industry hirings, firings, and promotions.

If you have a job listing to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com.

If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request at noah@digitalmusicnews.com.

Apple Music – Lindsay Rothschild

Apple Music has announced the company has hired former Google executive Lindsay Rothschild as Head of Creative Services, Music Publishing, North America. Her appointment comes one year after Apple launched its music publishing division.

RIAA – Several New Promotions/Hires

The RIAA has announced several new promotions and hires within the Recording Industry Association of America. Morna Willens has been promoted to Chief Policy Officer. Karen Silhol has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer. The RIAA hired Ken Doroshow as the new Chief Legal Officer.

Warner Bros. Records – Norman Wonderly

Warner Bros. Records has announced that Norman Wonderly has been promoted to executive VP creative at WBR. He will report to label co-chairman and CC Tom Corson. Wonderly first joined WBR in 2010 as a senior VP of the label’s creative services team.

Spirit Music Group – Frank Rogers

Spirit Music Group has announced it has appointed Frank Rogers as Chief Executive Officer of its Nashville operation. He will oversee the creative and operations of the Nashville branch.

SeatGeek – Brian Murphy

Mobile ticketing platform SeatGeek has announced the hiring of Brian Murphy as Chief Technology Officer. He will lead the company’s domestic and international engineering teams. Murphy joins SeatGeek after serving as Tumblr’s CTO.

PodcastOne – Sue McNamara

PodcastOne has announced Sue McNamara has joined the company as executive VP Sales Eastern Division.

Warner Music Poland – Kinga Siennicka

Warner Music Poland has announced Kinga Siennicka has been promoted to Managing Director, Warner Music Poland. She will be based in the company’s Warsaw office and will report directly to Alfonso Perez-Soto. She previously served as Vice Chair of Marketing and Promotion for Warner Music Eastern Europe.

Primary Wave Music Publishing – Jane Reisman

Primary Wave Music Publishing has announced a handful of notable acquisitions and new signings. That roster includes Paul Anka, Leon Russell, DJ White Shadow, Carlie Hanson, and Gaither Music Group.

Jane Reisman was brought in as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer.

New Music USA – Vanessa Reed

Vanessa Reed has been appointed president and CEO of New Music USA. She will be based in New Music USA’s New York Offices and replaces former CEO Ed Harsh, who left after 17 years. Interim CEO Deborah Steinglass serves as CEO until Reed assumes her new role.

Singh, Singh & Trauben, LLP – Christopher Navarro

Navarro has left Universal Music Latin Entertainment to join Simran A. Singh at his law firm as a partner. Navarro managed UMLE’s business and legal affairs strategies while he was with the company.

MTV – Sheila Nevins

Sheila Nevins has been tapped to oversee MTV Documentary Films, a new division aimed at exploring social, political, and cultural stories. Nevins joins MTV after a 38-year-run with HBO’s documentary division.

Recording Academy – Deborah Dugan

Deborah Dugan has been named the Recording Academy’s new president and CEO. She is the first woman to hold the Academy’s president/CEO post, which she will assume on August 1.

UMG Asia – Several New Hires

UMG is expanding its operations with a new office in Singapore, headed by newly appointed CEO Calvin Wong. Wong will be joined by an entirely new executive team including Elvin Eng, Gus Henderson, Sarah Ismail, Daniel Haugen, and Aerae Eun.

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job listing to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

The muted bombshell this week comes from Paradigm Talent Agency, where longtime president Greg Bestick has abruptly resigned.  That follows brutal layoffs at Paradigm, with music- and touring-specific areas taking extreme hits.  But that’s just one part of the carnage at Paradigm, a company suddenly dealing with severely-impaired entertainment and sports industries.  “Paradigm now has to regroup,” Bestick stated in a farewell email. “But the foundation is there, the talent is there, the opportunity to rebuild the business in a new and stronger way is there. All it takes is teamwork and a willingness to see and strive for a better, more hopeful future.”

Incidentally, Songtradr has quickly picked up an ex-Paradigm exec, with other agency alums potentially getting scooped up in the coming weeks. Indeed, there’s a lot of great talent suddenly floating around for those looking to enhance their executive ranks. Here’s our wrap of the latest shuffles.

Songtradr

Leading music-licensing platform Songtradr has hired former Paradigm exec Dave Curtin to serve as VP of U.S. partnerships.

Twitch

Twitch has brought on former Spotify director of product management Tracy Chan as its head of product and engineering for music.

Atlantic Records UK

Glassnote Records veteran Liz Goodwin will start as Atlantic Records UK’s general manager at the end of the month, replacing Katie White, who will remain on board as an advisor.

Additionally, 10-year Atlantic Records UK employee Max Lutkin has been promoted to head of marketing.

SGAE

Spanish collecting society Sociedad General de Autores y Editores (SGAE) has ousted President Pilar Jurado by a vote of 22 to 13, though the exact reason for her dismissal is unclear presently.

Per SGAE guidelines, the organization’s next oldest vice president, playwright Fermín Cabal (who was born in 1948), will serve as interim president for a maximum of one month, as the Board of Directors selects a full-fledged successor to Jurado.

Kobalt Music Group

Kobalt has promoted 12-year company mainstay Chris Lakey from VP, creative sync to senior VP, creative sync.

Also, Kobalt has named Universal Music Group veteran Jill Tschogl vice president of the creative division.

Beatdapp

Blockchain music startup Beatdapp has hired former Microsoft Research employee James Larus to serve as a tech expert and advisor.

SOCAN CEO Eric Baptiste speaking at the Juno Awards, 2018

SOCAN has just revealed that its longtime CEO, Eric Baptiste, is stepping down after a decade-long tenure.

We’re not sure exactly why Baptiste is relinquishing his post after ten years, though SOCAN said it has nothing to do with the current COVID-19 crisis.  “The decision is purely coincidental to the current COVID-19 crisis, and the Board of Directors has
full faith in SOCAN’s executive management team,” SOCAN told DMN.  “The organization continues to operate at full capacity.”

