Executive Turntable

Happy December? It’s time for another Executive Turntable, Billboard’s comprehensive(ish) compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across the global music industry.
Italian music data platform Musixmatch appointed Rio Caraeff to chief business officer. In his new role, Caraeff will lead business and revenue-driving initiatives and will be responsible for managing relationships with clients, partners, IP owners and other stakeholders at the company, which offers multiple solutions for displaying lyrics in search results, in apps and elsewhere. Caraeff is best known as co-founder and former CEO of music video platform Vevo, where he worked from its 2009 official launch until late 2014. Prior to building Vevo into a video powerhouse, he held a bevy of executive roles at UMG, Sony Pictures and Capitol Records, among other places. In recent years, Caraeff has served as chief commercial officer at spacial audio firm Syng and chief content officer at AR Headset maker Magic Leap. Musixmatch has backing by TPG, Micheli Associati, P101 Venture, United Venture and Piton Capital. “Rio is deeply passionate about the entire music ecosystem and his energy and excitement about his work has enabled his success at some of the most innovative and influential companies in our industry,” said Max Ciociola, Musixmatch founder and CEO.

Jake Kozarec was promoted to partner at Fortress Talent Management, a leading agency representing elite composers and music supervisors including Howard Shore, Philip Glass and Gustavo Santaolalla. Kozarec has been a Fortress mainstay since 2016 and has overseen the careers of composers Lorne Balfe (Top Gun: Maverick) and Matthew Margeson (Kingsman: The Secret Service), among others. “He shares the same values we do – hard work for our clients, good taste and judgment, and integrity – and was a perfect fit from the moment he joined the company,” said Fortress founders Robert Messinger, Rich Jacobellis and Randy Gerston. “We are very excited to see what the future holds.”

Many Fortress clients likely belong to the Guild of Music Supervisors, which just announced their new board of directors and changes to its leadership team. Lindsay Wolfington and Heather Guibert are the guild’s new president and vp, respectively, replacing Joel C. High and Madonna Wade-Reed in the roles. Wolfington and Guibert’s board includes newcomers Jonathan Leahy and Robin Urdang, along with returning members Joel C. High, Howard Pair, Todd Porter, Aminé Ramer, Jennifer Smith, Andrea von Foerster and Wade-Reed, the former vp.

Radio, Radio: Lazy slouch Ryan Seacrest will carry on as host of iHeartRadio‘s On Air with Ryan Seacrest and America’s Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest until the end of 2027, according to a recently minted contract. He’ll also continue working closely with both CEO Bob Pittman and COO/CFO Rich Bressler on major initiatives and hosting several events, namely the iHeartRadio Music Festival … “Rude” Jude Angelini was let go from SiriusXM on Nov. 16 after 19 years as host of The All Out Show on Eminem’s Shade 45 channel. He had been at the satellite giant longer than Howard Stern, who joined up two years later. “I knew I wasn’t a fit for the channel anymore,” he told The Detroit News following his unceremonious firing. “I was in an impossible situation.” … NPR hired Collin Campbell as its new senior vp of podcasting strategy and franchise development. Based in Culver City, Campbell arrives from Gimlet Media, where he was executive editor for new show development. His public radio bonafides include a stint at WNYC, where he helped create The Takeaway and Freakonomics Radio.

ICYMI:

BBR Music Group senior vp of promotion Carson James and senior director of A&R Chris Poole had their positions eliminated by parent company BMG … Day After Day Productions announced the appointment of Christianne Weiss, former APA agent and vp and head of its adult contemporary music division, to serve as svp and head of touring … Diddy stepped down as chairman of REVOLT in the wake of three three sexual assault lawsuits … Former SM Entertainment chief Nikki Semin Han launched a new U.S.-focused K-pop company … and Atlantic veteran Riggs Morales joined the team at Def Jam Recordings as executive vp of A&R.

