Executive Turntable
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Street Mob Records, the indie label founded by Fuerza Regida frontman Jesus Ortiz Paz (JOP), and which has seen impressive gains on the Billboard charts in the past year, has hired veteran music executive Gustavo López as its new president. The move signals Street Mob’s intention to become “the next big Latin music label,” says JOP, and is part of the label’s significant expansion and its intention to grow further.
In addition to López, Street Mob has also appointed Cindy Gaxiola as its vp of commercial affairs, Niria León as vp of booking and Jesús Amezcua as its vp of marketing. They join an executive team that already included COO Cristian “Toro” Primera and CFO Luis López. Both are partners on Street Mob with JOP, who launched the label as a rookie artist in 2018 and has seen it grow exponentially, especially in the past two years, expanding a roster that now includes Chino Pacas, Clave Especial and Armenta.
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“We got The Avengers,” says JOP quite seriously. “The whole point of this is we’re going to the next level with Street Mob Records. We got the avengers. We got Gustavo Lopez as the president. We got two incredible female senior VPs who are running the company on the touring and management side. That’s why we’re calling it the avengers. Now we have the best of the best.”
Street Mob ended 2024 at No. 6 on Billboard’s year-end Top Latin Imprint chart and the labels’ publishing division — Street Mob Publishing — won publisher of the year at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards. According to López, in this week’s Billboard regional Airplay chart, Street Mob is represented in some way — whether songwriting, producing or artist — in 44% of the chart’s top 25 songs.
For all those successes, bringing in López signals JOP’s seriousness about growing and expanding his business. As part of his long trajectory, López launched maverick reggaetón label Machete Records under Universal in the 2000s, distributing stars like Daddy Yankee and Wisin & Yandel, and was later president of regional Mexican powerhouses Fonovisa and Disa Records. Most recently, he served as CEO of Saban Music Latin until its acquisition by Virgin last year, and launched entertainment company Globalatino Music Partners.
Although López will continue to oversee Globalatino’s overall operation, he will be devoted full time to Street Mob, which is based in Los Angeles. “When I had the opportunity to meet JOP and saw how integrated he is in the business, and how young he is, it was an inspiration for me,” says López. “I thought, ‘If I’m going back to Mexican music, I’m going to do it with the best.’ There’s a lot going on at Street Mob that maybe the industry is not aware of. These guys are more than just the label. And now it’s just formalizing the team.”
JOP founded Street Mob in 2018 “with the hopes of one day being a big record label,” he says. At the time, he was already a fledgling artist, and he wanted to learn how the business worked. In 2020, when things got tough and many in his circle deserted him, Primera and Luis López stayed by his side and JOP made them partners in Street Mob.
“Together with them, we learned the business,” says JOP today. “And little by little, with all our creativity, I think we know. We know how to make a hit.”
Though managed by Street Mob, Fuerza Regida is not signed to the label. Instead, they have a joint venture with indie powerhouse Rancho Humilde and are distributed by Sony.
The group — a juggernaut that won Top Duo/Group at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, beating international stars such as Blink-182, Coldplay, Linkin Park and Stray Kids — placed three titles in the Top Latin Albums top 10, including Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada, which peaked at No. 1 for three weeks.
But since its inception, JOP has been signing new artists, songwriters and producers to Street Mob and has different deals with each, with distribution in place with Cinq, Universal and Warner Music Latina, with whom Street Mob inked an exclusive partnership last year for its artists Armenta, Clave Especial and Calle 24.
Since last year, JOP has been looking for someone to head the label because “it was finally too much for us. But we needed to find the right person. Gustavo is perfect.”
Street Mob currently has 10 artists signed to the label, plus its own publishing company, management and touring division. The company just purchased a 35,000 square foot facility in Rancho Cucamonga, near Los Angeles, with a goal to build an office that will house everybody in the Los Angeles area, says López.
“You can’t mess with the secret sauce,” he says. “The A&R is where it needs to be. We just need to get some finer points aligned and it will continue to expand.”
For JOP, a big part is nurturing artists from the ground up.
“We’re like a school,” he says, citing emerging artist Jorsshh, who started as a writer and now has over nine million listeners on Spotify. “We show them the business and try to open doors for them to go to the next level. We’re trying to make this a big record label within Latin culture.”
Richard Vega and Stephen Schulcz have been promoted to partners in the music divison at WME.
Vega is based out of Miami, where he relocated in 2024 as part of WME’s continued global expansion of the agency’s Latin business. His clients at the agency include Alvaro Diaz, Becky G, Café Tacvba, Humbe, Kevin Kaarl, LP, Saiko, Tainy, Will Smith and Xavi. Vega has worked with super producer TAINY since 2018 and has been one of the main strategists in shifting him into the live space, culminating last year with his first ever sold-out arena show in Puerto Rico to more than 17,000 fans, according to the agency. He has also worked with indie regional Mexican sensation Ivan Cornejo since 2022, taking him from clubs to arenas in a matter of years, and was an early believer in the corridos tumbados movement out of Mexico, signing top acts like Natanael Cano.
