Executive Turntable

It’s time to drop the needle on another Executive Turntable, Billboard’s comprehensive(ish) compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across music. We also have an interview series spotlighting a single executive each week and a regularly updated gallery honoring many of the industry figures we’ve lost throughout the year.
Denise Stevens joined Pierson Ferdinand (aka PierFerd) as partner and co-chair of the firm’s global media, entertainment and sports practice. Based in Nashville and Los Angeles, Stevens’ expertise is in talent, creative and tech across music, publishing, touring and other fields. She was previously a partner at Loeb & Loeb and this year made Billboard‘s list of top music lawyers. Earlier this century, she authored the bill that ultimately became the Songwriters Capital Gains Tax Equity Act, which was signed into law in 2006, and she regularly offers counsel and assistance to songwriters and their heirs on copyright recapture issues. “I have known Denise essentially my entire career, having been on the opposite side of deals from her from time-to-time for more than two decades,” said Steven S. Sidman, co-chair of PierFerd’s Global Media, Entertainment & Sports practice. “I much prefer being on the same team as her, and I am delighted to finally work alongside Denise as one of the co-leaders of our group.”

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Alex Machurov joined the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) as head of business development, effectively immediately. At his new job, Machurov oversees the indie label trade body’s strategic partnerships and develops sponsorship opportunities for the org’s tentpole events such as the Indie Week Conference and the Libera Awards. The live events veteran arrives from Tandem, a digital charity fundraising platform he co-founded in 2020. He was previously chief revenue officer at Revolution Marketing and a vp of national event partnerships at iHeartMedia, but he spent the bulk of the last couple decades at Superfly, where he clocked 10 years overseeing brand partnerships and activations at Bonnaroo, Outside Lands and other festivals. “Alex’s expertise and his passion for the independent music community will enrich our current activities and steer A2IM to more expansive opportunities,” said Richard James Burgess, CEO of A2IM. “We welcome his vast network of connections and the knowledge he brings to the independent sector.” Feel free to contact Alex@a2im.org.

Warner Chappell Music UK promoted Andrew Howell to vice president of sync at the publisher, effective June 1. He’ll continue reporting to Rich Robinson, evp and global head of sync, and Shani Gonzales, managing director of WCM UK and head of international A&R. Howell joined Warner Music in 2016 following career stops at both Universal Music and Sony Music. While at WCM UK, his team has landed several branding campaigns and connected multiple placements in games, films and television, including The Crown, Space Ape and Saltburn. Howell and company also run a monthly sync writing sessions in Warner Chappell’s London studios. “Andrew’s collaborative spirit has helped him build relationships with the songwriters and clients who place their trust in him,” said Gonzales. “He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of our songbook and an unrivalled instinct as to what placements will work. He’s also an amazing mentor to his team, so this is A very well-deserved promotion.”

Anthony Martini and Rich Barner teamed up to launch the Nashville-based label and management firm Gravel Road. The venture’s roster includes Compton Cowboys, Randy Savvy, Justbrandon, and producer Scattered Brains (Jelly Roll, Struggle Jennings). Over the years, Martini has worked with clients including TYGA, Jelly Roll, Killer Mike, and Lil Dicky. Under Martini’s previous label, Commission Records, Lil Dicky’s album Professional Rapper debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s rap albums chart. Most recently, Martini served as CEO of Royalty Exchange. Serial entrepreneur Barner’s film company Global Pictures Media has worked with actors including Robert DeNiro, while his fragrance company was recently honored by the New You Awards for ASH by Ashley Benson. –Jessica Nicholson

Venue management giant ASM Global welcomed Andy Gorchov as the new general manager of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Gorchov will be tasked with overseeing day-to-day operations, management and promotion at the 65,000-capacity venue, the climate-controlled home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. Gorchov’s decades of ginormous stadium experience includes time as general manager of Empower Field at Mile High, home of the Denver Broncos, and he also led State Farm Stadium in Arizona, home of the Cardinals. “ASM Global has been a trusted partner of the Raiders for years, and we are confident under Andy’s care that Allegiant Stadium will remain one of the greatest sports and entertainment venues in the country,” said Sandra Douglass Morgan, president of the Raiders.