Fair enough, though it should clarified that we never asked if this had anything to do with the COVID-19 crisis. Beyond that, however, SOCAN declined to offer any reason why Baptiste, who seemed to be calmly helming the Canadian rights organization year-after-year, was finally on the out. SOCAN described the departure decision as “mutual,” while noting that “Eric thought it was time to move on.”

“We thank Eric Baptiste for his leadership over the past ten years,” Marc Ouellette, President & Chair of SOCAN’s Board of Directors, offered in a statement. “During this time, SOCAN has seen growth and has maintained its presence as a leader in serving music creators and publishers in Canada and around the world.”

Perhaps tellingly, SOCAN doesn’t have a successor in place, a situation that suggests a less-than-perfectly-mutual goodbye. Jennifer Brown, currently Senior Vice President of Operation & Reproduction Rights, has stepped into the role of Interim CEO while SOCAN tries to find a permanent CEO replacement.

We pressed SOCAN a bit further on the reasons for the leadership change, though the company pointed to a routine decision. “As mentioned in the release, Eric had been with the company for ten years,” SOCAN Chief Communications & Marketing Officer Andrew Berthoff emailed. “The board of directors, to whom the CEO reports, did its normal review and, with the end of the current contract approaching, Eric thought it was time to move on. So, a decision was reached to end his tenure now.”

Regardless of whether Baptiste’s departure is linked to COVID-19 or not, SOCAN certainly has its challenges ahead.

Just last week, ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews offered an extremely dour summary of the performance royalty market in the United States.

“During this crisis, as we see more and more of our licensees who pay us start to feel the impact of the economic downturn, this translates into less revenue for ASCAP and less money available for distributions for our members,” Matthews stated. “We have already been contacted by numerous licensees who are attempting to pay less, pay late, or not pay at all.”

Of course, shut-down business in both the United States and Canada will dramatically reduce public performance royalty payments in 2020, across all parts of North America. At present, it’s unclear how SOCAN is dealing with the situation, though ASCAP took the drastic step of delaying writer payments for weeks. But the delay, on royalties accrued during the third quarter of 2019, is now raising concerns of a serious cash-crunch at the US-based mega-PRO.

The Toronto-based SOCAN has a membership of 160,000 songwriters, composers, music publishers and visual artists.  It manages royalties from more than 100,000 business and public spaces across Canada.

Mumbai (photo: Hardik Joshi)

Universal Music Group (UMG) has made several personnel changes to the leadership teams within Universal Music India (UMI).

In a breakdown of the changes emailed to DMN this morning, UMI described the changes as part of an ongoing effort to “reinforce” its position as the leading music company in India and South Asia, as well as to further develop its roster of hip-hop artists from the region.

As part of the shift and the enhanced Indian operations, Vinit Thakkar has been appointed to the newly created role of COO, India and South Asia, having previously served as senior vice president; Gaurav Chaturvedi will become vice president of domestic labels for UMI; and Pranav Thakker has been tapped as Universal Music Group and Brands’ general manager of new business development.

Speaking of his promotion, Vinit Thakkar said that he is “very excited” to implement long-term growth strategies for UMI. Thakkar previously held executive positions at Sony Music and Citibank.

In a statement, UMG highlighted the ways in which UMI has “led the evolution of the domestic Indian music market” over the last three years, including by launching new labels and strengthening Artists and Repertoire (A&R) efforts, which spans talent-scouting, content matching and selection, and broader artist development.

VYRL Originals, a non-film UMI sub-label that is attempting to counteract Bollywood’s considerable influence on the Indian music industry, formed in 2018 and has attracted over 25 artists to its ranks. UMI has also scored a major broadcast deal with Red FM, one of India’s foremost radio stations, which in turn carries VYRL artists’ songs. And last year, UMI partnered with Nas’s Mass Appeal to better promote Indian hip-hop.

India’s music market is rapidly developing and becoming increasingly lucrative. Earlier this month, we reported that Gaana, the most prominent music-streaming platform in India, had secured over 150 million monthly users, beating the likes of Spotify and Apple Music domestically. And last year, Sony Music rolled out Big Bang Music, a joint-partnership venture with management company KWAN that aims to discover new artist talent in India.

Nas’s first major Mass Appeal signing, DIVINE, is continuing to release relatively popular songs, and a multitude of additional artist signings—and debut albums—are expected to be made throughout the year.

Paul Rosenberg is exiting his role as chairman and CEO of Def Jam Records.

Multiple sources leaked the news of Rosenberg’s departure today (Friday), which, at the time of this piece’s writing, had not been confirmed by Def Jam, its parent company, Universal Music Group (UMG), or Paul Rosenberg himself.  Rosenberg was appointed Chairman & CEO by Def Jam in 2017, but he officially assumed his positions in January of 2018.

Subsequent details on the departure emerged over the weekend.  Aside from leading Def Jam, Rosenberg is known for his long-standing professional relationship with Eminem (which began in 1997) and his management company, Goliath Artists.  Rosenberg has long been the CEO of Goliath Artists, which manages Eminem, Three 6 Mafia, Blink-182, and a variety of other well-known artists. Rosenberg is now expected to focus on Goliath via a UMG joint venture relationship, while still consulting on Def Jam projects.

Rosenberg co-founded Eminem’s label, Shady Records, and the two have served as co-presidents since 1999.

Def Jam Records was founded in 1984 by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons.

Earlier this month, it was reported that HBO had secured the rights to a documentary about Simmons’s alleged sexual crimes. Multiple women have accused Simmons of rape, and the 62-year-old has liquidated his American assets and relocated to Bali, Indonesia, which does not have an extradition treaty with the United States.

The strength of Def Jam’s roster is without question; Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Logic, and DMX, among many others, are currently signed to the label. During Rosenberg’s brief tenure, West and Logic each released two number-one records: Kanye’s Ye and Jesus is King and Logic’s YSIV and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.