Vega began his career playing drums for various bands in Bogota, Colombia, and over time transitioned to the business side of the industry. After seven years in Colombia, he relocated to Nashville, where he graduated from Belmont University. After interning for a year at WME, Vega would go on to work for the agency in Nashville and Los Angeles.
Richard has played a major role in expanding the visibility of Argentine artists in North America and Europe. His client Khea performed across 11 countries in Europe in 2019, while two of his other clients, Bizarrap and Nicki Nicole, have both had major moments at Coachella.
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Schulcz, who is head of domestic festivals for the agency, oversees a roster that includes Givēon, Weezer, Kid Cudi, Swae Lee, Macklemore, Sam Fender, Livingston, Coheed and Cambria, Oliver Tree, ian, Nicki Nicole, Mike Campbell, Mark Ambor, Montell Fish, David Kushner, The Avalanches, Passion Pit and Jean Dawson. He has worked with Teddy Swims since 2020, helping propel his career from clubs to arenas in a matter of years. He also helped orchestrate Victoria Monét’s sold-out Jaguar tour.
Schulcz was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from the UCLA. He has been with the agency for more than a decade, starting right out of college in the mailroom.
Former Atlantic Music Group chairman/CEO Julie Greenwald is being welcomed as executive-in-residence at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music (CDI) at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts for the spring 2025 semester, it was announced on Monday (March 3).
In the role, Greenwald will present marketing case studies, hold workshops on business plan development, curate a series of conversations with music industry executives and participate in A&R pitch sessions with students. She will hold office hours at the institute’s Brooklyn campus.
Over her career, Greenwald has played a role in the success of superstars such as Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Charli XCX and Twenty One Pilots, among many others. After attending Tulane University, followed by a stint teaching in the New Orleans public school systems in the Calliope projects through Teach for America, she started her music industry career as Lyor Cohen‘s assistant at Rush Management. Three months later, she was named promotions coordinator at Def Jam Records, where she rose through the ranks. Following the merger of Def Jam, Island and Mercury Records, she and Cohen built Island Def Jam Music Group. She was named Billboard‘s Women in Music executive of the year in 2017.
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“I have always been so fortunate to get my unequal fair share of talented interns from NYU,” said Greenwald in a statement. “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work so closely with not only the students, but the incredible faculty at the Clive Davis Institute.”
Record producer Nick Sansano, who serves as associate chair, director of production curriculum and co-director of the musicianship and performance curriculum at the Clive Davis Institute, said in a statement that Greenwald’s “presence at CDI is incredibly meaningful in so many ways. As a groundbreaking woman executive in the music business, she is a source of inspiration for the next generation of industry leaders. As one of the most successful music business executives of all time, she is a unique source of a breadth of professional wisdom. Julie has been very clear that she is doing this for no other reason than to pass on all she can to our students; like all laudable teachers, she is setting the groundwork to enable long-term success for our students, and the music making industry at large. Julie won’t be using a textbook, she is the textbook.”
In August, Greenwald announced she would step down from her role at Atlantic Music Group, where she was succeeded by Elliot Grainge following a major restructuring at Warner Music Group.
Welcome to the latest Executive Turntable, Billboard’s weekly compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across the music business. There’s a full slate of personnel news this week, so let’s hop to it.
EMPIRE‘s global expansion is afoot with the appointment of Guillermo Ramos as managing director of Europe, and Ted May as senior vice president of international marketing, both based in its London headquarters. Ramos will oversee European operations, including France and German-speaking regions, while May will lead global marketing strategies across six continents. Their roles aim to drive EMPIRE’s rapid international expansion and artist success. “Our London operation is integral to this as the centerpiece between the Americas, Africa and Asia,” said EMPIRE COO Nima Etminan. “With Guillermo and Ted, we feel confident to have found two seasoned, yet motivated individuals who will understand how to solidify our presence in Europe and expand our global footprint in international territories.” Ramos, formerly GM at Virgin Music Group, brings 18 years of experience, having worked with artists like Rema, Hozier and The Weeknd. May, with over 25 years, previously led MNRK/eOne’s UK and international operations, supporting acts like The Streets, Cher and The Lumineers. Ramos commented that “steady and meaningful expansion in Europe – and the globe – is a priority for our next chapter, driven by our leadership in the independent sector, at a time when an industry-wide paradigm shift is underway.”