Romeo Entertainment Group, which books talent at fairs and festivals across 35 states, promoted three of its staffers and hired six more at the 70-year-old Nashville family business. Promotions at REG include Adriana “Dri” Valadez, Taylor Williamson and Carly Dibble — all upped to talent buyer/event producer. New hires at the firm include Scott Kernahan as a tb/ep, Briannon “Bree” Griffin as executive assistant to company leaders R.J. and Michelle Romeo, and Chloe Dubrovay, Ali J. Stinehour, Alexandra “Alex” Hargiss and Grayce Keefer as event coordinators. “These promotions and new hires reflect our ongoing commitment to growth and excellence,” said R.J. Romeo, president. “As we celebrate these achievements, we are reminded of the legacy of innovation and leadership instilled by my grandfather, Don Romeo, and we continue to build on this foundation with a forward-thinking approach.”

Nashville-based worship label Integrity Music and its parent organization, David C. Cook, have named Blaine Barcus as president of the imprint, taking the helm from Jonathan Brown, who will become chief global officer. Barcus most recently served as senior vp of A&R at Provident Entertainment, and has held leadership roles at Word Entertainment/Warner Music Group and Creative Trust. Along the way, he’s worked with artists including Zach Williams, Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West and recent breakout artists Ben Fuller and Seph Schlueter. –JN

ICYMI:

Patch Culbertson

A Seoul court barred K-pop company HYBE from dismissing Min Hee-jin as CEO of its ADOR subsidiary label … Big Loud Records elevated Patch Culbertson to executive vp and general manager … Amy Homma, Jennifer Davidson, Jenny Galante and Matt Severson were promoted at the Motion Picture Academy … and run-don’t-walk to our annual 40 Under 40 list of the music business’ top young leaders.

Last Week’s Turntable: LOCASH Label Staffs Up

It’s time for another spin around the Executive Turntable, Billboard’s comprehensive(ish) compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across music. We also have a weekly interview series spotlighting a single executive, if that’s your thing.
Sony Hall, a tech-forward concert venue in midtown Manhattan, introduced a new booking team made up of senior talent buyer Jack McFadden, talent buyer Alli Vega and junior talent buyer Niko Murray. McFadden’s career arc spans three cities — Chicago, NYC and Austin — and several venues and festivals (Union Hall, Austin City Limits and others) where he helped book early shows for an indie rock murders’ row including The National, The Walkmen, St. Vincent, Fleet Foxes and Vampire Weekend, among others. No slouch, Vega spent years booking D.C. venues Songbyrd and DC9 before making the move to NYC, where she joined the team at Bowery Presents. Murray, meanwhile, hails from NYU and has already cultivated experience at the Cara Lewis Group and Sony Music. Blue Note Entertainment Group operates Sony Hall, which officially opened in 2018 but began life in 1938 as the legendary Diamond Horseshoe nightclub. The venue, which retains much of its original design and decor while incorporating the latest Sony technology, is located inside the historic Paramount Hotel.

“This is an exciting moment for Sony Hall and Blue Note Entertainment Group as we strengthen and bolster our booking program, further introducing this iconic New York City venue to the live music industry,” said BNEG president Steven Bensusan. “Jack, Alli and Niko each have different and diverse backgrounds within the industry to complement and enrich our talent buying team.”

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Meanwhile…

Loeb & Loeb hired Monika Tashman in the firm’s Nashville office, as partner in the Entertainment department. Tashman joins Loeb & Loeb from Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. Her expertise includes representing music talent in genres ranging from rock, pop, reggae, bachata and metalcore, as well as representing labels, entertainment-focused businesses and music production companies. She’ll also continue her New York-based practice out of Loeb’s Nashville office. –Jessica Nicholson

Galaxy Label Group, founded by country duo LOCASH, solidified its promotions team with the hiring of four. Joining the label, a partnership with Studio2Bee Entertainment with distribution by BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, are Kerry Wolfe as vp of promotion, Cheryl Broz as the head of national field promotion, Kristen Brust to handle national promotion strategies, and John Lessard — who is LOCASH’s tour manager — lending his expertise on GLG’s promotion and touring work. All new hires are effective immediately. LOCASH, comprised of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, is Galaxy’s first signed act.

BMI promoted Gabriella Natali to senior manager of media relations, an elevated role in which she’ll continue to spearhead PR efforts across most music genres (we’re talking pop, rock, hip-hop, gospel, classical, jazz and others). Natali is based out of BMI’s NYC headquarters and reports directly to Jodie Thomas, the PRO’s executive director of corporate communications and media relations. In addition to working on messaging for numerous marquee events, including BMI’s various award shows, songwriter showcases and dedicated stages at festivals like Lollapalooza and SXSW, Natali works with Thomas on PR efforts for BMI’s licensing and industry relations departments. Prior to joining BMI in April 2022 as a media relations manager, Natali spent two years as a publicist at boutique agency Big Picture Media, also in New York.

