Executive Turntable
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Beatport is launching the new year with a pair of key promotions. The company’s CFO Matt Gralen will now also serve as president, while Helen Sartory will serve as chief revenue officer for all of the company’s revenue drivers, including the electronic music digital download store Beatport and the open format music download platform Beatsource, along with Plugin Boutique, Loopcloud, LabelRadar and Beatport Amp.
Both Gralen and Sartory will continue reporting to Beatport CEO Robb McDaniels, with Gralen and McDaniels to collaborate on company-wide strategy and Sartory overseeing the next phase of The Beatport Group’s growth strategy. Both are based in the company’s London office.
The company reports that Beatport’s annual revenue has more than tripled since McDaniels took over as CEO in 2017. A representative for Beatport tells Billboard that the company’s annual revenue for 2023 was “well over” $100 million. In 2022, the digital service claimed to have sold 25,519,770 song downloads — making up nearly 12% of all tracks downloaded globally.
“Matt and Helen have proven themselves as trusted leaders through building out our product portfolio, supporting our diverse team and culture, and delivering profitable growth,” said McDaniels in a statement. “We believe that, just as streaming revolutionized the music industry in the previous decade, a significant shift to more engaged and interactive experiences is coming. DJs are the originators of this movement and all types of creators and fans are joining. I am pleased to have Matt and Helen take on expanded roles as we continue to invest in this future.”
Before starting at Beatport, Gralen served as executive vp of corporate development at UnitedMasters, a distribution platform for independent artists. He also previously held positions at Mass Appeal, Raine Group and Goldman Sachs.
“Our team at Beatport cares deeply about the future of music for creators and fans, and we believe that strong businesses can help drive positive change,” added Gralen. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity ahead and the team I work alongside. We all look forward to delivering for Beatport’s global community.”
Sartory has been with Beatport for a year and a half, and most recently served as senior vp of creator services. She previously held positions at The Rattle, Greenhill & Co. and Lazard.
“The last year and a half at Beatport has been incredibly rewarding,” Sartory said. “We’ve built innovative tools and technology for artists, producers and labels, and have increased incremental revenue opportunities along the way. I am looking forward to working with the entire Beatport team in this expanded role to continue to transform our business.”
Columbia Records announced Joe Gallo‘s promotion to GM on Wednesday (Jan. 10). Gallo, who started at the label more than a decade ago, previously held the position of executive vp/head of sales. “Spending the last ten years in a commercial role allowed me to work with teams across the label and its storied roster,” Gallo […]
After 25 years, Jack Sussman is stepping down as executive vp of specials, music, live events and alternative programming for CBS Entertainment. Sussman, who will leave following the Feb. 4 Grammy Awards, will return to producing, including serving as executive producer of two tentpole CBS specials, the Tony Awards and the Kennedy Center Honors.
Mackenzie Mitchell has been upped to vp of specials, while Mitch Graham will continue to run unscripted as executive vp of alternative, which he has overseen since 2020. Graham will report to Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, while Mitchell will report to Reisenbach and Bruce Gillmer, president, of music, music talent, programming and events for CBS parent Paramount and chief content officer of music of Paramount +.
“This is a storied department and I know both Mackenzie and Mitch will lead the team with distinction, transparency and positivity,” Reisenbach said in a staff memo obtained by Billboard. “They both launched careers and rose through the ranks at CBS while establishing deep roots in the TV community with limitless passion and creativity for making quality popular television.”
Sussman joined CBS in 1998 following roles at MTV, VH1, CNN and NBC and oversaw a wide variety of specials and yearly awards shows at the network. “I love live television,” he told Billboard in a 2017 profile. “You get one chance at it, and everybody’s got to be going in the same direction, because you are walking a tightrope.”
In an internal email, Sussman wrote to his colleagues, “I’m returning to my roots. I get to close out my career how I started in this business — producing. Working with talented artists and other creative producers has always been the best part of the job and now I will get to do that full time.” In addition to working on the Tonys and Kennedy Center Honors, Sussman says he will be “developing and producing outside passion projects for various platforms and live events along with the pro social and charitable organizations I have connected with throughout my career. A perfect next chapter as I look to slow down a little.”
