Amanda Samii and Sam Schulman
Ziggy Chareton
Executive Turntable: Virgin Hires 300 Veteran, Plus Red Light Green Lights Ex-Warner Nashville Prez
Written by djfrosty on December 13, 2024
Drop that tonearm on this week’s Executive Turntable, Billboard’s compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across music.
Read on for personnel news but don’t forget to cast your vote for the Power 100 Players’ Choice Award, plus peruse our rundown of the richest music investors who made their bones outside the industry (hint: one rhymes with Lauren Tuffet), our weekly interview series spotlighting a single c-suiter and our calendar of notable goings-on.
Virgin Music Group named Mark Robinson to the newly created role of executive vice president of global business and legal affairs. In this role, Robinson will lead global business affairs and corporate strategy, supporting dealmakers worldwide to establish needle-moving partnerships. Robinson brings extensive experience, previously managing music business affairs for brands like MTV, CBS, BET, CMT and Paramount+ during a tenure Paramount Global. His career also includes serving as General Counsel at 300 Entertainment and BMG North America, as well as nearly a decade in Warner Music Group’s business affairs division. Based in New York City, Robinson will report to co-CEOs Ned Pastor and JT Myers, both of whom he worked with previously. “I am thrilled to re-unite with Nat and JT who I worked with previously and deeply respect,” he said. “Virgin is building a next generation music company, and I am looking forward to working with their world-class team on the wide variety of exciting global deals they have in the pipeline.”
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Former Warner Music Nashville co-chair and co-president Ben Kline joined Red Light Management’s executive leadership team in Nashville as a senior executive, reporting to Red Light founder Coran Capshaw. Kline will help oversee Red Light’s Nashville operations, in addition to focusing on new business opportunities for the company and its artists. Kline’s career has also included senior leadership roles at Ingrooves, Rostrum Records and UMG Nashville. “We are very happy to welcome Ben,” said Capshaw. “His experience and reputation within the Nashville music community make him a great addition to the Red Light team.” –Jessica Nicholson
SiriusXM Holdings named Wayne Thorsen as its new executive vp and chief operating officer, effective Dec. 16. Reporting to CEO Jennifer Witz, Thorsen will oversee product and technology functions, commercial activities, business development, consumer marketing and corporate strategy. His appointment — the company has never had a COO before — coincides with the departure of chief product and technology officer Joseph Inzerillo, who played a pivotal role in modernizing SiriusXM’s technology platform and launching its new streaming app before departing to pursue other opportunities. Thorsen brings extensive experience in product development, strategic partnerships, and business leadership. At ADT Inc., he led teams responsible for innovation and product engineering, spearheading the ADT+ platform and Trusted Neighbor product. His career also includes senior roles at Google, SoFi, Microsoft, Viacom, Telefónica Digital and BlueKai. CEO Jennifer Witz praised Thorsen’s expertise in business development and innovation. “Wayne is a seasoned leader who brings significant experience driving business development and innovation, and he is well-positioned to help guide the company through this next chapter as we sharpen our focus on delivering meaningful results alongside greater efficiency,” she said.
Crispin Hunt, a multi-platinum songwriter and producer, has been elected president of the PRS Members’ Council, starting Jan. 1. Known for his work with artists like Florence and The Machine, Lana Del Rey and Rod Stewart, Hunt has a strong background in advocacy — he’s been on the PRS Members’ Council since 2019, chaired the UK’s Ivors Academy and co-led the Featured Artists Coalition. As president, Hunt aims to champion the interests of PRS for Music’s songwriters, composers and publishers, and strengthen connections between music creators, the Members’ Council and PRS leadership. Hunt takes over from Michelle Escoffery, the council’s inaugural president, who launched initiatives on rights protection, education and career development.
Round Hill Music Royalty Partners appointed Katie Kowinski as chief of investor relations and business development. Reporting to CEO Josh Gruss, Kowinski will focus on expanding investor relationships and raising capital, supported by investor relations director Kellie Kirschner. Kowinski brings over 20 years of marketing and fundraising expertise in private equity and investment management, having previously led capital markets and music IP strategies at Raven Capital Management, plus roles at Kairos Ventures and Artisan Partners. Since its founding in 2010, Round Hill has raised and deployed over $1.1 billion, leveraging an integrated asset and music IP management platform with teams in London, Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York. The firm said its portfolio of music rights is currently valued at $900 million. Gruss emphasized music rights’ attractive investment opportunities and highlighted Kowinski’s experience as key to advancing Round Hill’s goals. “Round Hill prides itself as having been one of the first movers in the music rights investment space,” he added. “This has enabled us to build a trusted reputation throughout the music industry while achieving numerous successful exits for our investors over the years.”