Lucy Pullin and Virgil Thomas joined UTA as agents in its music crossover division, which works with clients on projects that expand their careers to other mediums. Pullin, previously of ie: entertainment ltd, will be based out of the London office and Thomas, an Endeavor alum, is in Los Angeles. Recent wins by the crossover division include Post Malone’s dip into acting (Road House) and comic book writing, and Recording Academy chief Harvey Mason jr.’s behind-the-scenes work on biopics about Bob Marley and Michael Jackson.

NASHVILLE NOTES: Opry Entertainment Group promoted Anna Lemme to marketing manager for the Grand Ole Opry. In the new role, the Massachusetts native will plan marketing and promotional strategies to continue growing the Grand Ole Opry brand. Lemme has been with the company for five years, most recently serving as an artist & label strategy manager for Opry Entertainment Group … Leadership Music communications and events administrator Lindsay Doheney will leave the post on May 28 to join her husband in a job-related relocation. The organization is seeking a replacement for Doheney … Group Projects welcomed Emma Kiefer as director of A&R, working closely with co-founders Anthony Manker and Cooper Anstett on publishing and management business. She most recently served as A&R manager at Boom Music Group.

Buchalter beefed up its presence in Nashville, adding eight attorneys to its office in Music City — “a vibrant and dynamic legal market,” said Adam Bass, the firm’s president and CEO. Joining Buchalter are Lauren Spahn, Jay Bowen and Lauren Kilgore, from Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley and Norton, along with Rebekah Shulman, Jim Zumwalt, Jacob Clabo, Aaron Steinberg and John Baxter. The Laurens are regulars in Billboard‘s annual list of top music lawyers, and both handle a wide swath of legal and business transactional matters for artists, publishers, writers, labels and more. Shulman, Steinberg, Clabo and Baxter specialize in intellectual property issues, while Bowen’s experience is in high-stakes litigation. Finally Zumwalt represents entertainment clients on a variety of matters. “Jay, Lauren, and Lauren, along with their teams bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and dedication to our firm,” said Bass. “Together, we are poised to make a significant impact in Nashville’s legal landscape and beyond.”

Dom Wallace is the new label and marketing manager at Mahogany, where he’ll oversee release strategy for its label Mahogany Records and its flagship video channel, Mahogany Sessions. His appointment coincides with the launch of Mahogany Songs, the company’s new digital distribution and services platform. Wallace was most recently a senior editor at Spotify, where he helped launch several taste-making playlists, including “Our Generation” and “Fresh Finds UK & IE.”

GAME TIME: Cross-industry veteran Kimberly Knoller is the new chief marketing officer at Earn Alliance, where she’ll spearhead the platform’s mission to connect gamers to games, building fandoms and engaging communities. For the last 14 years, Knoller has built out her own music and tech marketing agency The Knoller Group, where she’s worked with artists, creators, record labels and other companies on brand and monetization-boosting strategies. In the aughts, Knoller put in three years at Warner Records, where she did trailblazing work as vp of direct to fan marketing, e-commerce and innovation. She has also held senior roles at unPaired and PIXELYNX … Metaverse studio Karta, which creates in-game experiential marketing across Fortnite, Roblox and other games, hired Morgan Evans as its new fashion and beauty director, and Sarah Richards as art director.

ICYMI:

Jared Cotter

Jared Cotter was promoted to partner at Range Music, where he manages Paul Russell (“Lil Boo Thing”) and co-manages Shaboozey (“A Bar Song (Tipsy)”) … Jason Miller is leaving operational responsibilities at ELA, the joint venture he launched with CTS Eventim in 2021 … and Tekno joined Mr. Eazi’s independent music company emPawa Africa as an investor and a partner.

Last Week’s Turntable: Texas Official Joins Big Loud

It’s time for another spin around the Executive Turntable, Billboard’s comprehensive(ish) compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across music. We also have a weekly interview series spotlighting a single executive, if that’s your thing. After focus group testing we landed on “Executive of the Week” — find them here.
Ralph W. Peer was named managing director of peermusic UK, based in London. In addition to his new role, Peer will continue directing company initiatives in Australasia, Africa and the Middle East, with his new mouthful title being managing director of U.K. and Australasia and vp of peermusic’s African and Middle East operations. Peermusic UK staff will report directly to Peer, with peermusic Europe president Nigel Elderton continuing to oversee creative and administrative operations throughout Europe. Peer, who is the grandson of late peermusic founder Ralph S. Peer, joined the family business full time in August 2019 as vp for Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East but soon added business affairs work in the London office as well. “We remain steadfastly focused on providing our peermusic roster of artists, songwriters, and producers with the very best in executive talent, A&R prowess, sync, and administrative expertise,” said Elderton. “With this move, we know our U.K. office remains in very capable hands as we continue to expand peermusic as the preeminent independent music publishing company throughout Europe.”