In 2016, Rosenberg co-created a Vice television show, That’s Delicious, with rapper and former chef Action Bronson. The program has been renewed for a fourth season, which is expected to air sometime in 2020.

Eminem’s most recent album, Music to be Murdered By, was released last month. And on February 9th, the 47-year-old performed one of his most popular tracks, “Lose Yourself,” at the Oscars. 

Photo Credit: LinkedIn

Jeff Bronikowski has left the Warner Music exec team to join Apple. He is the new head of Global Strategic Music Initiatives.

Neither Apple nor Bronikowski have commented publicly on the transition – AppleInsider discovered the LinkedIn update on Bronikowski’s page. His most recent position was as a Senior Vice President at Warner Music for three years.

Before that, he worked as a Senior Vice President at Universal Music Group for 11 years. Bronikowski’s LinkedIn page also cites positions at Yahoo, AOL, and Echo Nest for a mix of tech and music experience. Bronikowski graduated from Georgetown University and holds an MBA from NYU’s School of Business.

Apple appears to be poaching serious talent to step up its global music streaming service. Spotify still holds the lead on global subscribers but hires like Bronikowski may help change that.

At last count, Apple confirmed 60 million paid subscribers for Apple Music. Spotify shared it has around 124 million premium subscriptions globally.

Warner Music can’t seem to stop losing its leadership talent to digital services. Two former Warner Music execs lead TikTok’s global music licensing team. Facebook’s music team is led by another former Warner Music executive – Tamara Hrivnak. Even YouTube Music is now headed by Dan Chalmers, a former London-based Warner exec.

Apple’s subscription-driven future means it is looking to beef up the number of Apple Music paid users. Recurring revenue models are essential for survival in an era when smartphone sales are declining. Smartphone hardware has reached a plateau in innovation despite their sky-high prices. That means the average person keeps their phone longer than Apple would like.

Aside from incremental camera improvements, a smartphone from five years ago is just as functional as those released this year. (That is, unless you purchased an iPhone. Apple was recently fined a hefty sum for slowing down older iPhones to make people upgrade.)

Its expanded list of preferred distributors also evidences Apple’s further push into the music industry.

Danny Strick (l) departs Jon Platt’s (r) Sony/ATV Music Publishing

According to a recent report from Variety, Danny Strick is no longer Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s co-president. 

In a note to Sony/ATV employees, Chairman and CEO Jon Platt commended Strick for his fifteen years of service. He further complimented his professionalism, and noted several of the key artists Strick brought on board, including Pitbull, The Jonas Brothers, and A$AP Rocky.

Perhaps more to the point, Platt also thanked Strick for helping with the “transition” process. 

Strick declined to comment on the news, and at the time of writing, Sony/ATV hadn’t released a public statement on the matter.  Strick joined Sony/ATV in 2004 and became co-president in 2007, having previously worked at Maverick Records in an executive capacity. 

His departure is part of a broader shakeup from CEO Platt, who joined Sony/ATV in 2019, after 17 years with EMI Music Publishing and, more recently, four years at Warner/Chappell Music. The Coloradoan got his start in the music industry as a DJ, before transitioning to management and executive positions. 

Some believe that the obvious next step for Strick is a role within former Sony/ATV head Martin Bandier’s developing company, tentatively named Bandier Ventures. Bandier hasn’t revealed much about this new venture, except that it will involve music; the business is rumored to be part of an agreement with TPG Capital, a Texas-based investment firm. 

Bandier stepped down from Sony/ATV in March 2019 after 12 years. One of his co-presidents, Rick Krim, also departed. 

Bandier is credited with elevating Sony/ATV to the top of the publishing sphere. Countless high-profile deals were struck under his tenure, including the 2011 acquisition of EMI. Strick (as well as Krim) worked closely with Bandier, and their well-functioning professional relationship was widely known. 

In September 2019, Rihanna signed with Sony Music/ATV, having become acquainted with Platt at Warner/Chappell. And one week ago, Platt installed Rusty Gaston as CEO of Sony/ATV Nashville. Additional restructuring, signings, and development are expected in the coming months. 

John Cantu, Anthem Entertainment

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job listing to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com.

If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com.

And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Universal Music Group (UMG)

UMG’s Global Classics and Jazz division has hired Sam Jackson to fill the newly created role of executive vice president. Jackson, who previously worked for Global, will be based out of UMG’s London offices. 

Tracklib

Swedish businessman Karl-Henrik Sundström has been appointed chairman of Tracklib’s board of directors. 

DashGo

DashGo, a subsidiary of Downtown, has hired Charlie Dilks as a managing director. Dilks, who most recently held an executive position at Songtradr, will oversee DashGo’s UK expansion. 

Anthem Entertainment

Anthem Entertainment has hired John Cantu as a corporate marketing manager. Cantu will report to Anthem’s Nashville offices. 

Indie 102.3

Colorado Public Radio (CPR) station Indie 102.3 has hired veteran radio broadcaster Jason Thomas as an afternoon host. 

The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall

The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall has named Jesse Kumagai president and CEO. Interim president and CEO Thomas C. MacMillan will contribute to the transition process before becoming a special adviser. 

AEG Presents

AEG Presents has promoted Fredrick “Cody” Lauzier to senior vice president of the Global Touring and Talent division. Lauzier has been with AEG since 2013. 

Live Nation 

Live Nation has bolstered its Japanese team by hiring Kei Ikuta as a senior vice president. Ikuta previously worked for Udo Artists in an executive capacity. 

BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville

Jennifer Coen, formerly an executive assistant to EVP Jon Loba, has been promoted to a director role with BBR’s newly created Brand Partnerships division. 

Additionally, four employees have joined BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville: 

Mary Forest Findley will serve as director of promotion for Stony Creek Records, a position she held from 2013 until 2015.

Tyler Corrado has been hired to fill the newly created role of manager of social media and fan engagement. 

Kelsey Peoples has been brought on as an office manager. 

And lastly, Sarah Powers will replace Coen as EVP Jon Loba’s executive assistant. 