Amazon without Jillian Gerngross? That’s the new-normal after the respected exec vacated her role as general manager and director of Amazon Music for Europe, Australia and New Zealand after 12 and a half years at the wider company. “It is hard to believe that I have spent nearly 30% of my life with one company,” she observed in a LinkedIn post announcing the move, while thanking Paul Firth, Ryan Redingtoon and Steve Boom for their “unending mentorship and support.” Gerngross scored an Amazon internship in 2010 and soon made it official as a senior marketing manager of traffic for Amazon Fashion. After that dalliance in fashion, she moved over to Amazon Music in March 2013 and never left, taking roles in artist relations, customer engagement and marketing before nabbing her most recent title three years ago. For her efforts, Billboard recognized Gerngross as one of this year’s International Power Players. After her last day at Amazon, she joined tech firm Nothing as vp of marketing.

Entertainment company Neon Coast, founded by music industry entrepreneur and Kane Brown manager Martha Earls, has appointed Janie Whitefield as director of digital. Whitefield will oversee digital strategy for Neon Coast management clients including Brown, Restless Road, Dylan Schneider, Nightly and more. Whitefield previously spent four years as creative director at Venture Music. 

Opus 3 Artists absorbed the staff and artists of Magnum Opus Artists into its vocal division, starting in the new year. Caroline Woodfield will hand over the reigns of the division to Nathan Wentworth in April, while MOA artist manager Trevor Newman will return in the same role. Opus 3 Artists’ roster includes instrumentalists, vocalists, conductors, composers, chamber music ensembles, and touring chamber and symphony orchestras. The firm is part of an alliance headed by the San Francisco Conservatory of Music which includes sister artist management company Askonas Holt and recording label Pentatone.

Have some more turkey, have some more pie — it’s time for another Executive Turntable, Billboard’s comprehensive(ish) compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings (and all things in between) across the music industry.
Sony Music Publishing UK promoted a trio of executives in its A&R department: Felix Canetty-Clarke to vp of UK A&R strategy & international research; Sarah Gabrielli to senior director of A&R, UK & Europe; and Saul Fitton to senior director of A&R, UK, effective immediately. Cannety-Clarke joined SMP in 2018 with a focus on research and analytics, and in his new job will continue those data-driven A&R initiatives and extend his focus across operations and strategy, the company said. Gabrielli and Fitton, whose start dates at the company were 2016 and 2020, respectively, will keep on keeping on in terms of driving opportunities for the company’s writers and artists. Since joining, Gabrielli’s portfolio has included beabadoobee, Baby Queen and Jim Legacy, while Fitton’s signees include Pablo Bowman and Bastille, among others. “Sarah, Saul and Felix are the very best talents in the UK,” said David Ventura, president and co-managing director of SMP UK. “Their passion for music, their drive and their unique daily dedication for our songwriters are exemplary. Together they bring the future of our company and with Tim we have been inspired to see everyone recognising their successes and achievements.”

Joshton “Peas” Harris joined Spotify as the head of hip-hop and R&B, artist partnerships, overseeing a team handling artist and manager relationships in those key genres. Harris previously held a similar marketing role at Amazon Music, which he joined in April 2020 following several years in talent management, marketing and other creative work during stops at Cinematic Music Group, Cashmere Agency and EQT Recordings. Over in playlists land at the music streaming giant, Cecilia Winter is the new global hits editorial lead, overseeing programming, editorial strategy and content brand extensions across Spotify’s family of ‘Global Hits’ playlists, including ‘Today’s Top Hits,’ ‘Pop Rising’ and the all-powerful New Music Friday. Previously at YouTube Music, where she rose to music programming manager in her five years there, Winter now reports to J.J. Italiano, the head of global music curation and discovery.