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Brendan Anthony joined Big Loud Texas as vice president of the recently launched label. The delicious sounding BLT was founded by Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall in late 2023 in partnership with — you guessed it — Big Loud Records. The Austin-based Anthony will oversee the label’s operations and work closely with Lambert, Randall and the Big Loud brass in Nashville. Prior to joining Big Loud, Anthony spent nearly a decade as director of the Texas Music Office, which guides music policy statewide in close partnership with the governor’s office and other agencies. In 2026, he created the Music Friendly Texas Communities program, which helps connect dozens of cities across the state to encourage economic development of local industry stakeholders. Earlier in his career, Anthony served as head of e-commerce and artist relations for ONELIVE Media. “We’re so proud to have Brendon join us at Big Loud Texas,” shared Lambert. “He is as passionate as we are about the Texas music scene and has knowledge that will benefit artists in so many ways.”

Cumulus Media appointed Travis Daily as vice president of Country, putting him in charge of content for the company’s 55 country stations in the U.S. He replaces Charlie Cook, who departs at the end of the month. Prior to joining Cumulus in Nashville, Daily was program director at Beasley’s WQYK in Tampa and before that spent 17 years in vaulted roles across the Clear Channel/iHeartRadio empire. “When Charlie Cook told me he was departing, I was faced with one of the tougher decisions of my career: who could I trust to lead and represent our vast fleet of important Country stations with the finesse and character that Charlie did? On every front, Travis rises to the demands,” said Brian Philips, chief content officer.

Burr

credit Katie Kauss

The Recording Industry Association of America elevated Erin D. D. Burr to senior vice president of media relations and Matthew Bass to vp of research. Burr joined the RIAA in August 2022 following a nearly 12-year tenure as a communications executive at Big Machine Label Group. In addition to handling press outreach, Burr handles strategy surrounding Gold & Platinum certifications at the music industry lobby group. Bass has spent the last decade at RIAA, where he helps craft the org’s highly researched annual reports. He has also played a major role in modernization efforts across RIAA’s Gold & Platinum program. “Erin and Matt are stars who have already shined so brightly at RIAA and in their new roles will be even more visible and effective,” said RIAA chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier. “As the music community works together to address unprecedented new opportunities and challenges from the meteoric rise of streaming to the current effort to chart a path towards responsible and pro-artist AI, we are all lucky to have Erin and Matt embracing greater responsibilities.” Erin can be reached at eburr@riaa.com while Matthew is at mbass@riaa.com.

BMG promoted Marc Johlen to managing director for operations in Germany, Switzerland and Australia (GSA), the company’s third largest territory after the U.S. and U.K. Johlen joined BMG in 2020 following a tenure at Budde Music to lead the GSA publishing team, which has since signed Robin Schulz, Bunt., Michael Schulte, AVAION and other big names to its roster of writers and producers. Johlen will be based in Berlin and report to Maximilian Kolb, evp of Continental Europe repertoire & marketing. “Marc is a forward-thinking leader with a proven track record in publishing, artist management and career development,” said Kolb. “His global perspective and local expertise make him an ideal fit for this role within our new organizational structure.”

Sony Music Publishing promoted Nasra Artan to the new position of head of international A&R, effective immediately. She’ll work across all of SMP’s A&R teams to build opportunities and drive collaborative initiatives for roster writers. The London-based Artan, who joined Sony in 2022 as European A&R manager, will continue reporting to SMP’s president of international, Guy Henderson. “In addition to her skill set, energy and drive, Nasra approaches the creative world with an open mind, knowing that great songwriters and big songs can come from anywhere,” said Henderson.

Shareholders recently affirmed Utopia Music‘s plan to rebrand as Proper Group, which now intends to move more of its operations from Switzerland to London as the music distribution and tech company eyes a “more focused approach that aligns with its long-term goals.” As a result of the realignment, the company said the “Swiss entity is being right-sized to reduce operational costs,” bringing an undisclosed number of layoffs. “As we step into a new era of growth and technological advancement at Proper Group, I want to express my sincere sorrow that part of our journey involves parting ways with some of our valued colleagues,” said Michael Stebler, who is wrapping up his brief tenure as transitional CEO. The company said it would instead split its focus into two areas, with Drew Hill taking on the role of CEO of Proper Distribution and a TBA executive to lead its Music Tech division.