Sussman has worked on more than 100 specials at CBS and with such artists as Garth Brooks, Bruno Mars, Celine Dion, Adele and Michael Jackson. “I’m so grateful to all the artists, managers, producers, record labels and production teams I’ve worked with along the way,” he wrote. “I had the good fortune early in my run at CBS of being mentored (and yelled at on occasion) by the giants who started the live television event business. I learned so much from them, and only hope I have been able to pass along some of that historical wisdom to this next generation.”
Both Graham and Mitchell have long tenures at CBS. Mitchell began at CBS in 2014 as a temporary assistant and had risen to vp while working on such annual shows as the Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors and Tony Awards, as well as such specials as Garth & Trisha Live! and Adele: One Night Only. Graham started in the publicity department in 1999 and transitioned to the alternative department in 2013. He has worked on such shows as Amazing Race and Survivor. He has overseen the unscripted division since 2020.
“So proud to have watched these individuals and the collective team grow,” wrote Sussman in his memo to CBS staffers. “Mitch Graham is the best Alternative executive in town and Mackenzie Mitchell has grown into an outstanding executive overseeing our music and specials. You will not find two finer humans. The team is in great hands moving forward. They are simply the best, and a big reason this decision is both easier and harder.”
Sussman most recently oversaw CBS’ New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash. The Dec. 31 show averaged 8.31 million viewers, more than doubling its primetime audience in 2022. This made it CBS’s most-watched original entertainment special since the Grammy Awards in February 2023. CBS also scored a ratings win with Jan. 7’s Golden Globes, which averaged 9.47 million viewers in its first year on the network, according to Nielsen.
Happy New Year! It’s time for another quick spin around the Executive Turntable, Billboard’s comprehensive(ish) compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across music.
ASM Global welcomed live music veteran and former artist manager Jason Rio as senior vice president of live entertainment and content development. In his new role, Rio will oversee ASM’s plans to grow its position in content generation for its arenas, stadiums, theaters and convention centers. Rio brings years of promoter expertise ranging from his time at Live Nation, where he held senior roles in the major Houston and Chicago markets, to his most recent assignment as vp of music for the Ambassador Theatre Group. In a past work life, Rio spent 20 years managing the likes of The Fray, Liz Phair, Michelle Branch and others. He also worked for Pres. Barack Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012 … Across the pond, Andy O’Sullivan joined the company as CEO of landmark multi-use event space Olympia London. He arrives following an 11-year run as venue director at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. “I’m incredibly excited to be joining such a transformational project at such a critical time, one that’s taking shape right here in London!” he said.
Wise Music Group hired Betsey Perlmutter as vice president of Schirmer Theatrical, the company’s concert and theatrical production arm. In her new position, Perlmutter will focus on leveraging WMG’s global catalog across symphonic, ballet, concert and theatrical disciplines. She is best known as former producer and artistic planning manager for the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center, where she oversaw the expansion of non-traditional concert programming, spanning musical theater, contemporary opera, chamber music and the launch of The Art of the Score film music series. Prior to the Phil, she held positions at Wave Hill Cultural Center and the New York Public Library. “Betsey’s extensive experience with the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center is invaluable to us as we embark on this new stage of international creative rights development,” said Robert Thompson, president.
DICE hired Piper McCoy as vp of communications, overseeing campaigns, executive profiling, thought leadership initiatives and government affairs comms. She previously held the same role at Buzzfeed, and has held key roles at Rush Communications, Roc Nation, New Era Cap and Walmart. “With over 20 years of experience across the media, sports and entertainment industries, Piper has been brought on board to build DICE’s stakeholder and industry engagement, drive growth across Europe and the US, and guide DICE in reshaping the live music industry through impactful strategic storytelling campaigns,” the company said in its announcement.
Board Shorts: The Golden Globe Foundation, formed last year following the award show’s sale to Eldridge Globes, elected its officers and board of directors for the year. Veteran photojournalist Earl Gibson III will serve as board chair, freelance journalist Henry Arnaud as treasurer, and leadership consultant Tom Kittleson as secretary. The foundation’s board also includes Silvia Bizio, Mia Farrell, Jeff Harris, Helen Hoehne, Adam Tanswell, and Meher Tatna.