All In the Family: Billboard parent Penske Media Corporation promoted Brooke Jaffe to senior Vice President of public affairs and strategy, effective immediately. Over the span of four years, Jaffe has held a number of roles at PMC, including contributing editor, head of public affairs and communications, and, most recently, vp of public affairs and strategy. In her elevated position, she’ll keep driving impactful communications strategies on behalf of the PMC portfolio, which also includes Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, and she’ll continue to focus on public policy and external relationships. In recent years, Jaffe added oversight of the PR team for Dick Clark Productions and is a core leader for the LA3C festival. Prior to joining PMC, Jaffe held senior roles at fashion tech startup Eight and Bloomingdale’s. Jaffe continues to be based out of LA, where she reports to PMC CEO, chairman and founder Jay Penske.

ICYMI: While the week leading up to Thanksgiving is typically a slow week for HR departments, that was not the case at ChatGPT creator OpenAI, which fired its co-founder and leader Sam Altman under undefined circumstances, then hired him back a few days later after hundreds of employees threatened to quit … In less dramatic news, former CD Baby CEO Tracy Maddux announced he has stepped down from his role as chief commercial officer at Downtown Music Holdings.

Neon Records co-founder Patrick “Smiley” Cleary stepped down as CEO of the UMG-owned dance music label in order to focus on his Peppermint Blue Publishing company. The announcement, first plucked by The Music Network, was made in a memo to staff from Universal Music Australia and New Zealand chief Sean Warner, who noted that UMA’s “long standing partnership with Smiley has been significant and fruitful.” Founded by Smiley and Carl West as a label under Warner Music, the Australian imprint later went to Universal and over the years has worked Milky Chance, Skrillex, Rudimantal and Timmy Trumpet. Neon’s current roster includes Young Franco, Chloe Wilson and Nia Archives, among others. In his memo, Warner said Neon “has become an iconic label in ANZ thanks to [Smiley’s] vision, creativity, and passion, and we will take great pride in continuing to expand and enhance the Neon legacy, that we have all built together.”

Warner Records promoted Atticus George Carroll to vp of business and legal affairs, reporting to head of b&la Julian Petty out of Los Angeles. The Austin native joined WMG in June 2019 as director of business & legal affairs, and got her start in music as an artist before pivoting to practicing law on the business side of things. The move was first reported by Hits.

Nashville-based TV production company C.A.M.P. 615 added Shanna Strassberg as vp of development and strategy. Strassberg arrives from CMT, where she was vp of music and talent. Formed by producer/director Robert Deaton alongside Red Light Management’s Mary Hilliard Harrington and Coran Capshaw, C.A.M.P. recently scored a multi-year deal with CBS to produce its New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, which this year will feature Lynyrd Skynyrd, Thomas Rhett and Lainey Wilson. C.A.M.P. partner Mary Hilliard Harrington said Strassberg’s “relationships run deep and her instincts are always dead on. We just have an incredible level of trust with her, and I’m so happy she wasn’t scared to jump into the unknown with us as we build out C.A.M.P.” She can be reached at shannastrassberg@camp615.com.

Last Week’s Turntable: There Was a Minor Adjustment at the Emmys

It’s Friday, we’re in love with Executive Turntable, Billboard’s comprehensive(ish) compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across the music industry.

There’s no place like home for Tim Braüner, the longtime Atlantic Records A&R exec who’s set to return to his native Denmark early next year for an elevated role within WMG. Starting Feb. 1 in Copenhagen, Braüner will be director of international A&R for Warner Music Nordics and Warner Music Denmark. He’ll report to the incoming head of Warner Music Denmark and will also work closely with Mark Fry, president of Warner Music Nordics, as well as the territory heads of Finland, Norway and Sweden. He launched his music career at WMD back in 2016 before being recruited by Atlantic two years later to join the team in NYC. Currently vp of A&R, Braüner has signed and worked with Atlantic roster artists including CKay, Major League DJz, Studio Killers and Surf Curse. “It’s great to have Tim back in the Nordics,” said Fry. “We were so proud when he was tapped by Atlantic for an A&R job in New York and now he’s back with five years’ experience and a wealth of connections that’ll help him super serve our artists.”

