Dean Ormston
Executive Turntable: Big Machine Promotes Streaming Driver, Plus Hallwood Hoists a COO
Written by djfrosty on May 30, 2025
It’s a better-late-than-never Executive Turntable, Billboard’s weekly compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across the music business. Earlier this week, we revealed our annual list of executives driving the success of country music, and today welcomes a first-ever industry-wide Power List for our mates in the United Kingdom.
Big Machine Records promoted Rachel Burleson to senior director of streaming, recognizing her leadership and strategic impact since joining the label in 2021. In her new role, she’ll continue overseeing streaming initiatives for artists such as Tim McGraw, Carly Pearce and Midland. Burleson’s career began at Creative Nation after graduating from Belmont University, where she advanced to manager of records and management, focusing on artist development. At Big Machine, she rose from project manager to director of streaming and was named a 2024 MusicRow N.B.T. Industry Directory honoree. Executive vp and GM Kris Lamb praised Burleson’s platform relationships and influence on the label’s success since coming on board, adding, “Rachel continues to be a trusted voice in the room and a driving force behind our strategy.”
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Hallwood Media promoted Tal Meltzer to chief operating officer, based at the company’s West Hollywood headquarters. Formerly svp and head of A&R and business affairs, Meltzer will now oversee all operations and help drive expansion. Reporting to CEO Neil Jacobson, he has led the development of Hallwood’s record label, publishing and distribution divisions, and expanded its focus to include direct artist collaborations. With a background as both a producer and songwriter, Meltzer blends creative and business expertise, enabling him to scale A&R and marketing teams and boost artist development. “Tal’s deep understanding of both the creative and operational sides of our business has been instrumental to our growth,” said Neil Jacobson, CEO of Hallwood Media. “His leadership and vision will drive our continued success as we innovate in the music industry.”
Wasserman Music expanded its global hip-hop and R&B division with the addition of two new executives. Jazmyn Griffin joins as director on the global festivals team in New York, where she will focus on hip-hop and R&B festivals and help launch a new marketing arm. She brings valuable experience from roles at C3 Presents and Live Nation, where she helped develop major U.S. festivals. Tessie Lammle joins as a Los Angeles-based director and agent, representing a diverse roster of hip-hop and R&B artists. She previously spent nearly a decade at UTA, supporting artists and championing women in music. Wasserman execs praised both hires for their industry expertise and potential to “help fuel the surging growth of our Hip-Hop and R&B division.”
Pelle Eriksson, managing director of Border Music, is stepping down after over 40 years in the music industry. Starting in 1985 at Gothenburg’s FolkåRock record store, Eriksson helped transform it into Border Music Distributions AB in 1992. Under his leadership, Border grew from a local retailer into a leading Nordic indie distributor with offices in Oslo and Copenhagen. A breakthrough came in 1995 with its work to elevate The Offspring’s breakout hit “Self Esteem,” which topped the Swedish charts and helped launch Border into national prominence. Eriksson, a recent addition to Billboard‘s International Power Players list, has championed local and global acts, including First Aid Kit, Yung Lean, Nick Cave and Motorhead. He also played a key role in launching PIAS Nordic and oversaw Border’s acquisitions by Redeye in 2019 and Exceleration Music Group in 2023. His successor, Eric Andrén — Eriksson’s first hire as MD — will now lead the company. “It has been an incredible journey, and now that I am about to hand over, I remember (almost) only the fun times – all the people, the trips, the fairs, the artists, and of course – the records,” Eriksson reflected. “From the arrival of the CD to the digital boom and the vinyl revival, we’ve been there.”
Gutt Law, PLLC launched in Nashville to offer laser-focused legal services for the music and entertainment industries. Founded by Rachel Guttmann, the boutique firm combines legal expertise with industry insight to support artists, songwriters, and producers. Guttmann, a Tulane Law graduate and former partner at Taylor Guttmann, is joined by attorney Victoria Powell, a Belmont Law alumnus specializing in music publishing, and Morgan Brasfield, former Kobalt Music and NSAI executive, now head of operations. Together, they provide personalized counsel on creative rights, contracts and career strategy, guided by their client-first motto, “Go With Your Gutt.” Guttmann shared, ““I’m grateful every day to work with a team that’s as passionate about helping creatives succeed as I am.”
Frontiers Label Group appointed Tim Bailey as its new head of label for international. With nearly 20 years in the music industry, Bailey brings deep experience in both live and recorded music, a strong focus on artist development, and a record of commercial success. He began as a concert promoter in 2006, later producing major livestream events during the pandemic. At Earache Records, Bailey helped lead the label to a historic commercial peak, delivering multiple top-five albums in the UK, including a topper for Those Damn Crows. Founded in 1996 by Serafino Perugino, Frontiers has grown from an indie distributor in Italy to a major global rock label working with Megadeth, Def Leppard and more. Perugino praised Bailey’s forward-thinking leadership, asserting, “As we continue expanding our global footprint through exciting new imprints and artist partnerships, Tim’s leadership and vision will be a huge asset.”
Sara Yazdani was elevated to vp of PR and marketing partnerships at Creativ Company, where she oversees U.S. publicity for clients like 1stAveMachine, Ammolite Machine, SpecialGuestX and MOCEAN. Yazdani has worked on projects featuring Eminem, Ed Sheeran, Big Sean and OK Go, often collaborating with director Emil Nava. Previously, she was a national publicist at Biz 3, representing artists such as Chappell Roan and Ty Dolla $ign. She also held key roles at the Recording Academy, managing Grammy media operations, and at Disney Music Group, where she led campaigns for artists like Sabrina Carpenter. Beyond her agency work, she co-chairs the ThinkLA Entertainment Committee.
BeatBread, a music funding platform for artists and independent labels, announced two key hires to drive its next growth phase. Michelle Greener Goodman joins as head of sales and Zach Koche as director of sales, both based in Los Angeles. Goodman brings a background in sales strategy from Telesign and Granular, while Koche joins from FUGA with nearly 15 years of experience in business development, licensing, and artist management.
Tickets For Good, a platform offering free and discounted tickets to live events, appointed Derek DeVeaux as global chief operating officer amid major international expansion in 2025. With over 20 years in tech and operations, DeVeaux will oversee partnerships, platform delivery and daily operations, reporting to CEO Steve Rimmer. New hires include Jess Nesbitt (ticketing operations), Alex Deadman (communications), and UK-based staff Aaron Taylor, George Webb and Laura Harmer. Music partners for 2025 include Pixies, Yungblud and Robbie Williams, who, alongside Edwin van der Sar, became a TFG ambassador. The platform also launched in the Netherlands and was part of the BPI “Grow Music” accelerator.
SyncIt, a new AI-powered music discovery and licensing platform founded by Nathan Duvall, appointed producer and songwriter Patrick Patrikios as creative director. Known for his work with artists like Britney Spears and Little Mix, as well as brands including Hyundai and YouTube, UK-based Patrikios brings extensive industry experience to guide SyncIt’s creative strategy. The platform aims to propel sync licensing by using AI and intuitive search tools to connect artists with visual creators. SyncIt allows users to search for music using proprietary metadata and technology without training on user music. “In hiring Patrick, we have someone who understands the value of music and sound to a brand,” said Nathan Duvall, Founder and CEO of SyncIt. “He not only brings a wealth of experience working with brands, but a portfolio of names which further cements a solid launchpad for SyncIt.”