Manu Ferradas
Executive Turntable: WMG Changes Things Up in Hong Kong, Plus Paul Hastings Hires Powerhouse Lawyer
Written by djfrosty on January 24, 2025
Welcome to Executive Turntable, Billboard’s weekly compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across the music business.
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There’s been a changing of the guard at Warner Music Hong Kong, where Robin Ch’i has taken over from longtime managing director Gordon Lee, who is retiring after two decades of leadership. He reports to Simon Robson, who oversees Warner Music Group’s APAC recorded business until a permanent leader is named. Ch’i has been with WMG for 15 years, most recently as director of A&R, brand and business. He previously worked at Warner Chappell Music, focusing on artist development and brand strategies. To land a smooth transition, Lee will support Ch’i until the end of March. Under Lee’s tenure, the company has become a major force in the Asian music industry, developing top artists like Janice Vidal, Khalil Fong and MC Cheung Tin-Fu, while achieving 2.5 times revenue growth in the past five years, the company said in its announcement this week. Robson praised Lee’s contributions and expressed confidence in Ch’i’s leadership, emphasizing WMHK’s commitment to supporting artists and driving innovation “in this dynamic industry.”
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“Music has always been a source of magic for me; it’s not just my career, but a passion that enriches my life,” said Lee, who said he personally chose Ch’i as his successor. “I’m grateful to everyone at Warner Music Group, especially my dedicated team, whose support has been invaluable. I also want to thank our artists for their trust, allowing us to help them realize their dreams.”
Meanwhile…
Sid Fohrman, a prominent music industry lawyer, joined Paul Hastings LLP in Los Angeles as a partner and chair of the firm’s music industry practice. Repeatedly recognized by Billboard in our Top Music Lawyers list — we are talkin’ six years running — Fohrman specializes in high-stakes music industry transactions, including catalog sales, music licensing and securitization. He also advises on emerging media business models, artificial intelligence, and global sponsorships. His clients include media companies, music labels, funds, talent, and entrepreneurs, with notable representations for Primary Wave, BMG Rights Management, Warner Music Group, TikTok and HYBE America. Previously leading Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP’s music and digital media practice, Fohrman enhances Paul Hastings’ entertainment and media platform, co-led by Erik Hyman and Ken Deutsch. Firm chair Frank Lopez praised Fohrman’s ability to handle complex transactions, “including in the dynamic music space” which he said “enhances our top-of-market capabilities for key players at the intersection of technology, media and entertainment.” Lopez added, “There are strong synergies between Sid’s practice and our roster of leading corporate clients as well as an evolving asset class for asset manager clients across many of our practices, including finance, M&A, private equity and funds, which will help us gain further market share.”
Joey Arbagey joined 19 Entertainment as the American Idol producer’s new executive vp of music, overseeing 19 Recordings, 19 Publishing and 19 Management. The music biz veteran is based in Los Angeles and will report to SPT nonfiction president, Eli Holzman, and EVP of production Rachel Dax. Arbagey was most recently the evp of A&R at Epic Records, where he played a pivotal role in the careers of artists including Camila Cabello, John K, Eddie Benjamin, Zara Larsson and AJ Mitchel, among others. During his lengthy tenure at Epic he worked closely with then-CEO L.A. Reid, overseeing a roster that included big names like Travis Scott, Meghan Trainor and Future. Earlier in his career, Arbagey worked in radio in San Francisco and later as vp of A&R at Arista Records and Island Def Jam Music Group. In 2007, he launched Near Records, later rebranded as Arbadel Productions, a consultancy, label, and production company. “We are so glad to bring Joey aboard as we work to evolve our music division to address the needs of artists in the music industry of today,” Holzman and Dax said. “His input will be invaluable as we continue to build the legacy of one of the most iconic institutions in music.”
Sony Music Publishing appointed Tatchara Longprasert as general manager of its new office in Thailand (SMP TH), making it the first international publisher with a dedicated local team in the country. Based in Bangkok, Longprasert will report to Carol Ng, president of Sony Music Publishing Asia. SMP TH aims to collaborate with Thai music industry stakeholders to foster international partnerships and develop opportunities for Thai composers and songwriters. Longprasert will focus on expanding SMP’s reach in Thailand’s growing music market. With over a decade of experience, Longprasert previously served as A&R Director at Sonray Music and held roles at Warner Music Thailand, BEC World PLC and S.M. Entertainment. Ng noted Thailand’s dynamic music scene, stating, “Thailand has a rich tapestry of sounds and stories. As Thai repertoire grows rapidly, more artists seek a dedicated music publishing partner with global networks and expertise. We look forward to supporting talented songwriters in SMP Thailand and sharing their work with the world.”
NASHVILLE NOTES: Kate Vastano joined Sound Talent Group‘s senior management team, focusing on maintaining its strong culture and aligning with future goals. An industry veteran, she brings expertise in recruiting, performance strategies and employee engagement. Vastano previously served as director of HR at The Agency Group and people operations manager at United Talent Agency … Shelby Paul, the director of communications at Big Machine Label Group, has left the company after nearly a decade. She began her journey with Big Machine in 2015 as an intern following her graduation from Central Michigan University and advanced to her director role in 2022. She’s reachable here … Alan Jackson appointed daughter Mattie Jackson as master blender for his Silverbelly whiskey. She has written two books about grief and hosts a podcast, In-Joy Life.