Sony Music’s AWAL promoted a pair, putting Jacqueline Rossi in charge of the company’s global commercial partnerships team and Dale Connone at the helm of streaming and promotion efforts. Rossi was most recently senior director of global commercial partnerships, while Rossi led initiatives related to digital services. He also helms the independent label service IN2UNE, an AWAL-owned music coalition.
Dale Watson’s annual Ameripolitan Music Awards hired industry mainstay Roger Christian as head of marketing and promotion ahead of its 10th annual show, taking place Feb. 18 at The Moody Theater in Austin. With over 40 years of experience in the bank, Christian has held senior roles at MCA, Sony/CBS, Jem Records Texas and Big State Distributing, among others, and most recently centered his efforts growing his Roger Christian Entertainment Group. “Promoting the Ameripolitan Music Awards is the kind of challenge I love,” Christian said. “I’m so very honored to be working with Dale, Celine and all the incredibly talented artists in Ameripolitan Music.”
Last Week’s Turntable: BMG Lifer Heads Back to Berlin
Sphere Entertainment Co. has promoted Ed Lunger to senior vp/GM of Sphere, the groundbreaking venue that opened in Las Vegas last September.
After previously serving as Sphere’s vp/assistant BM of back of house operations, Lunger will now oversee building operations, event production, technical operations, guest services, food and beverage, merchandise operations and ticket operations. He will also work across the Sphere organization to develop, execute and support strategic plans aligned with the venue’s overall business objectives.
“Being part of the Sphere team opening this next-generation venue has been an honor, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to now lead our venue operations team in this new role,” Lunger said in a statement. “Sphere is setting a new standard for the in-venue guest experience, and I look forward to working with my colleagues across the organization as we continue to deliver unforgettable moments for our guests right here in Las Vegas.”
“I am pleased that Ed has taken on a new leadership role with Sphere,” added Rich Claffey, Sphere’s executive vp/COO. “Since its opening, Sphere has been delivering a first-of-its-kind experience to guests. With his deep expertise in venue management and operations, including at other venues in the MSG Family of Companies, Ed will ensure that Sphere is well positioned to continue building on our world-class experience.”
Lunger is based in Las Vegas and has been on Sphere’s venue leadership team since 2020. He previously spent seven years on the venue operation team at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif., and also worked in various venue operations and engineering roles at Madison Square Garden.
Sphere opened to much fanfare in September with a residency from U2. In December, Billboard Boxscore reported that the band’s 17-show run at Sphere generated nearly $110 million in ticket sales; a Securities and Exchange Commission filing from Dec. 5 notes that those shows generated a total of $30.7 million in revenue for Sphere Entertainment through Nov. 30. Meanwhile, Sphere Entertainment’s own content offering, Darren Aronofsky’s Postcard from Earth, generated approximately $44.5 million in total revenue from ticket sales from 111 showings.
U2‘s residency has been extended multiple times, with the final shows slated for May. Phish will play its own four-show Sphere residency this April.
If it’s Friday, you know it’s high 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.
BMG made a switch in Brazil, promoting Daniel Fernandes to general manager as Jasmina Zammit departs to take on an international role at the music company’s Berlin headquarters. During his short time at BMG — he joined in 2022 as senior director of A&R — Fernandes is credited with signing Élcio di Carvalho, Ariel Donato and Raffa Torres. He was previously at Sony Music-owned Brazilian label Som Livre. BMG Brazil is based in São Paulo, where Fernandes and his team will work closely with Julio Vieira, vp of finance & operations for Latin America. BMG’s operation in São Paulo was launched in 2016 and evolved from managing existing repertoire to developing its own local signing strategy, offering music publishing and recordings under one roof. “I thank Jasmina for her trust and am looking forward to working with our amazing Brazilian roster and to further grow our local catalogue,” said Fernandes. “The opportunity to lead BMG Brazil’s team is both an honor and a privilege and I am thrilled and excited about the journey ahead.”