Nick Spampanato has been promoted from svp of venue operations to chief operation officer of venues for global live leader AEG Presents. The LA-based executive oversees the business and operations for AEG’s 50 owned and operated clubs and theaters, and reports directly to Brent Fedrizzi, AEG Presents President, North American Regional Offices. Spampanato joined AEG in early 2019 following a 10-year tenure at MSG Entertainment, where he rose to svp and oversaw all operation of the legendary Forum arena in Inglewood, Calif. Prior to MSG, Spampanato put in over 17 years in management at venues owned by Live Nation. “His track record speaks for itself,” noted Fedrizzi. “He’s got an institutional knowledge of venue management at every level, from clubs and theatres all the way up to arenas. Nick has a clear vision on how to effectively manage our critical portfolio of owned and operated venues, and how to propel the business forward.”

Former Billboard news director Colin Stutz recently joined Stand Together Music as managing director of artist relations. At his new gig, Stutz is tasked with building a team that will assist and champion artists looking to deliver on ways to push social change. Stand Together Music works alongside music industry stakeholders to co-create custom-fit solutions around societal challenges including criminal justice, addiction recovery, education, free speech and ending the war on drugs. (Stand Together recently partnered with Marcus King to launch a foundation to support sober touring musicians.) “With his wealth of experience and passion for driving social change through music, Colin is a great addition to our team,” said Colette Weintraub, head of Stand Together Music, Sports & Entertainment. “Together, we look forward to empowering artists to make a meaningful impact on the issues that matter most to our society.”

Educational Media Foundation (EMF) CEO Todd Woods has resigned. EMF is the Tennessee-based parent company of Christian radio networks Air1 and K-LOVE. Woods will continue in an advisory role through June, while EMF board chair Tom Stultz takes on the role of interim CEO. Woods joined the company in 2022 and rose to CEO in March 2023.

Universal Music Group promoted Todd Goodwin to senior vp of culture marketing and creative strategy at °1824, the creative and marketing division he launched with the label in 2019. °1824 provides UMG labels with services including content creation, public relations, A&R scouting, brand partnerships, strategic insights and experiential marketing. Additionally, Goodwin’s team produces live-streaming events. Goodwin will remain based at UMG’s Santa Monica office and continue reporting to Michele Anthony, Executive Vice President of Universal Music Group. “Todd has created a best-in-class creative resource as well as a path for the next generation of industry leaders,” Anthony said. “I’m thrilled to announce his promotion and congratulate the 1824 team on all of their accomplishments.”

Elsewhere at UMG, the label group elevated Sanujeet Bhujabal to managing director of Universal Music India and South Asia. Previously the evp of content at the label, Bhujabal will report to Devraj Sanyal, the chairman and CEO of India & South Asia. UMISA also said Viral Jani had been appointed chief revenue officer.

Former Nettwerk Music Group executive Jon Granat and ex-Ipecac Recordings general manager Marc Schapiro launched Auxilium Music, a highly curated and boutique publishing administration company. Auxilium’s inaugural roster since coming into existence earlier this year includes Melvins legend Buzz Osborne, post-metal artist Bryant Clifford Meyer of Isis and Palms, Michael Crain of thrash supergroup Dead Cross and singer-songwriter Fay Wolf, among others. Indie-minded and self-published songwriters/artists itching for a more personalized option for publishing administration can hit up Granat and Schapiro at info@auxiliummusic.com.

TaP Music welcomed veteran artist manager Will Bloomfield to the team as co-president and head of global artist management. He’ll work alongside co-presidents Wendy Ong and Anna Neville, as well as co-founders Ben Mawson and Ed Millett, to oversee all areas of the TaP business (TaP Management, non-profit TaP Futures and TaP2, formerly TaP Sports). Bloomfied spent the last two decades at Modest! Management, where he rose to partner working a stacked roster of talent including One Direction, 5 Seconds of Summer, MNEK and more. (Back when he was eligible, Bloomfield was featured in our 40 Under 40 list.) “Will joins us at a time of great change in the industry and what we believe is an opportunity for managers and artists,” said Mawson and Millett. “TaP’s founding principle of self sufficiency informs our approach to management now more than ever, with a range of specialists across all key areas.”