William Morris Endeavor (WME)

WME’s UK music branch has hired Caroline Simionescu-Marin as an agent. Simionescu-Marin previously held a management position at XL Recordings. 

The Feldman Agency

Longtime talent agent Darcy Gregoire has been hired by the Feldman Agency to oversee bookings. 

Bell Media

Bell Media has promoted Tyson Parker to director of podcasting. Parker has been with Bell since 2015. 

Red Street Records

Red Street Records has hired Mark Lusk to serve as president and general manager, while Don Koch has been promoted to EVP of Creative/A&R. 

Also, Cambria Mackey has been brought on as a social-media and artist-development manager; Taylor Day will become coordinator of marketing and media buying; and Mary Thorsby will aid the record company as an executive assistant. 

Sony/ATV has found its new Nashville CEO after an acquisition. Rusty Gaston will serve as CEO effective immediately.

Sony/ATV also acquired THiS Music, which Gaston co-founded with Tim Nichols and Connie Harrington. Gaston succeeds Troy Tomlinson, who left Sony/ATV to join Universal back in June 2019. Gaston will report to Jon Platt, Chairman, and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

As Sony/ATV Nashville CEO, Gaston will lead all creative operations for the division. That includes signing new songwriters and the development of new strategies for promoting its catalog of music.

The acquisition of THiS Music also brings new talent under the Sony/ATV banner.

That roster includes songwriters Ben Hayslip and Emily Weisband. Hayslip is a member of The Peach Pickers – one of the most awarded songwriting trios in country music history. Weisband is a Grammy-winning songwriter who has written hits for Camila Cabello, BTS, Halsey, and more.

Gaston says he looks forward to working with Sony/ATV’s publishing team and roster. Jon Platt, CEO of Sony/ATV, had high praise for Gaston.

“Rusty is one of music’s most influential executives today,” he said. “His success in developing game-changing opportunities for songwriters makes him the perfect leader to step into this important role at Sony/ATV. I’m excited to work alongside Rusty and our Nashville team on nurturing the next generation of music’s hitmakers.”

Sony/ATV Music Publishing has worked hard to extend deals with its current roster of songwriters. Back in September of 2019, the company extended its publishing deal with Boi-1da. They also signed Rihanna to a multi-year deal that included both past songs and future works that same month.

Sony/ATV also snagged a deal with 20-year-old King Princess, including her full catalog of hits as a singer, songwriter, and producer. Finally, Sony/ATV inked an agreement to represent Dolly Parton’s massive catalog of hits earlier in the year.

Gail Samuel, incoming President of the Hollywood Bowl and COO of the LA Phil Association

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job listing to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com.

If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com.

And, keep track of all the latest music industry shuffles here.

Kobalt

Kobalt founder Willard Ahdritz will be exchanging his CEO role for that of chairman. Laurent Hubert, who has been part of Kobalt since 2016, will replace Ahdritz as CEO.

Motion Picture Sound Editors

Mark Lanza has been elected by his fellow members to serve a two-year term as president of the Motion Sound Editors. Additionally, Steve Urban and Jeremy Gordon have been named secretary and treasurer, respectively.

Hollywood Bowl/Los Angeles Philharmonic Association

Gail Samuel, a 25-year veteran of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, has been promoted to president of the Hollywood Bowl and COO of the LAPA.

ICM Partners

Andrea Johnson, who joined ICM in 2001, has been promoted to partner in the concert division. Courtny Catzel, Shade Grant, Di Glazer, Craig Shapiro, and Howie Tanenbaum, were also named partners.

New York Knicks

United Masters founder Steve Stoute has been brought on as a brand ambassador for the New York Knicks.

KCRW

KCRW veteran Anne Litt has been promoted to the newly created program director of music role, while Paul Bennun and Drew Tewksbury have been brought on as chief content officer and director of digital content, respectively.

Warner Records

Former Capitol Music Group and Epic Records exec Darren Baber has been hired as senior vice president of media and strategic development at Warner Records.

MTV, VH1, CMT, and Logo

Amy Doyle, who was hired by Viacom in 1999, has announced that she will step down as the general manager of MTV, VH1, CMT, and Logo this spring.

Doyle’s duties will be split between Nina L. Diaz, who oversees programming for MTV, VH1, and Logo, and Tanya Giles, who manages Comedy Central, Paramount Network, and TV Land.

Spotify

Spotify has promoted Paul Vogel to CFO. Vogel joined the company four years ago and previously led the Investor Relations and Financial Planning and Analysis departments.

Rothenberg, Mohr & Binder

Tiffany Almy, who joined the music legal firm at its inception, has been promoted to partner.

Warner Chappell

Ayla Owen, who had been with Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH) for 15 years, has been tapped to serve as vice president of sync and creative services at Warner Chappell’s London offices.

Metal Blade Records

Tracy Vera, whose career with Metal Blade Records spans 30 years, has been promoted to president. Also, Heather Parsons, an 18-year Metal Blade employee, has been named general manager.

Sony Music Entertainment CEO Rob Stringer

Sony Music Entertainment (SME) is making some significant changes to its operations in Oceania, Asia, and the Middle East. The company has announced a restructuring and expansion plan that includes a shift in focus for Asia-Pacific executive Denis Handlin, who will now exclusively handle Australia and New Zealand markets.

Denis Handlin has been a part of SME’s team for almost half a century, an impressive feat by any standard. In May this year, he will complete 50 years of service with the company. Handlin previously handled markets in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. With his new role, he will focus entirely on the Australian and New Zealand markets, which are crucial to SME’s operations in the region.

In other changes, Shridhar Subramaniam will take on the newly created role of President, Strategy and Market Development, Asia and Middle East, while continuing to oversee SME’s operations in India and the Middle East. Based in New York City, Subramaniam’s primary responsibility will be to develop long-term growth strategies for SME’s operations throughout Asia and the Middle East.