Brian Wagner will take on the role of executive director for the International Entertainment Buyers Association, or IEBA, effective March 1. Wagner replaces Pam Matthews, who retired following 12 years leading the Nashville-based booking trade group. Wagner’s nearly three-decade career includes his work founding Flashpoint Entertainment (which launched Nashville venues Mercy Lounge and Cannery Ballroom). He also led marketing for the Ryman Auditorium, including curating the venue’s annual bluegrass series and the “Sam’s Place” series. In 2015, Wagner took on the role of assistant commissioner of marketing for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, forging the “Soundtrack of America, Made in Tennessee” campaign. –Jessica Nicholson
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Merlin announced several key promotions within its team. Marta de la Hoz, with over seven years at the company, is now senior director of business analytics. Matt Rose was promoted to senior manager of strategy and growth. Nick Cashmore, instrumental in enhancing reporting, is now director of reporting. Pavan Vasdev steps into an expanded role as senior director of strategy and growth. Lastly, Tom White, a key player in advancing data analytics, is now senior data analyst.
The Syndicate hired veteran music publicist Sue Marcus from Stunt Company Media as vp of publicity, where she will co-lead the department with Brendan Bourke. Marcus brings her entire roster from Stunt Company and will be joined by publicist Anna Jenkins and new hire Cassidy Berstler, expanding the press team at the marketing agency to nine members. All three are based in Weehawken, NJ. Jeff Kilgour will now lead business development as svp, alongside Rob Gross. Marcus, with over 30 years of experience, worked at director levels at Roadrunner Records, Mercury Records and Island Def Jam before founding Stunt Company in 2001. She has led media campaigns for a wide range of artists and festivals, including Monica, Ra Ra Riot, Tom Verlaine, and Moon River Music Festival, among others. Her current roster includes Drew & Ellie Holcomb, JOHNNYSWIM, XiXA and Mayday Parade. “Sue’s incredible expertise, passion for storytelling, and the powerhouse roster she brings from Stunt Company will strengthen our expanding publicity department,” said Kilgour.
The Music Fights Fraud Alliance selected Michael Lewan to lead the anti-fraud collective. As executive director, Lewan will lead the MFFA’s strategic initiatives from Washington, D.C. Previously, he served as managing director of state and federal advocacy at the Recording Academy. Founded in June 2023, MFFA unites major music companies, including Downtown (CD Baby and FUGA), Believe (TuneCore), Amazon Music, Spotify, EMPIRE and United Masters, to combat fraud through cross-platform collaboration. The Alliance has mobilized working groups to address fraud identification, mitigation, and enforcement across distributors, labels and DSPs. Andreea Gleeson, CEO of TuneCore, emphasized Lewan’s role in strengthening the industry’s fight against fraud, citing his expertise in government relations and policy advocacy. “His leadership and vision will be crucial as we continue working toward a more equitable and transparent music industry,” she said.
NASHVILLE NOTES: The W.O. Smith Music School appointed Valerie Cordero, Ph.D. as its new executive director. Dr. Cordero succeeds Jonah Rabinowitz, who led the school, which provides vital music education to Nashville’s underserved youth, for nearly 30 years. A Nashvillian since 2012, Dr. Cordero joins from Families for Depression Awareness, where she served as co-executive director, leading fundraising and marketing efforts and advocating for affordable mental health care … Black River promoted Ally Roden to publicity manager from coordinator … Red Street hired Patrick Waters as senior director of country A&R after a run as a Red Light artist manager. The company also crowned Kelly King vp of publishing.
Huskins-Harris Business Management rebranded as Harris, Huelsman, Barnes & Company, with John Huelsman and Morgan Barnes joining Becky Harris as principals at the company. Together, Harris, Huelsman and Barnes have over 40 years of experience, with the company’s current clients including Chris Young, producer James Stroud, Drew Baldridge, Frankie Ballard, Austin Brown, Scotty Hasting, Angie K, Alexandra Kay, Julian King, Nicotine Dolls, Michael Ray and American Idol winner Noah Thompson. –J.N.
AEG Presents is opening a new office in Oslo, Norway, led by industry veteran Peer Osmundsvaag starting March 1. Osmundsvaag, with 35 years of experience, was a founding partner at All Things Live and began his career as a DJ and party promoter in 1989. He founded Atomic Soul in 2001 and has worked with major artists like Eminem, Prince, and Justin Bieber. He also co-founded Norway’s Hove Festival and established Oslo’s PiPFest in 2014. Recognized for his contributions, he received Oslo’s Culture Prize in 2017. Notably, he promoted Norway’s two largest ticketed concerts to date: Eminem at Voldsløkka (55,000 attendees) and Rammstein at Bjerke Travbane (60,000 attendees). He’ll report to Adam Wilkes, president and CEO of AEG Presents Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Catch Point Rights Partners promoted Annie DeConto to director of business development, reporting to co-founders Richard Conlon, PJ Miklus and Patrick Riordan. Since joining in 2020 from stints at Morgan Stanley and Warner Music Group, she has played a key role in acquisition sourcing, marketing, and catalog analysis. “Her work underscores the firm’s dedication to developing data driven, creative liquidity solutions in collaboration with music creators, rights holders and the firm’s investors,” the founders said. Catch Point acquires rights and royalties from various music entities, offering liquidity solutions to copyright and royalty owners. Its portfolio includes thousands of sound recordings and musical works, including songs by The Smashing Pumpkins, Black Eyed Peas, Nine Inch Nails and Lil Wayne, among others.