PULSE Music Group promoted Annie Aberle to senior vp and head of creative. Previously vp of A&R, with a roster including James Blake, Ryan Beatty and Jack Rochon, Aberle’s expanded remit now includes overseeing creative strategy for the company’s roster of writers and producers across its publishing division. Aberle is based at the company’s Los Angeles headquarters and reports directly to co-CEO Scott Cutler and group president Ashley Calhoun. “One of the most essential parts of this job is remaining a fan first—Annie does not lose sight of that,” said Calhoun. “Annie knows how to deliver a strategy for each of our clients that makes them inspired to show up and show out in the studio every day.”

UTA went on a parter promotion spree, elevating two dozen staffers to the lofty title across media, publishing, talent, publishing and other disciplines. In the music division, new partners include Obi Asika, Kevin Gimble, Steve Gordon, Jeffrey Hasson and Matt Meyer. In comedy touring, Doug Edley and Heidi Feigin made the grade. Head over to THR for a full rundown of the promotions.

Music marketing veteran Joe Aboud officially launched consultancy firm 444 Sounds, with a roster including Sony Music, UnitedMasters, Major Recordings and artists such as Jung Kook and Enrique Iglesias. Aboud was most recently vp of marketing and streaming at HITCO, and prior to that worked as a marketing manager at Atlantic Records.

NASHVILLE NOTES: Natalie Kilgore has boomeranged back to Brown Sellers Brown, rejoining the music company as vp of publicity. Kilgore previously held the same role at BSB from 2020 until late 2022, when she joined BBR Music Group to develop its in-house media relations department. BSB is home to two labels, Quartz Hill Records and Stone Country Records … Soft rocker Walter Egan — whose “Magnet and Steel” was a top 10 hit in 1978 — joined Nashville’s Hippie Radio 94.5 to host a show called “Walt’s Record Vault” … Primary Wave Music officially launched Sun Label Group as a biome for legendary labels like Sun Records and Gaither Music, among others. Paul Sizelove will oversee SLG as president, with each of the labels — which also includes Green Hill Music, Rural Rhythm and emeraldwave by Green Hill — retaining their own leadership and organizational teams.

Global Merchandising Services hired veteran executive Lisa Streff as senior vp of licensing & brand development for North America. Founded in 2008, Global works with artists on design, product development, branding, manufacturing, and direct sales of licensed merch. Streff, who was most recently svp of global licensing for UMG’s Epic Rights and Bravado units, will focus on growing the North American licensing programs for Global’s roster of clients.

MNRK Music Group promoted Ian “J.Y.” Williams to senior director of A&R, in charge of signing and developing untapped talent for the label. Williams joined MNRK in March 2022 as director of A&R and since then has played a pivotal role in developing acts including Kash Doll, K. Michelle, Tyfontaine, OBN Jay, C Stunna and Neek Bucks, among others. Prior to MNRK, Williams worked in artist management at Atlantic Records and has consulted artists through Def Jam, EMPIRE and RCA.

Music consultancy firm Huxley hired Jordan Shepley as associate director of publicity and Chisomo Phiri as communications manager. Shepley will help oversee publicity for Huxley’s roster, which includes J Balvin, Kelly Lee Owens, Munya Chawawa, Calvin Harris and A24 Music. Phiri will handle corporate communications for clients Three Six Zero, Dirty Hit and SailP. In addition, Huxley has also promoted Emily Connick to junior publicist and has hired Tom O’Sullivan, who joins from Sold Out Advertising, as a team assistant.

Concert and festival promoter FKP Scorpio is widening its focus to cover exhibitions, family events and special projects with the rebranded FKP Scorpio Entertainment. FKPE’s leadership team includes James Cassidy and Barry Campbell, who have been appointed president and senior promoter, respectively. Also joining the team are Nathan Birch as head of ticketing, Daisy Parry as special events coordinator, Suzy Bryant as marketing consultant, and Ollie Catchpole as comedy promoter.

AI-driven music financing platform beatBread hired Julian Dunn as director of business affairs. A former corporate attorney, Dunn most recently worked in the Bay Area startup scene at Segment and Hightouch.

ICYMI:

Lucian Grainge

UMG chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge‘s pay package for 2023 was approved by shareholders … Downtown Music elevated Tom Allen to president of its newly hatched royalties and financial services division … Warner Music restructured its Mexican music division but did it in-house … and Brent Fedrizzi (‘memba him from the Nick Spampanato blurb?) was named president of AEG Presents‘ North American regional offices.