Daniel Fernandes and Jasmina Zammit
BMG
German-born Zammit is what you’d call a BMG lifer, having joined as an executive assistant in 2008 — the year it relaunched after Bertelsmann sold its stake in Sony BMG — and rising over the years to vp of international licensing and marketing in Berlin before making the move to Brazil, as general manager, in 2018. Two years later she was appointed managing director. “Setting up and heading the Brazilian operation has been quite a challenge, but foremost an amazing experience!” she writes on LinkedIn. “I am truly grateful for everyone who has helped me navigate through the peculiarities of the local music industry. Thank you to all the business partners, artists and writers for their trust!”
Zammit’s new role back home in Berlin is focused on Latin America and emerging markets.
Warner Music Group‘s global catalog team hired Jeremy Sponder as vice president of U.S. marketing for international repertoire. In his new role, Sponder manages stateside marketing activations for UK/international catalogs of both the shallow and deep persuasions. He’s based in NYC and reports to team vp of communications Lauren Papapietro, while also working closely with Katie Graham and Stuart Wheeley. Sponder shimmies over to WMG’s catalog team from ADA Worldwide, the company’s artist and label services arm, where he has been vp of catalog since 2021. Prior to ADA, Sponder marketed deep/shallow catolog content for UMG’s catalog division, UMEe, and before that spent time five years at at Sony Music-owned indie distributor The Orchard.
Nashville-based live entertainment promoter Outback Presents promoted Jenny Reid to vice president of ticketing, overseeing all ticketing operations and focusing on country and comedy events. Reid and her ticketing team have managed tours in North America for artists and comedians including Alabama, Nate Bargatze, Taylor Tomlinson and John Crist. Reid has been with Outback Presents for four years and previously worked at Huka Entertainment, Ticketfly and Eventbrite. “Jenny has built an incredible team that we are extremely proud of,” says Smardak. “With over ten years of experience in ticketing and box office operations, Jenny has lead the force to establish a powerful ticketing team at Outback.” –Jessica Nicholson
Board Shorts: Music Venue Trust, the UK charity that looks after the interests of some 900 grassroots venues, added four folks to its board of trustees. Joining are Ausa Qureshi, music program manager at Summerhall in Edinburgh; Emma Bownes, a programmer at The O2; Jane Beese, director of music at Factory International; and musician Rhoda Dakar. They join existing trustees Bonita McKinney, Phyllis Belezos, Scott Taylforth, Chris Prosser, Simon Hilton, Sarah Thirtle, Jason Dorman, and Jeremy Pritchard. Exiting the board are Sarah Clover KC and Lohan Presencer … Hipgnosis Songs Fund appointed Christopher Mills, the CEO of North Atlantic Smaller Companies Investment Trust, as an independent non-executive director of the company. HSF also disclosed the committee chair positions of the following members: Cindy Rampersaud, audit and risk management; Robert Naylor, nomination; Simon Holden, portfolio; and Francis Keeling, management engagement.
Last Week’s Turntable: New Leaders at Kakao and Vibe
If it’s Friday, you know it’s high 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.
Keychange U.S., a non-profit organization championing gender equity and inclusion across music, added four new members to its board of directors: Andreea Gleeson (TuneCore), Christine Osazuwa (Measure of Music, Shoobs), Jessica Sobhraj (Cosynd), and Matthew Yazge (Whitman Insight Strategies). Additionally, Keychange U.S. hired YouTube and Reddit veteran Maria Gironas as its new general manager, working closely with the board on its stateside initiatives. Founded in 2017, Keychange focuses on empowering women and gender minority artists and industry pros. The organization’s goal is to reshape the music industry to make it more inclusive. Keychange’s Gender Equality Pledge has been signed by more than 650 global music organizations. The U.S. expansion of Keychange was launched in June 2022 with funding from TuneCore and its Paris-based parent Believe.
“After launching the gender equality study, BE THE CHANGE three years ago, it was important that we continued to support the mission of the report, namely, to see the industry move towards more equitable and diverse representation across genders. That’s what led us to Keychange,” said Gleeson. “Witnessing the impact of what Keychange has been able to achieve in Europe and the many lives it has influenced, it became apparent that we needed to bring similar efforts to the US. I’m honored to be named US Chair for the Board of Directors. Together with the rest of the illustrious board, I am excited to continue to drive impact, both globally and locally, for women and gender-expansive individuals, be they developing music creators or rising executives.”