RADIO, RADIO: Brian Kelly stepped down as vice president of Top 40 programming at Audacy. A 29-year veteran of the company, Kelly was also operations manager in Milwaukee, where he helped launch 103.7 Kiss FM and programmed 99.1 The Mix … European audio branding company PURE Jingles appointed Ilja Volkers as its new chief commercial officer. He joins with experience from BMG, Sony Music and Warner Music.
Breakaway Projects, the newly launched label and management division of Breakaway Music Festival, has announced its leadership team. Jaime Neely, a former Warner and BMG exec, will serve as president, bringing experience working with Lewis Capaldi, 5 Seconds of Summer and Monsta X. Harrison Bamel has been named vice president, also continuing his role leading Breakaway’s artist management team, where he oversees emerging electronic acts like Night Tales and Mojave Grey. Bamel will focus on A&R and artist development for the label. Matt Oliver joins as director of PR, leveraging over a decade of experience working with Facebook, Wu-Tang Clan, DMX and dirtybird records, among others. His role will center on increasing Breakaway Projects’ brand visibility across digital platforms.
Major Bob Music made three key leadership changes, promoting Andy Friday to chief operating officer and Emily Hasty to creative director, while bringing in Aubrey Daniels as head of publishing. Friday, who has worked with Bob and Mike Doyle for over 15 years, will now oversee all Doyle-owned companies while continuing his role as day-to-day manager for Treaty Oak Revival. Previously head of publishing, he played a key role in signing Zach Top and Treaty Oak Revival to Major Bob Music/Bob Doyle & Associates. Daniels joins as head of publishing, bringing extensive experience from Bluewater Music, SNG Music, and KP Entertainment. A Belmont alum, she was nominated as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence in 2021. Hasty, now creative director, first joined Major Bob as an intern in 2022 before working her way up to creative coordinator. She signed her first writer, Anslee Davidson, in 2023. Major Bob Music, founded by Garth Brooks’ longtime manager Bob Doyle, said it has notched over 70 No. 1 singles in its 39-year history.
DawBell, a UK-based communications agency, reappointed Lewis Fromberg as account director to lead brand, sports and popular culture communications and commercial strategy. Fromberg previously spent six years at DawBell, working with major artists and brands and earning the PR Campaign of the Year award for work on a Lewis Capaldi album. After a period at Red Bull, he returns in an expanded role. Additionally, DawBell promoted Rachael Chinery and Charlie Brun to associate PR directors for music. Both have played key roles in campaigns for top artists and events, including Elton John, Dua Lipa and The BRIT Awards.
BOARD SHORTS: The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame welcomed DJ Johnny “Juice” Rosado to its board of directors. Juice (class of 2008) said he aims to enhance the diversity of artist representation in the hall. Known for his roles as a composer, producer, turntablist, and educator, Juice has contributed to some of hip-hop’s greatest works, thanks to a longtime association with Public Enemy and other acts … Los Angeles College of Music is introducing 370 Music Group, a non-profit, student-run record label and music licensing company aimed at supporting and showcasing talent from the LACM community. The initiative is guided by LACM’s Faculty Advisory Board, which includes industry pros Erin Workman, Adam LaRue, Jennifer Smith, Karla Ortiz and Michael Chrysanthou. The label will officially launch at this weekend’s inaugural Music Industry Summit at the college in Pasadena.
ICYMI:
Katie Fagan
Jukebox, a music platform where investors can buy royalty shares, appointed Mike Coppola to be its new CEO. He succeeds Scott Cohen, who led Jukebox since its launch in 2022 … Mom+Pop Music is the latest coastal label to sink roots in Music City, appointing Katie Fagan as president of Mom+Pop Music Nashville. Previously, Fagan clocked years as head of A&R at Prescription Songs in Nashville, where she launched the company’s first office outside of LA. [Keep Reading]
Last Week’s Turntable: SiriusXM Hires Ex-Airbnb Legal Chief
Jukebox, a music platform where retail investors can buy royalty shares linked to songs like Adele’s “Rumour Has It” or Taylor Swift’s “Welcome to New York”, has appointed Mike Coppola to be its new CEO and board member, the company announced Wednesday (Feb. 26).