Andrew Chan will lead SME’s operations in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, while Ariel Fung will become the Executive Vice President of SME Southeast Asia. Joseph Chang will continue as Managing Director of SME Korea. These changes are part of SME’s strategy to expand its operations in the region and tap into the growing music markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

SME is not the only major record label that is betting big on the rapidly developing music industries in these regions. Last year, Universal Music Group (UMG) appointed Calvin Wong to a newly created executive role in Singapore, where UMG’s Southeast Asia headquarters are located, before launching a new label alongside AirAsia. In 2018, the company signed a licensing agreement with Boomplay, Africa’s most popular music-streaming service.

The music markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are growing rapidly, and an ever-increasing number of artists from these regions are demonstrating their marketability both domestically and internationally. In 2019, BTS, a South Korean K-pop group, became the first Asian artist to garner five billion plays on Spotify. Similarly, Nas’s Mass Appeal is currently scouting and marketing hip-hop artists in India.

The music industry is changing rapidly, and record labels like SME and UMG are adapting to these changes by focusing on emerging markets and investing in new talent. With the growing popularity of music streaming services and social media platforms, the music industry is becoming more globalized, and talented artists from all corners of the world now have the opportunity to reach a global audience.

In conclusion, SME’s restructuring and expansion plan is a significant development in the music industry, and it reflects the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa markets. SME’s strategy to invest in these markets and tap into the growing demand for music in these regions is a smart move, and it will undoubtedly help the company to stay ahead of the competition in the years to come.

Photo Credit: Twitch

Most people think of Twitch as a place to stream video games alone. However, Twitch’s music initiative may change that.

The ‘Just Chatting’ category on Twitch is a catch-all for all non-gaming content. It’s also growing five times faster than the most-watched games like League of Legends and Fortnite. Last year at TwitchCon, Twitch announced Twitch Sings, a karaoke game designed from the ground up for the streaming platform.

Now it looks like the Twitch music initiative is expanding with a new Music Partnerships Manager.

Athena Koumis joins Twitch from Spotify, making the announcement yesterday on her social media profiles.

“One thing I’ve learned from working in streaming over the years is a sense of community & meaningful interaction w/ fellow music lovers & music makers. Something that Twitch has built out beautifully through the lens of gaming,” Koumis wrote. “When I learned Twitch was officially expanding into the music space in 2020, I knew this would be the right place for me to continue my work helping music communities thrive.”

Koumis served as Spotify’s North America Editor of Music Culture, where she curated the Fresh Finds playlists and Pride Hub. She later joined Xcite Networks in October 2018. Her LinkedIn profile confirms she joined Twitch last month.

Twitch hopes to attract more non-gamer content creators with the rollout of Twitch Studio. It’s an easy-to-use app designed to help those who are new to streaming.

Twitch owner Amazon wants to maintain Twitch’s platform dominance when it comes to live streaming. Last year, a study conducted in Q3 found that Twitch accounted for 75.6% of all live-streaming hours watched.

There’s definitely a market beyond gaming, and Twitch is aiming to capture it. Twitch is now experiencing its slowest quarterly growth, despite its platform dominance.

Branching out into a global platform for creators seems like the best strategy to maintain growth. Live-streaming games is a very saturated market, and has been for a few years now.

iHeartMedia, one of the largest audio media companies in the United States, has recently announced a restructuring plan that involves the promotion of three senior programmers to division executive vice presidents of their National Programming Group. The move comes in the wake of layoffs and the replacement of workers with “technology and artificial intelligence.”

According to iHeartMedia, the three executives – Jeff Hurley, Tony Travatto, and Angela Watson Charles – will “work closely” with recently appointed division presidents as they implement the company’s new operating structure across its markets. They will join the other division vice presidents: Andrew Jeffries, Thea Mitchem, Maynard, and Gene Romano, and they will report to Brad Hardin, who is the chief operating officer of the iHeartMedia National Programming Group.

The three new executives will work with division presidents Shosh Abromovich, Nick Gnau, and Dan Lankford, and they will be involved with the company’s Community division as well, which focuses on the shared needs of one community and one trading area.

Jeff Hurley, one of the newly promoted executives, has been with the company since 2004 when he joined as a program director. Since 2013, he has served as the company’s regional senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia’s Allentown/Harrisburg region.

Tony Travatto, another newly promoted executive, joined the company in 2005 as a program director. His most recent role was as senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia Detroit, and he was also a program director for a pair of Detroit radio stations.

Angela Watson Charles, the third executive to be promoted, has been working for iHeartMedia since 1990 when she joined the company as a promotions intern. In 2015, she became the company’s senior vice president of programming for its eight radio stations in New Orleans.

Tom Poleman, who is the chief programming officer for iHeartMedia, issued a statement in conjunction with the announcement, saying, “We’re excited to add Angela, Jeff, and Tony to our already extremely talented Executive Vice President of Programming team. They each have deep experience building great local brands with a blend of math and magic, and they’ll provide excellent leadership to our programmers in our Community Division markets.”

The move to promote the three senior programmers comes as iHeartMedia undergoes a restructuring that involves the replacement of workers with “technology and artificial intelligence.” This trend is not unique to iHeartMedia, as many companies across various industries are turning to automation and AI to streamline their operations and reduce costs.

While there are certainly benefits to using AI and automation in the workplace, such as increased efficiency and productivity, there are also concerns about the impact on workers. In particular, workers who are replaced by technology may struggle to find new jobs, and those who remain may face increased pressure to perform at a high level to justify their continued employment.

Overall, the promotion of the three senior programmers at iHeartMedia is a positive development for the company, as it demonstrates a commitment to developing and promoting talent from within. It remains to be seen how the restructuring plan will ultimately impact the company and its employees, but for now, the company is taking steps to ensure that it has the right leadership in place to navigate the changes ahead.

Photo of Morgan Hughes (courtesy of Warner Music)

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job listing to share, we’re all ears.  Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com.

If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com.

Warner Music Group has announced that it has promoted Morgan Hughes as its head of creative, and it has hired Russell Fogden as its new head of commercial. Both will work out of the company’s London office.