Last Week’s Turntable: Allison Moorer Joins Country Hall

It’s time for another spindle around the Executive Turntable, Billboard’s comprehensive(ish) compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across music. On Thursday we revealed this year’s Country Power Players list, where Big Loud partner and CEO Seth England was named top executive and WME’s Jay Williams earned the peer-voted Power Players’ Choice Award.
BMG‘s new head of global corporate communications is Kristal McKanders Dube, who joins the music company following a six-year tenure leading media strategy for Warner Chappell Music. McKanders Dube will stay in Los Angeles but report to BMG’s Berlin-based chief executive Thomas Coesfeld; her main role will be to spearhead both internal and external communications effort while also connecting the dots between BMG and its parent company Bertelsmann. Prior to joining Warner, where she held the position of svp of communications and marketing, McKanders Dube worked in the consumer brand and luxury hospitality space with IHG Hotels & Resorts, and agencies MSL Group and Jackson Spalding. She succeeds Steve Redmond as BMG’s communicator-in-chief.

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“It’s an exciting time at BMG with the company uniquely positioned for growth in a rapidly evolving music landscape, and we’re happy to have Kristal join us at such a pivotal moment and bring a fresh perspective to our business,” said Coesfeld. “Kristal’s innate storytelling ability, coupled with her expertise in corporate and music publishing communications, makes her an invaluable addition to our team.”

Meanwhile…

Arista Records upped their co-heads of urban music, Kendell “Sav” Freeman and Khris Riddick-Tynes, to senior vp of A&R. The NYC-based Freeman and LA-er Riddick-Tynes will continue reporting to Arista president David Massey. Since first being named co-heads of urban music in 2021, the pair have added heat to Arista’s roster in the form of rising artists Lola Brooke, Hurry Hazan and Skylar Blatt, while Riddick-Tynes has been instrumental in developing Paul “Lil Boo Thang” Russell. “We are excited for Sav and Khris to begin this next chapter in further elevating our artists around the world,” said Massey. “They have played an integral part in helping build and develop an impressive roster here at Arista … and we look forward to their continued leadership.”

Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for Recording Academy

NASHVILLE NOTES: Academy Award nominated singer-songwriter Allison Moorer (pictured in 2019) and Rolling Stone magazine veteran Jon Freeman joined the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum staff as writer-editors, responsible for wordsmithing across exhibitions, publications, social media and more. The Hall also promoted Brad Henton to senior director of culinary, event and museum sales; Paige Maillet to director of guest experiences; and Kayleigh Shoemaker to director of public programs … Julien’s Auctions hired Cristy Barber as vp of pop culture and business development for its new Nashville office. She was most recently with legacy firm Iconoclast as vp of global marketing and brand partnerships.

Cliff Chenfeld joined Jonny Shipes’ GoodTalk as partner and advisor at the full-service entertainment company. Chenfeld co-founded Razor & Tie, and for years served as co-CEO of the indie label and publisher. If you’re a parent, you can also (hiss/cheer) at him for developing — along with his R&T co-founder Craig Balsam — the ridonculously popular Kidz Bop compilation series, which the pair sold along with Razor & Tie to Concord in 2018. “I’ve known Jonny for 15 years and have been amazed at his ability to identify special artists, to stay on the tip of cultural developments and to expand his vision of himself and his business,” said Chenfeld. “In addition, he is a hell of a lot of fun and a good friend. I have been very selective with how I spend my time since selling Razor + Tie and Kidz Bop and working with Jonny was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Sarah Mitchell is now head of BMG‘s rights and royalties operations across both music publishing and recordings in the UK and across Europe. Mitchell joined BMG in 2022 as svp of neighboring rights and in her tenure has already inked deals with Coldplay, Pete Townshend and Christine & The Queens, among others. In her new capacity as svp of rights and royalties, the London-based exec will handle rights and royalty management for most non-U.S. dealings, and she’ll work with clients on copyright administration, analytics and accounting across recordings and publishing. She reports to Sebastian Hentzschel and sits on the BMG UK board. Prior to joining BMG, Mitchell was director of membership & communications at UK neighboring rights society PPL. “Over the past two years Sarah Mitchell has proven to be a significant addition to BMG’s London-based leadership with an incredible network in the artist and business communities and an impressive ability to think differently and make things happen,” said Alistair Norbury, president of BMG UK.

Italian rock label Frontiers landed Tom Lipsky as its new head of A&R of North America. Lipsky is the former head of several rock and heavy metal labels, including Loud & Proud Records, Sanctuary Records and CMC International Records, which he co-founded, and the indie Carry On Music. Napoli-based Frontiers is the Italian home of a bevy of rock greats including Def Leppard, Winger, Night Ranger, Mr. Big, Blue Oyster Cult, YES and Electric Light Orchestra, among others. Lipsky’s remit is all about translating the label’s bellissima vision for North America. In a statement, Lipsky said he and Frontiers founder Serafino Perugino “share a common vision regarding the continuing relevance and value of veteran artists,” adding, “I look forward to working with him and his team to make Frontiers the label home of choice for the artist community.”