Coppola, previously a senior adviser at the fintech growth fund WestCap who was an executive at TouchTunes when it was acquired by Searchlight Capital, assumed the CEO role in January. He succeeds Scott Cohen, former chief innovation officer at Warner Music Group and co-founder of The Orchard, who has led Jukebox since its launch in 2022.
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Previously referred to as JKBX, Jukebox says it’s entering a pivotal new phase aimed at growing its investor base through partnerships with popular retail brokerages, and Coppola’s background and network is key to developing the company’s market presence and recruiting talent.
“Mike’s proven track record as an operator, driving growth, fostering innovation, and scaling companies across finance and technology makes him the ideal leader for Jukebox’s next chapter,” Sam Hendel, Jukebox’s co-founder/chairman, said in a statement. “Together, we are pioneering an SEC-qualified offering to take music public, unlocking investment opportunities for both institutional and retail investors. Mike is a crucial component in bringing this vision to life, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner leading this charge.”
Founded on the idea that investing in iconic music catalogs should not be exclusively available to record labels, private equity funds and institutional investors, Jukebox launched its first investment offering last year — a Tier 2 Regulation A offering approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Visitors to Jukebox’s website can buy royalty shares in songs like Beyoncé’s “Halo,” Ellie Goulding’s “Burn” and “Lean On,” performed by Major Lazer, MØ and DJ Snake — and, as of this year, they can earn dividends when those songs are played. Through founders Hendel and John Chapman, whose Dundee Partners owns a controlling stake in the catalog investment company Chord, Jukebox has exclusive access to Chord’s 60,000 music copyrights that could be packaged into future offerings.
For now, Coppola tells Billboard they’re focused on growing Jukebox’s market presence and that it’s currently in a pilot phase with one major investment platform. Notably, retail brokerages such as Robinhood, Charles Schwab and Fidelity are expanding their list of alternative investment offerings beyond cryptocurrency to reach eager young investors.
In addition to reaching more investors through inclusion on those investment platforms, Coppola says the company is working through several regulatory steps to develop a secondary marketplace for Jukebox royalty shares.
“It took Jukebox a year and a half to get SEC approval, and the founders here spared no expense … to make sure they could get that done and they did,” says Coppola. “The next thing we have to build is the ability for these securities to be tradable anywhere, and not just on our website.”
Mom+Pop Music has become the latest coastal label to open an office in Music City, naming Katie Fagan as president of Mom+Pop Music Nashville.
Fagan was previously head of A&R for Prescription Songs in Nashville for the last eight years and had opened Prescription’s first office outside of Los Angeles.
“I will continue M+P’s legacy by signing tastemaker artists and bands, leaning into the local talent pool in the Americana, folk, alt-country and indie spaces,” Fagan tells Billboard. “While expanding our footprint in Nashville is a priority, we know that these genres span worldwide, and I want to be cognizant of talent within these spaces globally as well. We hope to provide a home to both legacy acts and up-and-comers looking for a strategic creative partnership where we can elevate and uphold the integrity of their artistic vision.”
For now, Mom+Pop Nashville will rely on existing staff in New York and Los Angeles “with the goal of hiring locally when the timing aligns appropriately and strategically,” Fagan says.
“Katie has proven herself an important voice and advocate for creatives in the Americana, folk, and Alt-Country spaces,” said Michael Goldstone, founder of Mom+Pop, in a statement. “No one is better suited to reinforce and grow Mom+Pop’s presence in Nashville and globally as we broaden our industry aesthetic.”
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At Prescription, Fagan, who has been featured on Billboard’s 40 Under 40 and Women in Music lists, worked with a number of acts, including Joy Oladokun, Anderson East, Maggie Rose, Nick Bailey, Sarah Hudson, Malibu Babie and Cirkut, as well as songwriters/producers who landed placements with Lana Del Rey, Chris Stapleton and Noah Kahan, among others.
Fagan is also co-founder of The Other Nashville Society (TONS), which helps promote non-country music in Music City through its 1,500 members; a member of She Is The Music’s songwriting and publishing committee; and a governor of the Recording Academy’s Nashville chapter.
Mom+Pop, which was formed in 2008, includes Caamp, Chaparelle, Del Water Gap, Magdalena Bay and Pablo Pablo on its current roster. The self-distributed label has a staff of 25 with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London and Nashville.
Welcome to the latest Executive Turntable, Billboard’s weekly compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across the music business. There’s a full slate of personnel news this week, so let’s hop to it.