Warner Music Group appointed Alexandra Condon as vice president of public policy and government affairs, making her the point-person between the label and policymakers across the EU and the UK. She’ll also stay in close contact with key trade orgs and other stakeholders and be an all-around public advocate for the company. The London-based Condon joins WMG after more than a decade at PRS for Music, where she crested as head of policy and public affairs, and played an important role in the UK collecting society’s campaigns for copyright legislation. She reports to Mark Baker, svp of PPaGA. “This is a pivotal time for the music industry, with many exciting challenges and opportunities in front of us,” Condon said. “It’s never been more important to ensure policymakers understand our business and the need for a legal framework that enables us to keep investing in artists and songwriters.”

Mike Chuthakieo was named the first chief revenue officer at 88rising, reporting to CEO and founder Sean Miyashiro out of Los Angeles. Chuthakieo leads brand partnership strategy develops new commercial partnerships at the music and media company, which aims to elevate Asian talent. Chuthakieo comes to 88rising from Pinterest, where as an industry lead he launched the entertainment and restaurant industry sales teams. Prior to Pinterest, he held roles at Pandora, FOX, Myspace and Wasserman Media Group, among others. “88rising’s explosive growth over the past years has been phenomenal to watch,” said the new CRO. “I’m humbled and excited by the opportunity to join the team and apply my expertise to continue broadening the reach of this cultural powerhouse.”

Music distribution and payments platform Stem hired Nick Terzo to help extend its reach with labels and other rights owners. As the company’s new head of label and catalog partnerships, Terzo will scout opportunities for pairings with indie labels, music IP funds and catalogs, as well as work on ways to boost Stem’s artist development efforts. The East Coaster arrives from his own catalog consultancy company Radical Songs, and before that held roles at Royalty Exchange, Columbia/Sony and Maverick. Since joining Stem, Terzo has already stacked up at least a couple wins: he facilitated or guided pacts with both Immortal Records and Brooklyn Music Distribution. He reports directly to Kristin Graziani, president of Stem Distribution. “Nick is a fantastic addition to our growing team,” Graziani glowed. “He brings an infinite wealth of experience, knowledge, and relationships that will undoubtedly expand our presence and amplify our capabilities.”

Dylan Berthier is Kobalt‘s new chief people & culture officer, based in London and reporting to CEO Laurent Hubert. Berthier has 20-plus years experience in leading HR teams, and recently navigated the impossible-sounding task of leading Activision Blizzard’s P&C team during Microsoft’s just-closed $69 million acquisition of the gaming giant. Hubert hailed Berthier as being adept at leading teams “of all shapes and sizes through times of change and expansion, facilitating innovation and ensuring organizations have a culture of excellence and ways of working to enable these transformations.”

ICYMI: Hipgnosis hired a new CFO and general counsel … Amazon Music shed jobs … Delia Orjuela and Ruben Abraham were picked to lead WMG’s Mexican music division … Island hired Jay Schumer away from Columbia … Sony Music Mexico aligned with Manuel Cuevas … Maria Inés Sánchez was appointed Sony Music Latin’s new vp of West Coast operations … and CAAers in Nashville will have new digs in 2025.

Spotify named Tim Foisset as head of label partnerships in Nashville. He will manage Nashville’s label partnerships team, including Gemma McInturff, Miller Guth and Meagan Bennington. Foisset previously spent 13 years at Warner Music Nashville, most recently serving as senior vp of commercial partnerships. Prior to WMN, Foisset was director of digital marketing at Razor & Tie out of New York City. –Jessica Nicholson