Peermusic appointed Harry Knyt as head of A&R for the U.K. Based in London, Knyt will oversee signing, development and creative strategies for Peermusic’s UK publishing roster, leading the A&R team and reporting directly to managing director Ralph W. Peer. Knyt brings over a decade of experience from roles at Insanity Group, Milk & Honey, Sony Music/RCA, and NQ/Sony Music Publishing. His career highlights include managing Grammy-winning songwriters and producers and contributing to UK chart-topping albums and singles. Ralph W. Peer praised Knyt’s industry relationships, creative vision and dedication to artist and writer development, aligning with Peermusic’s nearly 100-year legacy. “He is an exceptional A&R executive with incredible taste, focus, and the ability to take our creative strategy in exciting directions,” Peer said of Knyt. “The opportunity to bring Harry on board to continue our legacy of artist/writer development a perfect fit for our creative culture at Peermusic U.K.”
Condé Nast has hired Antonious Porch away from SoundCloud, where he’s been general counsel for the last six and a half years, as well as chief diversity officer for part of that time. He is set to join the publishing giant as general counsel in February — there he will manage all legal, business affairs, policy and compliance matters, and serve as corporate secretary. (Condé hired a new DEI chief in November.) Before joining Soundcloud in early 2018, he was general counsel at Shazam, aiding in its transformation and eventual sale to Apple. Porch also held leadership roles at Viacom and began his career at Latham & Watkins. Replacing Porch as SoundCloud’s top legal advisor will be Ama Walton, who joined the company in early 2021 after several years handling legal affairs at BMG and EMI.
BOARD SHORTS: A2IM appointed Steven Hill, head of North American & global marketing at Warp Records, as chair of the indie label trade org’s 2024-2025 board of directors. Hill joins treasurer Tony Alexander, co-founder of Made in Memphis Entertainment, and secretary Nabil Ayers, president of Beggars Group, on the rxecutive committee. Hill supports a diverse range of artists at Warp Records, including Aphex Twin and Brian Eno. The new board also features industry leaders like Terry McBride, CEO of Nettwerk Music Group, and Louis Posen, founder and president of Hopeless Records … The AIMP released its ’25-’26 election results. In Atlanta, Tony D. Alexander was re-elected as chapter president, with Crystal Morris and Tye Huntley as co-veeps. David Alexander will serve as treasurer, and Cheryl Potts remains secretary. In Los Angeles, Frank Handy will succeed Marc Caruso as chapter president, with Eric Polin as vp, Yvonne Drazan as secretary, and David Quan as treasurer. In Nashville, Ree Guyer steps down as president but remains on the board, while Duane Hobson and Dave Pacula join as new members. In New York, Debbie Rose takes over as chapter president, with Jeff Pachman as vp, Art Levy as secretary, and outgoing prez Michael Lau as treasurer. A national chair will be selected in January.
Sun Label Group, encompassing Sun Records, Gaither Music Group, Green Hill Productions, and emeraldwave by Green Hill, announced key promotions and hires to support its continued growth. Promotions include Chad Smith as senior creative director, overseeing all creative output, and Bryce Egan as marketing manager for Sun Records, Green Hill Productions and emeraldwave. Olivia DeMasters assumes the new role of senior manager of catalog development, focusing on expanding the group’s catalog. Hayley Tolley is now social media and marketing manager for Gaither Music Group, managing engagement with Gaither’s extensive social media following. New hires include Mary Clark Webb as social media and community coordinator and Jeremy Maier as digital streaming coordinator for Green Hill, along with Maggie Hairston as marketing coordinator for Gaither Music Group.