Mom+Pop Music co-owners Thaddeus Rudd and Michael Goldstone announced the launch of Pipes Music, a creative and digital agency that supports both signed and unsigned artists. Pipes offers content creation, social media strategy and management of select artist properties. Goldstone emphasized that Pipes helps artists streamline their creative process while maintaining their unique aesthetic across platforms. In a press release, Rudd highlighted the agency’s flexibility in supporting artistry. Additionally, Sullivan Brock leads the creative team, focusing on content shoots and live performance footage, while Emily Ferrell oversees user-generated content campaigns with assistance from Ella Parent and Shae Hicks. Pipes has successfully executed campaigns for artists like Maya Hawke and Magdalena Bay and is currently working with new Mom+Pop signing Chaparelle.
Cameron Kooklanfar is now an A&R manager at Prescription Songs, where since 2022 he has collaborated with artists such as Hayley May, Bantu, Shae Jacobs, Kevo, Dominique Sanders, Seb (1Mind) and Lourdiz. A standout achievement in the Angeleno’s career was organizing a songwriting camp with Insomniac, which resulted in the globally successful track “Sideways” by Gordo & Drake, co-produced by Bantu. Rhea Pasricha, Head of A&R, West Coast, commended Kooklanfar’s said Kooklanfar’s “tireless work ethic, knowledge across musical genres, and passion for identifying and nurturing the best talent makes him a great A&R.”
Concord elevated Megan Hall to senior vice president of business and legal affairs for Concord Music Publishing. Based in London, Hall will lead Concord’s UK legal team, oversee the global sub-publishing network, and manage the company’s relationship with digital licensing agent ICE. She’ll also work closely with svp Michelle Brown to support Concord’s songwriters on business affairs matters, while reporting to evp Duff Berschback. Hall brings over 20 years of legal expertise, with priors at DMH Stallard, Ministry of Sound and Sony Music Publishing. She joined Imagem Music in 2013 and transitioned to Concord following its acquisition of Imagem in 2017. Hall is also an active member of PRS’s Licensing Committee Advisory Group and the International Confederation of Music Publishers’ Legal Expert Group. Berschback praised Hall’s deep knowledge of the global music publishing environment, while chief publishing officer Jim Selby emphasized her strong connections. “As the Publishing division continues to grow globally, I know that Concord and the songwriters we represent will continue to be well served by Megan,” said Selby. “Her proficiency in legal matters and her deep roots in the music publishing community make her a great fit for this role.”
Phil Kano, a veteran rock promotion executive, has launched KILPHASO CONSULTING, focusing on promotion, marketing, and artist development. His first client is In De Goot Entertainment, where he will serve as an in-house consultant for projects involving Shinedown, Halestorm, Theory Of A Deadman, Black Stone Cherry, and Zero 9:36. Kano previously held the position of senior VP of rock promotion at Elektra Music Group and clocked over 25 years of experience with Roadrunner, Fueled By Ramen, Atlantic, 300 and Elektra, plus an early-career stint in RCA’s promo department. Phil can be reached here.
BOARD SHORTS: Cumulus Media appointed Steven M. Galbraith to its board of directors. A major shareholder of Cumulus, Galbraith brings extensive financial expertise, having held key roles at Kindred Capital Advisors, Herring Creek Capital, Maverick Capital, and Morgan Stanley. He has also taught securities analysis at Columbia University Business School and advised the Office of Financial Research. Beyond finance, Galbraith is active in non-profits, serving on boards for Tufts University, Success Academy Charter Schools and the National Constitution Center, and he holds positions on several corporate boards … The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) elected four new board members: Heather Cohen, Mike McVay, Sam Bush and Ernesto Mourelo. The LABF Executive Committee re-elected Gary Chapman, Mary Collins, Jack Goodman, David Kennedy, and Ginny Hubbard for two-year terms, with Dave “Chachi” Denes joining the committee. Additionally, the LABF Board elected Heather Birks, Mike Carter, Chandra Clark, Harry Jessell, Deborah Parenti, Walter Podrazik, Dan Spears, John Taylor, Joyce Tudryn, and Dennis Wharton to new three-year terms.
Collin Citron, a seasoned music publicist, joined 2b Entertainment, the PR team led by Bobbie Gale and Luke Burland in Los Angeles. Previously, Citron was senior director of publicity at Elektra Records since 2018, where he managed national publicity campaigns for artists like Bailey Zimmerman, Panic! At The Disco, All Time Low, NEEDTOBREATHE and Fitz and The Tantrums. This new role marks a return for Citron, who began his career in 2014 with BB GUN Press, which merged with MixedMediaWorks in 2023 to form 2b Entertainment.
The New York Convention Center Operating Cooperation announced Joyce Leveston as the new CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, effective March 10. Leveston, who brings over 30 years of industry experience, was previously the senior vp of convention centers at Oak View Group, overseeing 60-plus convention and conference centers in the company’s OVG360 portfolio. She has held senior roles at major convention centers across the U.S. and managed high-profile events like the Super Bowl fan fests and presidential inaugural balls. Hugh Carey, vice chair of NYCCOC, praised Leveston’s vision and passion, adding, “her leadership will not only inspire our team but will also enhance the experience for all who walk through our doors.”
ASM Global promoted Ryan Golden to GM of Pechanga Arena San Diego, a 14,000-capacity venue. Golden will oversee all aspects of daily operations, including purchasing, booking, marketing, finance, human resources, food and beverage, box office, production, maintenance, parking, security and emergency management. Golden has been with Pechanga Arena for four years as assistant GM to outgoing GM Steve Eckerson, who will transition to a part-time advisory role. Prior to joining ASM Global, Golden’s experience included a vp of events role for AEG’s Microsoft Theater and L.A. LIVE.