Cara Donatto
Executive Turntable: A Goldenvoice Legend Retires, Plus Sphere Hires New Head of Venue Operations
Written by djfrosty on December 6, 2024
Drop that stylus on this week’s stacked Executive Turntable, Billboard’s compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across music.
Read on for some very personnel news and don’t forget to cast your vote for the Power 100 Players’ Choice Award, plus peruse our annual list of the industry’s savviest financial advisers, our weekly interview series spotlighting a single c-suiter and our calendar of notable industry events.
SoCal concert promoter Goldenvoice, a subsidiary of AEG Presents, announced the retirement of its senior vice president, Susan Rosenbluth. With a career spanning six decades, Rosenbluth has worked with artists like Elton John, Talking Heads, BTS and Van Morrison, among others. She began her career at the Greek Theatre in 1978 and became its general manager by 1982. She later managed concert presentations at various venues for Nederlander, including the Pantages Theatre, the Pacific Amphitheatre and the Honda Center, and became a talent buyer in 1995. In 2003, Rosenbluth joined Goldenvoice, overseeing talent buying for concerts across California, Alaska, Hawaii and Arizona. She also spearheaded the Latin concert promotion division and became a key figure in promoting K-pop acts in North America, including BTS and BLACKPINK. She also co-chairs AEG’s Women’s Leadership Council and has received numerous awards, including from Billboard and Pollstar. “My work life has been filled with so many meaningful experiences, due to the Goldenvoice concert promotion team, artists and their crews who come together to present these events,” said Rosenbluth, “I am grateful to the people of the concert community.” Goldenvoice president Paul Tollett added: “Susan is a legend… that goes without saying. But she also charted a new course for Goldenvoice musically and made us better for it.”
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Goldenvoice has promoted Lea Swanson to vp of talent, where she’ll oversee booking for the Mountain Winery, contribute to talent buying at key Los Angeles venues like the Peacock Theater and Shrine Auditorium, and book shows in across multiple markets in California and Hawaii. Based in San Diego, Swanson will report to COO Melissa Ormond. Swanson brings over 25 years of experience in talent buying, including 17 years with Goldenvoice parent AEG Presents. Her career began in 1999 at Viejas Casino, where she helped develop a 1,500-capacity concert venue. She has since booked a wide range of events, from small clubs to full-size arenas, and worked with venues like the Rady Shell, Humphreys Concerts by the Bay and Pechanga Resort Casino. Stoked for her new role, Swanson emphasized the can’t-pass-up opportunity to grow within the mega-market just north of her. “After over 17 years with AEG Presents in my home market of San Diego and supporting numerous casino clients, I feel fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to step into this elevated role,” she said. “A year after accepting the lead booking role at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, having the chance to grow and promote shows in one of the primary music markets in North America was an opportunity I had to take.”
Bill Walshe is Sphere Entertainment‘s new executive vp and global head of venue operations and development. The hospitality industry veteran will lead operations at the mothership in Las Vegas, while also running point on developing a global network of other orbs the world over. Reporting to Jennifer Koester, president and COO, Walshe will lean on his skillset to enhance the guest experience at Sphere. Walshe’s career includes leadership positions at Viceroy Hotel Group, The Doyle Collection and Jumeirah Group, where he oversaw sales, marketing, and innovation initiatives. Koester praised Walshe’s expertise in international markets, citing his ability to align with Sphere’s ambitious vision. “Sphere is a global destination for immersive experiences unlike anywhere else,” said Koester. “Bill’s expertise across premier brands in international markets will be an asset as we continue to deliver an unparalleled experience for guests, artists, and partners at our Las Vegas venue, while pursuing our long-term growth goals for this next-generation entertainment medium.”
The New York Philharmonic appointed Matías Tarnopolsky to president and CEO of the storied symphony, effective New Year’s Day. Currently leading The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts, Tarnopolsky has held prominent roles at Cal Performances, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He previously served as vice president of artistic planning at the New York Phil from 2005 to 2009. Board co-chairmen Peter W. May and Oscar L. Tang praised Tarnopolsky’s innovative leadership and strong relationships within the artistic community. Gustavo Dudamel, the Philharmonic’s incoming music and artistic director, expressed confidence in their shared vision for the orchestra. “I vividly remember when Matías came to Caracas in 2006 and, from that moment, I knew that I had met someone who would become one of the most important leaders in our industry,” recalled Dudamel. Tarnopolsky said he looks forward to returning to the Phil, inspired by its newly renovated David Geffen Hall, Dudamel’s leadership and plans to elevate the Philharmonic’s cultural impact and foster inclusivity. “We will rededicate ourselves to the New York Philharmonic’s contemporary place in the cultural and civic life of New York, for all New Yorkers, to create an inclusive, expansive, and joyful musical future,“ he said.