The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) has hired executive Kris Ahrend as its new CEO, effective immediately.

Elektra Music Group (EMG) has promoted Johnny Minardi to vice president of A&R. He first joined Altantic’s family of labels back in 2004.

Atlantic Records announced that they have promoted Sherry Alaghehband to its senior director of promotion. She has been working for the company for the past eight years.

CBC Music has hired Steve Jordan as a senior director. He was previously the founder and executive director of the Polaris Music Prize.

Nick Holmstén, who is the global head of music at Spotify, announced that he will be leaving his position on March 4.

AEG Presents has promoted Alicia Karlin and Jenny Heifetz Henault to vice president of global touring and talent.

Songkick, which is owned by Warner Music Group, announced that it has named Aaron Randall and Bill Ashton as the company’s new managing directors.

iHeartMedia has laid off dozens of employees from its radio stations across the United States. Those laid off include veteran DJs and program directors.

The newly-minted Ingrooves Brazil has named Brazilian music industry veteran Cris Garcia Falcão as its managing director.

Downtown Music Publishing has announced that it has hired music executive Kate Sweetsur to lead creative development in the United Kingdom.

iHeartMedia has reportedly laid off dozens of people across its network of radio stations, including DJs and program directors.

So far, the company, which is the largest broadcaster in the world, has not specified exactly how many employees were laid off. A spokesperson for the company would only say that “the number is relatively small given our overall employee base of 12,500.”

What’s more, no one outside the company has been able as of yet to independently instantiate the number of layoffs. But Billboard has received many reports of layoffs from across the United States.

Here are a sample of these:

“It’s been a bloodbath across the whole country. My [superiors] came into my office and closed the door and said, ‘Hey,’ and gave me the talk of, ‘This is your last day.'”

“It was a shock. I definitely didn’t see it coming. I’m sure a lot of people didn’t. You can never really sit too comfortable, can you?”

“My meeting with the GM this morning lasted maybe 45 seconds or so. He read a statement from a piece of paper (that I barely remember) and I was shown the door.”

The spokesperson for iHeartMedia also issued a statement to explain the layoffs.

It said, “We are modernizing our company to take advantage of the significant investments we have made in new technology and aligning our operating structure to match the technology-powered businesses we are now in. This is another step in the company’s successful transformation as a multiple platform 21st century media company.”

iHeartMedia operates over 850 traditional radio stations. In recent years, though, it has struggled, which led to it declaring bankruptcy. At the same time, it has been trying to adapt to today’s digital music world by introducing a streaming service that currently has 128 million users.

Unfortunately, this service generates much less revenue than their terrestrial radio stations.

The company made news last month when it selected Nashville as the second headquarters of its iHeartRadio digital team.

Photo of Quentin Bradley (courtesy of Muserk)

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job listing to share, we’re all ears.  Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com.

If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com.

Muserk announced that it has promoted Quentin Bradley to head of product. He formerly handled global rights management at the company and will report to the company’s CEO and founder Paul Goldman while being based out of the company’s Nashville office.

One Media iP has hired Brian Berg as the chairman of Eclipse Global Entertainment. They have also appointed Claire Blunt, who is the COO and the CFO of Hearst UK, to its board of directors. They have both joined the company’s board as independent non-executive directors as well, with Claire as a non-executive chair of the company.

ID&T announced that it has changed its board structure to a single tier. Wouter Tavecchio, who is the former CEO of the ID&T group and the founder of Q-Dance, will take the position of chairman of the board of directors (non-executive) while Ritty van Straalen, who is the former COO of the ID&T group, has been appointed as CEO. Duncan Stutterheim, who is the founder of ID&T, is returning to the company as a non-executive board member.

Primary Wave Music Publishing has hired Angelica Camacho to become its vice president of creative A&R. She previously worked for TaP Music.

Garth Brooks’ Pearl Records announced that it has promoted Glenn Noblit to its director of national promotion. He has worked there since 2016, serving as the label’s director of regional promotion.

Concord Music Publishing has hired Amanda Molter as its deputy general counsel.

The independent music label Defected Records has named James Kirkham as its chief business officer. He previously held the same role at Copa90 for four years.

Photo of Jeremy Sirota (courtesy of Merlin)

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job listing to share, we’re all ears.  Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com.

If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com.

Merlin has appointed Jeremy Sirota, who formerly worked for Facebook’s Music Team, as its CEO, effective immediately. Sirota has been credited for helping shape and implement Facebook’s digital music strategy, and he previously held senior positions at Warner Music Group as well.

YouTube Music has hired Dan Chalmers, a longtime Warner Music Group executive, as its director in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Republic Records announced that it has promoted Tyler Arnold as an executive vice president of A&R. He first joined the company as an intern in 2014 and is said to have been instrumental in the signing and development of rapper Post Malone.

AWAL, which is the recording division of Kobalt Music Group, has hired Pete Giberga to become its head of A&R, North America.

Sony/ATV Music Publishing has hired Cathy Merenda as a senior vice president of broadcast and media rights.

Harbottle & Lewis Technology, Media and Entertainment (TME) has appointed lawyer Kieran Jay as a partner. He will head its music department.

Interscope Geffen A&M announced that it has promoted Gary Kelly to chief revenue officer/global head of streaming & strategy.

Sony Music Entertainment Finland has appointed Jannika Nyqvist as its director of marketing and artist services.

Squeak E. Clean Studios has hired Nick Doering as a producer. He will work out of their New York studio.

Mackie announced that it has hired Luis Wasserman to join the company as its sales director of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Photo of Ben James (Courtesy of Townsend)

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job listing to share, we’re all ears.  Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com.

If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com.

Concord has announced that Glen Barros, who is the company’s chief operating officer, will be leaving at the end of the year so that he can start a new business called Exceleration Music.

The Oak View Group announced that it hired John Bolton to run a new arena at Agua Caliente in Palm Springs, California. He will also become a senior vice president of entertainment and general manager.