Good Play Music, a new Los Angeles-based firm specializing in career management, publishing and development for songwriters, producers, artists, and creative directors, has launched. Founded by Amanda Samii, a veteran A&R pro known for her work with artists like Rogét Chahayed, ASHE and Jon Bellion, the company’s mission is to “elevate our clients’ talents, break down barriers, and spark meaningful conversations that inspire change in the entertainment industry.” Samii brings experience from Capitol Records and Kobalt Music Publishing. Joining Samii is Sam Schulman, a notable talent in management and A&R who has worked with stars such as ASHE and FINNEAS. Good Play’s roster already features acclaimed songwriters and visionary photographers with over 1 billion streams collectively, including Annie Schindel, CASHÆ, Matt Hall, David OD, Renee Cox, Elizabeth Miranda, Bradley Rittmann and Hunter Moreno. You can contact Samii at amanda@goodplaymusic.com.
Slipstream Music named Jonathan Lane as vice president of sync and partnerships at the music licensing platform. With over 15 years in music licensing and supervision, Lane will spearhead sync and partnership strategies, collaborating with networks, streaming platforms, production companies and ad agencies to deliver music-related solutions for global content creators. Lane previously served as vp and head of TV and film at Audio Network, where he oversaw U.S. operations, and as senior director of sync and licensing at 5 Alarm Music, which was recently acquired by Slipstream alongside Jingle Punks and Cavendish Music. This appointment supports Slipstream’s mission to redefine music licensing through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, including collaborations with Kobalt, to provide creator-safe music for digital and traditional media clients. CEO Dan Demole lauded Lane’s expertise and “deep industry connections,” saying they’ll “help us unlock new opportunities and strengthen our position as the best possible partner for creators, brands, and studios.”
River House Artists promoted Kayla Adkins to senior director of creative/A&R, where she will continue developing and managing the publishing roster of new and established songwriters. Adkins joined River House in 2018 and has worked with artists and writers including Pillbox Patti, Austin Snell and Hudson Westbrook. Lauren Lieu has joined the publishing team as director of creative, helping to support River House’s roster. Lieu’s career has included time at ole Music (now Anthem Entertainment) and Play It Again Music. –J.N.
Integrity Music tapped Stone Meyer as vice president of music publishing. Meyer previously worked at Capitol Christian Music Group and The Bridge Church, where he was executive pastor of worship and creative. At Integrity, Meyer will lead the creative publishing team and expand the song catalog. In addition, Taylor Agan was promoted to creative director and will report to Meyer. Agan, a Dove- and Grammy-nominated songwriter, joined Integrity in 2022 as A&R manager. Finally, Taylor Brady, who also joined Integrity in 2022, transitioned from business development director to A&R director. Both Brady and Meyer will report to Blaine Barcus, president of Integrity Music. These appointments aim to provide artists and songwriters with the necessary resources and support to succeed in the evolving music industry.
Deborah Mannis-Gardner and Pär Almqvist launched AYO Music Group, a copyright administration company specializing in global management of publishing, neighboring rights and recordings. AYO focuses on organizing and protecting music copyrights while educating rightsholders on maximizing licensing opportunities. Mannis-Gardner, owner and president of DMG Clearances, and Almqvist, co-founder and ex-CEO of Tracklib, collaborated with SyncLodge chief legal officer Stacey Haber to launch AYO. Since its soft launch, AYO has built a catalog exceeding one billion streams, featuring tracks from A$AP Ant, MC Lyte, and numerous estates. The company also offers free webinars on music copyright and will collaborate with IAFAR on Jan. 21 for a session on neighboring rights and producer payments. AYO aims to empower rightsholders with knowledge and tools to optimize their revenue potential.
Stephen Stallings is the new senior director of creative sync and advertising at Silver Side Productions. Based in New York, Stallings will report to head of music licensing Craig O’Neill and oversee ad pitching for the company’s diverse catalog, featuring 1950s-1970s recordings and independent artists. This appointment aligns with Silver Side’s efforts to expand in advertising and diversify its roster. With over a decade of experience, Stallings previously served as an in-house music supervisor at Dentsu, managing music licensing and production for major brands like American Express, Verizon, and United Airlines. Stallings expressed enthusiasm for the role, highlighting the opportunity to reconnect audiences with classic tracks while exploring innovative sync opportunities for Silver Side’s catalog. Silver Side Productions owner and co-founder Mike Locke added, “His knack for pitching and deep knowledge of both the music and ad industries perfectly aligns with Silver Side’s sync-driven business ethos and is integral to our next phase of growth.”
ICYMI:
Tim Leiweke