Rachael Stoeltje will become chief of the Library of Congress‘s National Audio-Visual Conservation Center, beginning in January. She’ll oversee the Packard Campus in Virginia, managing the world’s largest collection of films, TV programs, radio broadcasts and sound recordings, focusing on acquisition, preservation and accessibility. Previously, Stoeltje directed Indiana University Libraries Moving Image Archive, leading its expansion and film digitization and preservation efforts. As president of the Association of Moving Image Archivists, she championed diversity and global cooperation in media preservation. Library of Congress associate librarian for researcher and collections services Hannah Sommers praised Stoeltje’s career as “visionary” and “laser-focused on the future and leading by example.” Stoeltje emphasized tackling challenges like AI’s impact on archival authenticity and global archival risks. “The big issues on the horizon are an important part of our future work, along with preserving and making accessible our nation’s moving image and sound recording cultural heritage,” she said.
Capitol Records tapped Sam Breslin as vice president of marketing, a bump-up from his previous role of senior director. In his elevated position, Breslin will continue crafting and implementing strategies for a wide array of newer and legacy artists at the legendary label. Having joined Capitol over a decade ago as a coordinator, he has since contributed to significant successes for Lewis Capaldi, The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Niall Horan, Norah Jones, Good Neighbours, Beck and more.
Venu Holding Corporation (VENU) named Terri Liebler as its chief marketing officer. With 30 years of experience in sports and entertainment, Liebler previously served as senior vp in Live Nation Entertainment’s media and sponsorship division, where she led strategic planning and innovative growth initiatives. During her 22-year tenure at Live Nation, she played a key role in expanding U.S. and international venue and festival platforms and cultivating partnerships. Liebler’s career also includes roles with the NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics and San Antonio Spurs, as well as work on the Premium Seat operations team for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. VENU’s founder and CEO, J.W. Roth, praised Liebler’s passion and leadership, anticipating she’ll bring with her “an unrelenting enthusiasm and dedication for our brands that will undoubtedly drive our unparalleled venues to new heights.”
VENU also announced that Live Nation Entertainment veteran Will Hodgson has been its president since October. He spent 13 years at LNE, where he led House of Blues Entertainment, overseeing 20 venues, 17 restaurants, and seven cocktail lounges. His background also includes investment banking and developing ticketing solutions for major festivals. “Will is a rockstar, he will do an incredible job quarterbacking our strategic growth and operations,” said J.W. Roth. “His unique expertise across live music, finance, ticketing, food and beverage, and real estate development is a powerful fit for our vision.”
Nashville-based music publishing company Little Extra Music hired Victoria Goodvin to represent the company’s catalog. Goodvin’s career includes time at Song Factory Music, Wide Open Music, Liv Write Play and Row Entertainment. Also joining the team is Tristan Scaife (son of Little Extra Music co-founder Joe Scaife), who will work alongside Goodvin. LEM was founded in 2013 by Scaife and Lisa Ramsey-Perkins. The company’s catalog features more than 100 cuts, including the four-week Billboard Country Airplay chart-topper “She Got the Best of Me,” and the Walker Hayes-recorded “You Broke Up With Me. Writers Rob Snyder, Tia Sillers, Kylie Sackley, Will Bowen and Kelsey Waters are represented in the catalog. –Jessica Nicholson
NASHVILLE NOTES: PLA Media appointed Krista Dykes as senior media relations manager. Dykes began her career in 2007, contributing to communications projects in online insurance and inside the country music industry. She most recently served as media relations manager for the Country Music Association from 2015 to 2023, fostering relationships with national media and TV affiliates, and she’s the founder of the Secret Mom Hacks podcast and Mom Boss Mastermind, a virtual networking group for entrepreneurial mothers … O’Neil Hagaman, LLC promoted Tiffany Wiggers to principal, where she will influence the Nashville firm’s productivity and growth while continuing to serve her diverse client base. Wiggers, who began as an intern in 2004, is a current member of the Tennessee and Nashville Bar Association’s Entertainment Divisions, as well as the Gospel Music Association and the Country Music Association.
Big Loud Rock appointed Jenn Essiembre as senior vp of A&R. Reporting to Big Loud partner Joey Moi and GM Lloyd Norman, Essiembre will lead the label’s A&R strategy, focusing on talent identification and development. Essiembre previously served as vp at 300 Publishing, a division of 300 Entertainment, where she signed and developed artists and songwriters like Sean Momberger, Hunxho and Spencer Jordan. Her career began at ole Music Publishing, where she facilitated placements for stars like Sam Smith, Justin Timberlake, and Maluma. Essiembre expressed enthusiasm for her new role, aligning with Big Loud Rock’s artist development values, while Moi praised her energy, expertise and vision. “From our first conversation, I knew she’d be the right fit for this role,” he said.