The Library of Congress has named Maria Strong as its acting register of copyrights and the director of the U.S. Copyright Office. She will succeed Karyn Temple, who will be leaving at the beginning of next year.

Townsend Music has hired Ben James, who previously was head of acquisitions at PledgeMusic, as its new business manager.

Apple announced that it hired Zach Kahn to run public relations for its podcasting business. He will begin in January and will report to Tom Neumayr, who is the company’s senior director of communications.

AEG European Festivals announced the hiring of Clare Lusher for its newly created role of marketing and brand director.

Warner Chappell Music is promoting Claire McAuley to the position of senior vice president of global administration.

The Country Music Association (CMA) has hired Sarah Abell as its operations manager and Leslie London as a senior staff accountant.

Pioneer DJ announced that it had hired industry veteran Drew Bach to its product planning team as its manager.

PPL and PRS for Music have announced that they have named Andrea Gray as the managing director of PPL PRS Ltd.

Warner Music UK announced that they have promoted Briony Turner and Ed Howard to co-presidents of Atlantic Records UK.

AMPED has named Jocelynn Pryor as its vice president of marketing.

Photo of Garret English (Courtesy of LiveXLive)

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job listing to share, we’re all ears.  Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com.

If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com.

Audible Magic announced that it has hired David King as strategic advisor, J. Gibson as senior director of content operations and rights administrations and Kuni Takahashi as vice president of account services and sales.

BMG has hired John Clifford as head of its worldwide production music business.

Sony Music UK announced that it has promoted Adam Cardew to a newly created position of vice president of podcasting and creative strategy.

LiveXLive Media announced that it has hired industry veteran Garrett English as its chief creative officer.

Universal Music Canada (UMC) has appointed Ryan “Shep” Shepard as its new senior director of national promotion.

Republic Records has hired Chris Blackwell as a senior vice president of creative content and development.

UMG’s television production company Eagle Rock Entertainment announced that it has hired Alice Webb as its new chief executive.

WMG announced that it has hired Clare McConnell to a newly created role of senior privacy counsel.

Roc Nation has promoted Desiree Perez to CEO while former CEO Jay Brown becomes vice chairman.

Amazon Music announced it has hired Rocío Guerrero for its newly created position of global head of Latin music.

As previously reported, Neil Jacobson, who is the president of Geffen Records, will be leaving the company at the end of the year.

Mixhalo has hired Thomas Meyer as its head of music industry business development and partnerships.

Collective Artist Management (CAM) announced that it hired industry professional Neil Vance as a manager.

Gibson has hired Sergio Villanueva as its head of custom shop.

Circle has hired Geoff DeFrance as senior vice president of digital, Evan Haiman as senior vice president of content and Teresa George as vice president of strategic partnerships.

Neil Jacobson, who is the president of Geffen Records, will be leaving the company to launch his own venture.

Jacobson will leave Geffen at the end of the year, and he is expected to be involved in the transition to a new president.

Jacobson disclosed the details in a letter sent to his employees, in which he said that he would be dedicating his efforts to growing Crescent Drive Productions.  The company offers a full gamut of music services, including recording, publishing and management.

Jacobson said in the letter: “As our industry continues to grow and evolve through technology, music consumption, and artists’ direct relationships with their fans, I am excited about my new venture’s contributions to serve artists and fans worldwide.”

John Janick, who is the chairman and CEO of Geffen’s parent Interscope Geffen A&M (IGA) Records, also wrote a letter to employees relating to Jacobson’s departure.

He said that he felt “compelled to support [Jacobson’s] decision and not stand in his way” based on his own past. He was referring to how he once ran the independent record label Fueled by Ramen.

Janick added, “We have an incredible team at Geffen who will be integral to the company moving forward. Over the next several months we will be announcing exciting new things for Geffen, a label which remains vital to the continued success of IGA.”

While Jacobson has been the president of Geffen Records for three years, he has been employed by its parent for the past 17 . He began his career as an assistant in the company’s international marketing department before moving on to its management and A&R division. There he signed artists such as LMFAO and DJ Snake while managing will.i.am, Robin Thicke and Emile Haynie.

In 2017, he helped relaunch Geffen Records as a separate label. Its artists include:

• DJ Snake
• Lil Jon
• Mura Masa
• Yungblud
• AlunaGeorge
• Avicii
• Ren
• Gryffin
• Billie Eilish

Photo of Ty Salazar (Courtesy of Position Music)

Here’s a recap of recent executive shuffles — including both hirings and in-house promotions — from across the music industry.

If you have a job listing to share, we’re all ears.  Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com.

If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com.

CAA announced that they have promoted Julie Greenberg to a touring agent. She will be based in the company’s Nashville office.

The Motion Picture Association has hired Karyn A. Temple as its global general counsel. She previously worked eight years for the U.S. Copyright Office, with her most recent position being register of copyrights.

Michael Dugher, who has been head of UK Music, is stepping down from his role to take a similar one with the Betting And Gaming Council. He joined the organization in 2017 after once serving as a British MP in the country’s Labour party.

ByteDance has named Ole Obermann as a vice president and the global head of music for its TikTok app. He will be based in London.

Warner Chappell Music announced that it has hired Rich Christina to be a senior vice president of A&R. He will be based in New York and report to Ryan Press, who is the company’s president of A&R.

AEG Presents has promoted Debra Rathwell to executive vice president of global touring and talent. She has been with the company since 2002.

Position Music announced that it had promoted Ty Salazar to senior director of creative licensing. He has been with the company since 2013.

Damon Whiteside will become the new CEO of the Academy of Country Music. He will replace Damon Whiteside on January 6.

Prager Metis announced that it has promoted Mark Carter to a principal. He will work in the company’s business management department within their London office.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union and NBC met for five hours today to discuss her dismissal from America’s Got Talent, which Union described as “productive.”

In a Twitter post after the meeting Union wrote, “We had a lengthy 5-hour, and what I thought to be, productive meeting. I was able to, again, express my unfiltered truth. I led with transparency and my desire and hope for real change.”