South Korean tech conglomerate Kakao, owner of Kakao Entertainment and a majority stakeholder in K-pop company SM Entertainment, appointed Shina Chung to be its next CEO. She currently runs the company’s venture arm. When Chung officially takes over the mothership in March, she’lll be Kakao’s first female chief executive and has already signaled change is afoot at the perpetually embattled company. “I will carry out active and responsible management,” Chung said. “I will not miss this opportunity for change because Kakao does not have much time.” Her appointment arrives a month after Kakao and its former chief investment officer were indicted for stock manipulation related to its pursuit of SME earlier this year. Kakao owns the country’s dominant chat app, KakaoTalk, and subsidiary Kakao Entertainment owns Starship Entertainment, home to K-pop megastars Monsta X, as well as South Korea streaming app Melon. In August, Kakao Entertainment and SM Entertainment revealed their plans to create a North American joint venture by the end of this year.
Ming Lu was appointed to the newly created role of vice president of artist development and entertainment strategy at Universal Music Greater China. Ming Lu’s job will be to build up opportunities for the label’s Chinese-language roster and facilitate opportunities for artists across film, TV, gaming and other sectors. Ming Lu joins Universal from Warner Music, where he most recently served as a senior director. Prior to WMG, he put in five years as director of artist management at Modern Sky.Based in Beijing, Ming Lu will report directly to Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of UMGC. “With his keen insights on youth culture and strategic approach in the entertainment businesses, Ming Lu will be instrumental to drive the innovation and growth at the very heart of our business – providing the full spectrum of services and utmost opportunities for artists,” said Xu.
All in the Family: Veteran journalist Raina Kelley is VIBE‘s new editor-in-chief. Starting Jan. 2, Kelley will oversee the editorial direction and vision of the 30-year-old VIBE brand as it begins a new chapter as part of the portfolio of its sister publication Variety. She’ll work closely with Variety co-EICs Ramin Setoodeh and Cynthia Littleton, who’ll expand their remits as editorial directors of VIBE. The NYC-based journalist was most recently vp and EIC of Andscape, the ESPN vertical devoted to covering the intersection of Black culture and sports. She assumed the leadership role in May 2021 after serving as managing editor of the site (then called The Undefeated) for five years. Prior to The Undefeated, she served as deputy editor at ESPN The Magazine. Vibe joined the Penske Media portfolio — which also includes Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter — through its 2020 joint venture with MRC. “We’re thrilled to welcome Raina to the Variety family,” said Setoodeh and Littleton. “Raina brings with her an incredibly rare set of skills and experiences across politics, sports and media. She will be instrumental in maintaining VIBE’s unique voice of authority and infusing her perspective into all of our initiatives. We look forward to VIBE’s exciting evolution ahead.”
Agency Briefs: Creative Artists Agency (CAA) announced 16 promotions to agent. Those promoted include Gabrielle Fetters, Megan Glendinning, Justin Gorkowitz, Evan Greenberg, Leilani Houston, Alex Hubert, Hannah Kaiser, Ashley King, Kyle Margolis, Peppa Mignone, Max Miller, Khalil Roberts, Sarah Phillips, Cami Potter, Jack Upton, and Connie Yan to agent or executive. (Dave Brooks) … GOA Music & Speakers (Greg Oliver Agency, Inc.) has expanded and elevated its staff, with Tim Robinson joining as an artist agent, and David Richt being promoted from booking coordinator to artist agent. GOA Music currently represents Big Daddy Weave, Tasha Layton, Rhett Walker and more. (Jessica Nicholson)
Death Row Records hired UMG veteran Kat MacLean Daley as the revamped label’s first vp and head of publishing, effective immediately. No surprise, MacLean Daley reports directly to DRR owner Snoop Dogg and is based in Los Angeles. In her new role, she’ll handle day-to-day operations and focus on building on Death Row’s publishing prowess, plus expand the label’s catalog and roster. She joined UMPG in July 2017 in the business and legal affairs department, and worked her way up to director of music sampling and business development. “Kat’s already a legend in the world of clearances and publishing, and her drive and discipline was what I wanted to bring to Death Row,” said Snoop. “The talent that has been a part of Death Row for over 30 years deserves to have their songs heard, but also to be properly licensed and paid as songwriters and producers. I know that Kat is the right person to take care of our history, while also helping us write the story for the chapters to come. There’s a Kat in the Dogg house now.”