Independent publisher OTM Music has appointed Emmy Feldman as U.S. head of A&R. Feldman brings extensive music experience, having helped open the Brooklyn outpost of Rough Trade before spending seven years in A&R at Atlantic Records and Canvasback Music. She then moved to Heavy Duty, where she managed a roster of songwriters, producers, and artists, including Buddy Ross and BJ Burton. In July of this year, she joined OTM, managing a roster that includes Dot Da Genius, Metronomy, Sub Focus, Still Woozy and Hemlocke Springs. OTM Music, launched by CEO Alex Sheridan in 2017, supports a roster of songwriters who have collaborated with SZA, Travis Scott, and A$AP Rocky. Recent high-profile deals include Kid Cudi producer Dot Da Genius, Sub Focus, and partnerships with artists like Sudan Archives and HONNE. Operating in London, New York, and Los Angeles, OTM also named Kristin Genovese as U.S. Head of Sync and added Kate Sweetsur and Ethan Mizen to its UK A&R team.
Hook, a new AI-powered social music app centered on remixes and mashups, expanded its leadership team with four key appointments. Katerina Kosta, formerly of TikTok/ByteDance and Jukedeck, joined as head of AI to develop ethically-trained AI tools that enhance music creativity while ensuring fair artist treatment. Grammy-nominated engineer Prash Mistry is now head of audio development and UK general manager. Karan Bhatnagar, previously head of digital at Three Six Zero management, stepped in as head of artist and creator strategy to support artist campaigns. Ed Pak, with a decade of industry experience and involvement in Saavn’s acquisition by Reliance Jio, is taking on the role of head of business development and Partnerships. The app, launched on Apple’s App Store this fall, also announced new offices in Los Angeles and London.
SILO Music appointed Marcy Bulkeley as head of sync A&R and music supervision of the publishing, management and sync house. Bulkeley will manage sync licensing and music supervision for film, TV, motion picture advertising and emerging media through her venture, Subtle Mother Music Supervision Services. With over 25 years of industry experience, she is known for her expertise in music curation and creative collaboration. Previously, as vp of sync A&R at Universal Music Group, she led custom music and remix projects, earning Clio awards and Guild of Music Supervisors nominations. SILO Music’s CEO, Jack Ormandy, praised Bulkeley’s innovative approach as aligning with the company’s mission to create elevated experiences through music. Under her leadership, SILO aims to expand its reach, delivering bar-none music curation and sync services to clients across multiple industries.
Bootleg, a company specializing in high-end concert recordings, appointed Rohan Adarkar as an equity advisor. The longtime entrepreneur is tasked with helping the company by leveraging his expertise in scaling entertainment tech products and building partnerships with global music stakeholders. In 2003, Adarkar co-founded txttunes, an early text-to-pay service for DRM-free MP3 downloads, which partnered with the American Association for Independent Musicians during the 50th Grammy Awards before its acquisition in 2007. Adarkar also founded totally different, a B2B consultancy, and advises the New Zealand government and its Ministry of Arts and Culture. He is a trustee of the Click Foundation, supporting education initiatives.
Splice appointed Jeff Roberto as senior vp of marketing, tasking him with leading global marketing initiatives and expanding the platform’s presence for musicians. Roberto brings extensive experience, including leadership roles at Nodle, DistroKid, and Picsart, where he helped drive a $130 million funding round and a $1 billion valuation. His career also spans Shazam, Napster, MAGNIFI and Astralwerks Records. Roberto aims to enhance Splice’s impact through innovative AI tools and brand growth. CEO Kakul Srivastava commended Roberto’s industry expertise and commitment to creative communities, emphasizing Splice’s AI roadmap as transformational.
Various Artists Management elevated Rebecca Dixon to global head of marketing & general manager UK. Dixon, previously head of marketing and promotions, will now split her time between VAM’s London and LA offices, reporting to CEOs David Bianchi and Matt Luxon. In her expanded role, Dixon will oversee UK marketing and audience development, deepen her involvement in LA, and strengthen partnerships across Europe. Over her decade-long tenure with VAM, she has led innovative campaigns for artists like Ashnikko, Tom Grennan, and The Libertines. Her promotion follows her recognition as the Trailblazer: The Richard Antwi Award winner at the Music Business UK Awards.
Fixated, a digital entertainment company launched in early 2024 by former BMG North America president Zach Katz and creator economy exec Jason Wilhelm, has added key hires to its executive and talent management teams. Jeff Shaivitz (svp of business and sales), Kou Chaichian (vp of brand partnerships) and Daniel Coughlan (head of content development) bring extensive expertise to support the company’s growth. Additionally, new talent managers Anooj Desai, Kasia Turek and Kyle Rooney have joined to oversee Fixated’s growing roster of top digital creators.