NBC also issued a statement in regards to the meeting with Union, in which they largely echoed her sentiments. They said, “The initial conversation was candid and productive. While there will be a further investigation to get a deeper understanding of the facts, we are working with Gabrielle to come to a positive resolution.”

On November 22, it was announced that neither Union nor actress Julianne Hough would be coming back for what will be the show’s 15th season. But it was not until Thanksgiving weekend that their dismissal became controversial, when it was reported that the women’s firing was related to a toxic working atmosphere on the show.

Since then, many have come out in support of Union. First, SAG-AFTRA announced that they were launching an official investigation of the matter.

Now, others are coming out in support of Union.

Both Howard Stern and Sharon Osbourne, who were once judges on the show, have spoken out against what they termed a “boy’s club” atmosphere that exists on the show, which they blamed on executive producer Simon Cowell.

Tina Tchen, who is the president and CEO of Time’s Up — which is an organization formed in conjunction with the #MeToo movement — has also come to Union’s defense. She said, “Not only did Union reportedly endure and witness racist and inappropriate behavior — including racially-insensitive comments and excessive criticism about her physical appearance — but it also appears she was punished for speaking out.”

Tchen further issued a petition that urges NBC “to take Union’s allegations seriously.”

Gabrielle Union

In reaction to all the controversy generated by the firing of Gabrielle Union from America’s Got Talent, SAG-AFTRA is now investigating the show.

Union was fired after a single season on the show, which was its 14th, and some believe that it had something to do with complaints that she made about an alleged toxic working atmosphere on the show. This centered around a joke that Jay Leno told during an appearance that Union and others felt was racist. Other similar incidents also reportedly occurred.  There were also complaints relating to a preoccupation many on the show had in regards to Union’s physical appearance.

Leno apparently quipped a joke likening Simon Cowell’s dogs to something “on the menu at a Korean restaurant,” sparking outcry from Asian staffers.

Actress Julianne Hough, who also complained about the working atmosphere on the show, was fired, too.

The union issued a statement in conjunction with the probe. They said, “We take issues of workplace health and safety very seriously. While we have taken steps to investigate this matter, we have nothing to report now.”

Sources inside the union have told Deadline that, while they plan to meticulously investigate the charges made against the show, they also plan on doing so in a timely manner due to the gravity of the situation.

NBC also issued a statement regarding the controversy, though not regarding the investigation itself.

The network said, “We remain committed to ensuring a respectful workplace for all employees and take very seriously any questions about workplace culture. We are working with Ms. Union through her representatives to hear more about her concerns, following which we will take whatever next steps may be appropriate.”

The statement seems to imply that NBC is or will be conducting their own investigation into the matter.

At the same time, they said, in reaction to SAG-AFTRA’s investigation, that they have nothing further to add “beyond the statement we sent this morning.”

Photo of Gabrielle Union by Ashley Graham (CC BY 3.0)

It is being reported that the producers of America’s Got Talent (AGT) decided not to renew the contract of judge Gabrielle Union after she and fellow judge Julianne Hough complained about what they considered to be a toxic culture at the show.

The kerfuffle seems to be centered around a guest appearance on the show by comic legend Jay Leno. During this appearance, Leno allegedly made a joke about a painting in the building that many people working there, including Union and Hough, found offensive.

The painting in question depicted Simon Crowell, who is not only a judge on the show but also its executive producer, surrounded by dogs that he owns. Leno joked that the dogs looked like they belonged “on the menu at a Korean restaurant.”

While the joke was eventually cut from the show, the staffers were still upset, because they thought that it perpetuated long-running stereotypes about Asians eating dogs. They found the joke especially upsetting because they felt that the show has employed too few Asians.

Union, who was hired at the start of what is the show’s 14th season, reportedly urged producers to complain about the joke to NBC’s human resources department.

Sources working on the show have further alleged that there were other examples of what they considered a toxic culture during this particular season. This included an incident when a white contestant sang a Beyoncé song with black hands, which led Union to ask producers to remove the contestant from the show.

At the end of the season, neither Union or Hough were renewed despite their contracts being renewable. Some think that this is directly attributable to the two having complained.

The show, though, disputes this. In a statement they said, “The judging and host line-up has been regularly refreshed over the years and that is one of the reasons for AGT’s enduring popularity. NBC and the producers take any issues on set seriously.”

The Fader logo

In the wake of The Fader firing its head of content Eric Sundermann as a result of sexual misconduct allegations, the site has further fired president and publisher Andy Cohn after working there for 16 years.

Update: Ahead of the weekend, we incorrectly noted that Andy Cohn was CEO of The Fader; he was President & Publisher, per the publication.

In the immediate aftermath of Sundermann’s dismissal, there were reports that The Fader was also investigating Cohn for both enabling Sundermann’s behavior and ignoring it. But the company at the time rigorously insisted that this was not the case.

However, inside sources at the company reportedly indicated that Cohn and others at the company knew about Sundermann’s behavior even before he was hired. These same sources further indicated that Cohn himself was alleged to have acted inappropriately back in 2011. Because of all this, the site suspended Cohn and initiated an investigation.

In an internal company letter obtained and verified by Variety, the two co-CEOs of the company — Jon Cohen and Rob Stone — announced Cohn’s termination.

The letter said: “The Fader aspires to be the most welcoming place in the industry for creative minds to share their talents with the world. Achieving this means holding ourselves accountable when we fall short — and implementing and improving processes, policies, and procedures that ensure prompt reporting of any potential issues and promote inclusivity.”

It went on to say: “The independent investigators conducted interviews with both current employees and former employees and reviewed internal emails and other documents. In short, we have determined we need to make some real changes in how this company runs in order to achieve our goals.”

It added: “We acknowledge that structural change also requires new leadership. Together with Andy Cohn, we have agreed it is time for a change. After 16 years, Andy will be leaving The Fader.”

The two CEOs added that they would be taking a more active role in the management of the site as they determine “the best path forward for our executive team.”