Long-time listener, first-time employee Rich Baer joined SiriusXM Holdings as the satellite radio giant’s new executive vp, general counsel and secretary, effective March 3. Baer, who replaces the retiring Patrick Donnelly, boasts over 40 years of legal and business experience, most recently serving as chief legal officer at Airbnb before hanging it up in 2023. “I failed at retirement,” he joked this week. His extensive career also includes roles as chief administrative officer and chief legal officer at Liberty Media, evp and CLO at UnitedHealth Group, and general counsel at Qwest Communications. Baer began his legal career as a homicide prosecutor in Brooklyn before leading the litigation department at a Denver law firm. He’ll report to SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz, who highlighted Baer’s background in counseling complex companies and said “his ability to navigate legal issues and balance the needs of a business will enable him to succeed here.” Witz also honored outgoing GC Patrick Donnelly, recognizing his nearly 27 years of dedicated service.
Partisan Records hired Nick Wagner as the indie label’s new chief financial officer, effective late last year. Based in NYC and reporting to president and co-founder Tim Putnam, Wagner will oversee global financial operations, strategic planning, team management and growth initiatives at Partisan, home to PJ Harvey, IDLES and more. Wagner brings extensive experience from his previous role as global vp of business operations at Endeavor, where he improved operational efficiency across the company’s portfolio. He also served as vp of finance at Warner Music Group, focusing on artist-driven growth in digital and social media. Additionally, Wagner led the North America Digital Media division at Vice Media Group, managing finance and operations for brands like Noisey and Vice.com.
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Sony Music Nashville has promoted Mallory Michaels to vice president of radio marketing & promotion. In the new role, Michaels will develop and implement strategic and tactical national radio promotion plans for rostered artists at Sony Music Nashville, supporting both Columbia Nashville and RCA Nashville imprints. Michaels will report to senior vp, radio marketing & promotion Dennis Reese. Michaels joined SMN in 2018 and previously held roles at Warner Music Nashville and Red Bow Records. –Jessica Nicholson
Mike Faul / Courtesy Photo
Dynamic Talent International appointed veteran marketer Mike Faul to lead its newly launched Brand Partnerships division. Based in New York, Faul will spearhead efforts to connect creative talent with top brands across industries like fashion, technology, luxury, lifestyle and media. The division will focus on sponsorship acquisition, co-branded content creation and immersive experiential activations, aiming to craft bespoke campaigns that amplify both brand identities and artistic expression. Faul brings extensive experience to the role, having worked with major names like YouTube, MTV, A24, The North Face and Taco Bell. In 2017, he founded Sub Rosa Curation, driving innovative marketing initiatives across sports and entertainment. Prior to that, he served as marketing manager at Bagavagabonds, curating festival programming for brands like Vans, Toyota and Anheuser-Busch. DTI, a leading talent management firm with offices in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York and Poland, is known for its forward-thinking approach in supporting artists. The firm recently celebrated Taemin’s sold-out show at the Kia Forum and announced new signings, including The Georgia Satellites and Hot 8 Brass Band. “This is an exciting opportunity to bolster what is already one of the most dynamic agencies in entertainment,” said Faul.
Legends appointed Chris Bray as president of Europe for its combined Legends and ASM Global business. Bray will oversee operations across the UK and Europe, managing venue operations and revenue generation for sports, entertainment, conventions and other industries out of the company’s office in Manchester. Previously president of Europe for ASM Global, Bray brings over 30 years of experience in commercial operations and development. Since joining ASM Global in 2022, he has driven growth, enhanced guest experiences, and sealed key contracts with venues like Utilita Arena and Olympia London. Bray also oversaw significant investments in venues, including a major glow-up for AO Arena in Manchester. Before ASM Global, he spent 15 years at Sodexo, where he boosted the firm’s Sports and Leisure division. Following Legends’ acquisition of ASM Global in August 2024, the combined company includes iconic venues like AO Arena and major football clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool. Legends CEO Dan Levy praised Bray’s leadership, adding, “With a strong presence across the UK and Europe … we’re in an incredible position to set new standards in sports and entertainment.”
Sony Music Publishing promoted Taryn Miller to vice president, IT global copyright and royalties, effective immediately. Based in Nashville, Miller will report to chief information officer Bill Starke. In her new role, she’ll oversee the development and management of SMP’s royalty and copyright systems, including the Tempo platform and client portal SCORE, while collaborating across departments on enterprise applications. With over 20 years at the company, Miller has been instrumental in advancing key systems like Tempo and SCORE. She began her career in North American Royalty Administration before becoming a Tempo migration specialist and later transitioning to the IT team, most recently serving as director, IT global administration systems. Starke praised Miller’s contributions, stating “her work has elevated our services for songwriters.”