Board Shorts: The Country Music Association elected its board of directors for 2024, with new board members including Austin Neal (The Neal Agency), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Mike Harris (UMG Nashville), Jeffrey Hasson (UTA), Annie Ortmeier (Triple Tigers Records), Rachel Whitney (Spotify), Brent Daughrity (Gallagher), Deana Ivey (Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp), Michelle Tigard Kammerer (Amazon Music), Adam Weiser (AEG Presents), Stephen Parker (NIVA) and John Zarling (615 Leverage + Strategy). The board officers for 2024 will be Kella Farris, chairman (Farris Self & Moore, LLC), Jay Williams, president-elect (WME), Jennie Smythe, president (Girlilla Marketing) and Ben Vaughn, secretary/treasurer (Warner Chappell Music Nashville) … Former Stone Temple Pilots manager Steve Stewart joined the advisory board of Sonar Media, a new music, social media, and streaming mobile platform … Former AOL and Univision-ary Kevin Conroy joined the advisory board of American Weekend Entertainment, parent of Gen Z influencer network Music Daily.
ICYMI:
Warner Music Nashville appointed Stephanie Wright as senior vp of A&R … WME announced detailed departmental changes relating to A&R and bookings … Scott Hendricks (pictured) will be leaving Warner Music Nashville at the end of the month … The National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) hired Nathaniel Marro as its first managing director … and Datwon Thomas was named executive producer of talent for Dick Clark Productions (DCP).
Global creative audio network Squeak E. Clean Studios named Chris Clark and Michael Gross (MG) co-managing directors of the U.S. At the same time, Hamish Macdonald will step aside as global managing director of the company, which creates soundtracks and sound designs for ads, film and TV, but he’ll continue to oversee Squeak E’s operations in Australia. Clark joined the Squeak squad in 2020 from ad giant Leo Burnett, while MJ is two years in after a tenure at someplace called “Google.” Macdonald said he is “so proud of this announcement,” adding, “It is such an incredibly exciting next stage in Squeak E’s growth and a much deserved promotion to two great leaders. Both Chris and MG have all the talent, skills and drive to handle the role of MD independently, but as they both bring insights steeped by equally impressive backgrounds from different sides of the industry, they are the dynamic duo to lead this incredibly talented team into the stratosphere.”
Radio, Radio: Partridge Family star Danny Bonaduce retired from Seattle radio this week after 12 years at classic rock station KZOK. Bonaduce, who said he’ll take it easy in Palm Springs but keep a place in his “beloved Seattle,” said recently that he has hydrocephalus, a neurological disorder caused by a buildup of fluid in cavities deep within the brain … Australian radio legend Richard Kingsmill announced his retirement after a 35-year reign as a champion of music at Triple J radio. “His dedication and passion for supporting Australian music and musicians has shaped our industry,” said APRA AMCOS in a statement. “An absolute a radio her. Big bravo.”
Warner Music Group veteran Barry Landis launched Pivot Music, a new label offering scoring and licensing services for filmmakers and music supervisors. Pivot’s general manager of operations is Ben Jones, a graduate of Belmont University’s Curb College of Music Business. “I’m excited for this new approach to the music industry,” says Jones. “The models for business are constantly changing and being at the frontlines of these shifts is crucial.”
Anastasia Brown departed Visionary Media Group (VMG), where she has been chief content strategist since 2020. Brown’s role centered on directing the creation and allocation of all digital and physical content across platforms for VMG’s music, film, television and scoring projects. Her 30-year career includes roles as a music supervisor, artist manager, music publisher, film/soundtrack/TV producer, author, TV personality, A&R/label executive and content creator at companies including Firstars Management in Nashville, Ark 21 Records, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation and Warner Nashville. She earned a Grammy nod for her role as music consultant on the 2011 Footloose remake and served as an on-air judge on the USA Network series Nashville Star from 2005 to 2007.