Tixr, the primary ticketing platform based in Santa Monica, Calif., hired industry veteran Steve Oberman as the new vp of partnerships. In his new role, Oberman is tasked with growing the fast-expanding company across music and other industries both in North America and internationally. He joins Tixr from See Tickets, where he was evp and head of music. Prior to entering the ticketing game, Oberman worked in day-to-day management of artists — Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver come to mind — at Frontline and Azoff Music Management. Other recent US-based hires at Tixr include Ravi Durga, also formerly of See Tickets, as director of partnerships; Amir Mozafari, ex-DICE, as nightlife partnerships specialist; and Matt Stallknecht, formerly of NASCAR, as partnerships executive. “Tixr’s platform is the future of modern ticketing and e-commerce,” said Oberman. “The team’s speed to innovate and ship products, eye for design, and unique approach to problem-solving is second to none.”

Label, publisher and distributor Empire Nashville promoted Heather Vassar to senior vp of operations and Sarah Beth Gerlecz to director of business and legal affairs. In addition, Hannah Galluzzi has been hired as director of A&R, having previously worked in A&R at Universal Music Group Nashville for six years. Empire artists Shaboozey, Reyna Roberts and Willie Jones were featured on Beyonce’s album Cowboy Carter, while Shaboozey has the current Billboard Hot 100 No. 3 song “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” The label has teamed with Magnolia Music Group to take “Bar Song” to country radio. –Jessica Nicholson

Four industry veterans launched Fixated, described as a one-stop shop for creators, fans and brands with a goal of “reshaping the digital entertainment landscape.” Co-founders of the company include CEO Zach Katz (ex-president and COO of FaZe Clan, president of BMG North America), president Jason Wilhelm (co-founder Talent X/Sway House and Content Labs), chief studio officer Dean Johnson (co-founder Content Labs), and chief content officer Luc Boulch (content creator). The leadership team of Fixated is rounded out by Phil Ranta and Ali Adab, as chief operating officer and chief growth officer, respectively. “We are this generation’s fans who went on to become creators,” said Boulch. “In doing so, we made virality our religion. And now, whether it’s talent, content or gaming, we have a science for driving traffic to our ecosystem like no one else.”

Music marketing veteran Joe Aboud officially launched consultancy firm 444 Sounds, with a roster including Sony Music, UnitedMasters, Major Recordings and artists such as Jung Kook and Enrique Iglesias. Aboud was most recently vp of marketing and streaming at HITCO, and prior to that worked as a marketing manager at Atlantic Records.

Music Venue Trust hired Sophie Brownlee as external affairs manager and Kimberley Goddard as fundraising manager. The UK charity with a laser-focus on protecting grassroots venues also said it promoted Sophie Asquith to venue support team manager. “These new appointments will bring real experience and energy to Music Venue Trust,” said Beverly Whitrick, COO of MVT. “It is vital that, at a time when the challenges facing the grassroots music sector continue to mount, we can offer support, expertise and guidance to the venues we work with.”

SAVOR, the hospitality arm of ASM Global, added Jason Dowd as senior vp of culinary and innovation, and Craig Condra as regional vp of food and beverage. Combined, the pair have roughly 46 years of experience in the culinary and hospitality business. “At SAVOR we take the force of decades of international experience and implement a hyper-local approach, offering our clients unique culinary innovations of the highest levels while also carefully tailoring services at each venue according to the region it operates,” said Shaun Beard, svp of SAVOR. “With Jason at the helm of the company’s culinary innovation program and Craig managing the facilities at the regional level, we are fully equipped to continue delivering this signature service and unparalleled experience to all of our clients.”

LIVE, a trade group advocating for 16 live music industry associations, appointed Ross Patel to lead sustainability issues as the org’s first-ever Green Impact Consultant. Patel has many hats on already as co-founder and CEO for Whole Entertainment and chief strategy officer at UMA Entertainment Group. Plus, in June 2021 Ross joined the Music Manager Forum as a board member to help them advocate for climate action.

ICYMI:

Lu Mota

Pete Ganbarg is stepping aside as Atlantic Records’ president of A&R to launch Pure Tone Records, a joint venture with the label … Delia Orjuela is the new head of creative Mexican music/música mexicana at Warner Chappell Music … Luis “Lu” Mota left Columbia to join Atlantic as executive vp of A&R.

Last Week’s Turntable: Island Def Jamming With New VP