Creative Artists Agency promoted five Elevate trainees to agent roles across its music, comedy and theatre departments. In the Music Touring group, Ethan Goldish, based in Nashville, was elevated after joining CAA in 2019 and progressing from floater to booking professional in 2022. Also in Nashville, Cam Jensen was promoted after starting as an assistant in 2022, later becoming a booking professional overseeing the Southeast club territory. In Los Angeles, Dom Valentyn was promoted to Music Touring Agent, having joined CAA in 2019 and previously working in artist management and playlist marketing. In the Comedy Touring department, Marissa Pisterzi in Los Angeles was promoted after starting at CAA in 2021, working with several agents before becoming a booking professional. In New York City, Kennedy Woodard was promoted to Agent in the Theatre department. She joined CAA in 2021 as an assistant to Justin Edbrooke and Ethan Kurtzman, and has worked closely with theatre pros to develop stage and screen projects. All five promotions reflect CAA’s commitment to nurturing talent through its Elevate program, which identifies and advances rising professionals within the agency.
Kobalt appointed Claes Uggla as general manager of Kobalt Scandinavia, overseeing operations from the Stockholm office. With over 25 years of A&R experience, Uggla has shaped the careers of many Scandinavian artists. He joins from RMV, where he worked with acts like Gustaf & Viktor Norén. Previously, at Universal Music Sweden, he licensed hits like Lukas Graham’s “Ordinary Things,” and at Sony Music Sweden, he earned a special A&R award for Alan Walker’s “Faded.” Jeannette Perez, Kobalt’s president, praised Uggla’s track record, saying his “approach to A&R, his deep connections to the creative community and his leadership skills will be an important asset to us as we continue to build upon our success in the region.”
Range Music elevated Jared Cotter to managing partner of the management company, the music division of Range Media Partners. Cotter, who joined Range in 2022 and co-manages Shaboozey, made partner last May and before that was vp of A&R for the company. Outside the Hot 100 juggernaut that is Shaboozey, Cotter manages Paul Russell, whose “Lil Boo Thang” reached No. 14 in 2023. Cotter came to Range after co-founding The Heavy Group in 2016, a management and production company where he first signed Bazzi several years ago. He also co-founded 3AM Entertainment, an indie label focusing on music from the South Asian diaspora.
Celine Hollenbeck and Jenna Akemi Kon are named partners at Carroll Guido Groffman Cohen Bar & Karalian LLP, a leading music and entertainment law firm. Hollenbeck, based in Los Angeles, and Kon, in New York, joined the firm in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Founding partner Michael Guido and Los Angeles managing partner Renee Karalian praised their dedication and industry acumen, adding that their “enthusiasm and passion for music and artistry continue to impress the firm’s clients and partners alike.” They join the firm’s growing partner group, including Paul Gutman, Ira Friedman, Leah Seymour and Dave Keady.
BOARD SHORTS: Grammy Museum Mississippi added three new members to its board: Betsy Aguzzi of Mississippi Limestone Corporation, music publicist and entrepreneur Zach Farnum, and artist manager Gaines Sturdivant. They’ve been elected to 3-year terms, starting last month. The board is responsible for governance, oversight and major decision-making at the Cleveland, Miss. museum … VPL, which licenses music videos for public and TV broadcasts in the UK, made key board appointments: Charlotte Saxe is now VPL chair, with Alison Wenham and Shamus Damani joining as new board directors. The VPL Board, consisting of eight directors, oversees all aspects of music video licensing operations for the PPL sister company.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum promoted five staff members to key leadership roles. Tess Pardee is now associate director of creative project management, overseeing creative projects and resources. Marshell Ruffier has been named associate director of food and beverage operations, managing the banquet team, the museum café, and sustainability initiatives. Alex Krompic has been promoted to director of production and technical services, leading audio, video and lighting for events. Emily Zirkle is now associate director of events administration and entertainment, managing revenue and public events in the CMA Theater. John Sloboda has been promoted to executive director of exhibitions and curatorial services, overseeing gallery exhibitions.
Red Street Records promoted Kelly King to vp of Red Street Publishing, while Patrick Waters joins as senior director of A&R country for the company’s country roster, which includes Chris Lane, Ryan Griffin, Neon Union, Ryan Larkins and Kaleb Sanders. King, known for discovering and/or developing artists and writers including Rascal Flatts, Brett James and Brothers Osborne, earned a partnership at Teracel Music and Good Girl Music (a co-venture with Sony Publishing), before launching her own King Pen Music (a co-venture with Warner Chappell Publishing) prior to joining Red Street Records in 2022. Waters has previously held roles at Red Light Management, Warner Brothers and Interscope. –J.N.
NASHVILLE NOTES: Gotee Records appointed Jess Loper as its new general manager. Reporting to Joey Elwood, CEO of Bell Partners Christian Music, Loper steps into this role following Gotee’s integration under Bell Partners. Previously, she was vp of brand management at Gotee Records and publishing at Emack Music … The International Bluegrass Music Association made three staff changes. Rebecca Bauer joins as marketing director after working as a marketing manager for City Winery; Elizabeth Dewey was promoted to communications director from administrative manager; and Haley Grimm, who’s in her final semester at Belmont University, took over Dewey’s former position … Publicist Jessica Nall joined Jonesworks, where her country clients include Zac Brown Band, Drake Milligan and Adam Doleac. She formerly was Atlantic director of press and media strategy … Paquin Artists Agency, a booking firm focused on Canadian country acts, hired agent/talent buyer Paul Biro, formerly president/operating partner at Sakamoto.