Experiential entertainment company Mycotoo promoted Cirque du Soleil alum Michael Wilder to director of production and hired Jessica Herrera as director of business development. Wilder has 25-plus years of experience under his belt, and recently spearheaded Mycotoo’s production for the fan activation for Netflix’s “Stranger Things: The Experience.” Herrera has 16 years of economic development experience and was previously the director of econ dev for the city of El Paso, Texas. Mycotoo CEO Seth Cover: “Their unparalleled expertise and track record of success will be undoubtedly valuable in enabling us to deliver live experiences that bridge entertainment, human connection, and inspiration to audiences worldwide.”
Executive Turntable: Spotify’s UK Boss Departs
Warner Music Nashville has appointed Stephanie Wright as senior vp of A&R, reporting to label co-chair/co-president Cris Lacy. Wright joined the company as a consultant in October. Wright has spent more than 23 years in A&R at Universal Music Group in Nashville, beginning as an assistant at Capitol Records and rising through the ranks to […]
WME‘s music leadership team outlined a new organizational structure for the company’s contemporary music department today in a company-wide memo, detailing strategic changes for the Endeavor-owned agency built around A&R, bookings and crossover opportunities.
In a memo to WME’s contemporary music department, global head of contemporary music Lucy Dickins and global co-head of contemporary music Kirk Sommer further detailed their plans, introduced over the summer months, to build upon the 45,000 concerts their team booked in 2023.
For A&R, which covers new artists signings and artist development, “new artist discovery will be coordinated across all genres and regions,” the memo explains. “Given the globalization of our business and the speed at which new artists break today, we believe this is a critical piece to identifying new talent. Kevin Shivers will be leading these efforts on behalf of the team, working with regional and genre leads.”
For booking, Dickens and Sommer explained, WME will continue to build upon its “multiple regional servicing groups, including an Asia-Pacific presence, Latin-American team, and a robust European operation,” the memo reads. Ron Opaleski will lead global bookings and international touring strategy across North America, while Tony Goldring will lead similar efforts for the company’s international clients. Josh Kurfirst will lead efforts on behalf of festivals, Clint Mitchell will lead non-traditional touring and Ryan Jones will cover the company’s private and corporate events.
Dickens and Sommer wrote also detailed changes at the company’s crossover department, which the two leaders said “is our #1 differentiator.”
“Given its importance,” the memo explained, “WME partner Keith Sarkisian will be stepping in to oversee the coordination of non-touring services for the agency’s roster, working with divisions from across WME and Endeavor.” That includes working with Dvora Englefield, WME partner/head of new music strategy, “who will continue to identify new business opportunities and strategic partnerships on behalf our artists.”
Citing “the growth across each of our offices,” Dickens and Sommer also announced the appointment of the company’s first-ever regional office leads, managed by Brian Aherns who oversees operations for the music team. The leads for WME’s international officers are Kevin Shivers (Beverly Hills), Michael Coughlin (Nashville), Stephanie LaFera (New York), Josh Javor (London) and Brett Murrihy (Sydney).
“These new roles and areas of responsibility reflect the evolution of our business today — we are a truly global operation, we have unparalleled scale, and we have more opportunities to provide our artists than ever before,” the memo continued. “With this new structure highlighting key areas of responsibility and the leadership behind it, we will now be even better equipped to provide best-in-class services to our music clients and partners.”
The memo also announced the promotion of seven agents — Kyle Bandler, Mark Claassen, Andrew Colvin, Beth Hamilton, Sloane Logue, Austin Mullins and Travis Wolfe — to partner at WME, along with the promotion of 16 employees to agent: Sam Dolen, Janelle Flint, Jacob Fox, Josh Green, Lindsey Hastings, Carly Huffman, Dan Kuklinski, Sean McHugh, Meera Patel, Adam Sherif, John Showfety, Jeremy Upton, Carlile Willett, Laura Williams, Cecilia Yao and Ben Yekuel.
Producer and longtime Warner Music Nashville executive Scott Hendricks will be leaving the company at the end of the month. He joined Warner Nashville in 2007 and currently serves as executive vp of A&R/ creative advisor. Hendricks will transition back to being an independent producer and will continue his work with Warner Nashville artists Blake […]