Killphonic Rights launched a dedicated label division, led by CEO Caleb Shreve and co-head of A&R Syd Butler. This follows the company’s executive expansion and a $3 million investment from Stilwell Creative Capital in 2024. The label’s first release, Heart Of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young, is set for April 25. Butler emphasized the label’s “artist-first” approach, highlighting the team’s industry experience and commitment to artist development. He stressed the importance of community and fair profit sharing, aiming to provide essential support at a time in the industry when it’s being abandoned. We believe artists need a community and a label that has their back as they navigate their future in this business.”
ATC Live has two key staffing updates. Lucy Atkinson joins as a new agent from Earth Agency, bringing her 30-strong roster, including Sega Bodega, Alice Glass and Erika de Casier, to boost the live booking agency’s electronic music prowess. Known for her forward-leaning approach, Atkinson has secured high-profile brand collaborations, such as Deijuvhs for Versace Jeans Couture and Ecco2k with Bella Hadid for Marc Jacobs eyewear, among others. Additionally, Alice Hogg was promoted to head of tour marketing, a new role aimed at integrating tour marketing services within ATC Live. This move will strengthen the London-based company’s approach to live campaigns, focusing on cohesive fan engagement and marketing strategies. Hogg, who joined ATC Live in 2020, has 15 years of experience in the live music industry and has worked with artists like Black Pumas and Aaron Frazer. Her roster will continue to be represented by ATC Live.
Raw Power Management, which like ATC Live is part of the ATC Group, bumped-up Dan Brown to the newly created role of head of A&R. A key figure on the senior management team for over a decade, Brown is currently managing You Me At Six’s farewell tour. In his new position, he will lead talent acquisition, focusing on expanding Raw Power’s diverse roster and signing new acts. The company represents artists like Bring Me The Horizon, Bullet For My Valentine, Jordan Adetunji and Heartworms.
ICYMI:
Jodi Dawes
REPUBLIC Collective announced a big stack of promotions across various departments … Warner Chappell Music elevated Gabz Landman to senior vp of A&R … Fox veteran Nick Terranova joined Dick Clark Productions as its new senior vp of brand partnerships … Ole Obermann is out as TikTok’s global head of music business development … Publicity pro Jodi Dawes landed at Big Machine Label Group … and AEG Presents elevated Andrew Klein to lead its global partnerships division. [Keep Reading]
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The REPUBLIC Collective, which includes Island Records, Def Jam Recordings, Mercury Records and Republic Records, has announced several executive promotions and new hires.
Recently, Jeffrey Remedios, former Universal Music Canada chief, was appointed president of strategic development. In his new role, Remedios oversees high-priority growth initiatives for Republic’s labels, focusing on international A&R, Republic recording studios, brand expansion, and more, reporting directly to REPUBLIC Collective CEO Monte Lipman and COO Avery Lipman.
Key promotions across departments include Joe Carozza as executive vp and global media officer, Brittney Ramsdell as evp of creative sync, Julie Vastola as svp of creative, and Zoë Briggs as vp of global marketing. Gary Spangler revamped the Audience team, elevating Natina Nimene to evp of urban audience and artist relations, Lucas Romeo to evp of pop audience, Brett Dumler to svp of pop audience, James Brown to svp of urban audience, and Roya Raji to vp of touring.
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Kevin Lipson expanded his team with strategic hires and promotions, including longtime Capitol Music Group svp of streaming strategy Jeff Temske coming over as evp of global research and analytics, and Colin Yost elevated to vp of innovation and gaming partnerships. Additionally, Brian Sutnick was promoted to evp of global replay strategy, Ryan Stevens to svp of commerce, Charlene Thomas to svp of global replay strategy, and Blair O’Brien to vp of commerce.
Monte Lipman praised these recent advancements, calling them “hard-earned and well-deserved,” and emphasized the collective’s commitment to artist development and finding “generational talent.”
The executive changes follow another record-breaking year for REPUBLIC Collective, which topped Billboard’s major year-end label rankings for the fourth consecutive year. In 2024, the collective amassed 72 albums on the Billboard 200, including 13 No. 1s, and 209 songs on the Hot 100, with eight chart-toppers, reinforcing its dominance in the music industry.
Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has promoted Gabz Landman to senior vp of A&R at the company. News of Landman’s promotion comes just weeks after her longtime management and publishing client, Amy Allen, took home the Grammy for songwriter of the year, making her the first-ever woman to receive the honor. Landman got her start in […]