Independent live producer and promoter Danny Wimmer Presents increased its headcount by five as it looks to capitalize on recent growth. DWP’s newest team members: Lisa Brende, evp of intelligence, will lead a team using data and research to help DWP stay on task in making sure “the voice of the fan is at the heart of everything they do.” She previously held senior roles at TikTok and Sony Music. Steve Donovan, project manager, will oversee teams working on production, artist relations and hospitality. He arrives from Google, where he was a senior project manager. Dan Lerner, senior designer, responsible for crafting visually compelling projects for DWP. His past work as an illustrator and graphic designer includes many a poster and album cover. Ryan Brady, accounting manager, is tasked with streamlining the finance team at DWP. He has over seven years of experience, including at Live Nation. Tanvi Varma, staff accountant in DWP’s accounts receivable/payable desk. She arrives from Wasserman Media Group, where she worked in the sports division.

Secret City Records, the Montreal-based label home of Patrick Watson and The Barr Brothers, among others, elevated Magali Ould to the newly created role of general manager. Ould is tasked with managing the indie label’s day-to-day operations, reporting directly to company president and CEO Justin West. She has been a key member of the label for 12-plus years in communications and project management roles, including director of marketing. Ould has also been key in pushing Secret City’s expansion into Francophone music, working with Daniel Bélanger, Antoine Corriveau and others. “Secret City’s tremendous growth, as well as the accelerated pace of the changing market, both bring new challenges and opportunities, and drive the need for additional management infrastructure to ensure the relevant parts of the organization continue to function at the highest level,” said West.

Music financing company beatBread hired Spencer LeBoff to spearhead a new division that offers an expanded offering of highly customizable publishing advances for songwriters. His title at beatBread, which offers advances as little as $1,000 up to $3 million, is general manager of publishing. LeBoff arrives from BMG Music Publishing and previously spent time in A&R at Warner Music, where he worked with artists including Dua Lipa and Adam Lambert. “We’ve seen significant success building partnerships on the artist side since we launched in 2020, and it’s already clear that there is real demand from songwriters for our offering,” said founder and CEO Peter Sinclair. “Spencer is an outstanding leader, and we’re excited about where this business will go, and there is much more to come.”

Musicians On Call announced four new hires at the non profit, which brings live music to hospitals: Jenny Methling as senior director of strategic partnerships; Cindy Gonzalez and Simba Woodard as program coordinators; and Lia Okenkova as a grants coordinator. “This is an exciting time for Musicians On Call as we welcome new team members whose creativity and passion will help take our mission to new heights.” said Musicians On Call president & CEO Pete Griffin.

Talent agency Wasserman Music welcomed four new executives to its ranks. They are: Brad Goodman, LA-based senior vice president. He brings decades of experience and several clients — Melissa Etheridge, “Weird Al” and Ziggy Marley — from his time at WME. Sam Bartlett, vp of casinos and performing arts centers. The CAA and ICM veteran oversees the company’s roster when booking for casinos and other venues in the U.S and Canada. Taryn Haight, LA-based vp of strategy, electronic music. This new role looks for brand-building and non-touring opportunities for WM’s roster of dance artists. Guy Mason, London-based legal counsel. Joining from VCCP Group, Mason will support Wasserman’s European business affairs team. “Since the launch of Wasserman Music in 2021, we have always put a premium on our culture and on super-serving the artists we have the honor to represent around the world,” said Wasserman Music evp & managing executive Lee Anderson.

The Chamber Group promoted Shannon Atran to director of public relations at the boutique firm. In her new role, Atran will oversee PR campaigns and overall messaging — including in crisis situations — for a wide swath of TCG’s music clients, including Lil Wayne, Mass Appeal and Big Sean, among others. Atran joined TCG in 2019 following a four year stint at MWWPR. She is New York based and reports directly to Chris Chambers, TCG’s principal and founder. “Her work and attention to detail has earned her spot as a senior member of the team at the company and I look forward to seeing the direction her career takes from here,” says Chambers.

Outback Presents promoted Taylor Freeman to senior booking manager at the independent live events promoter. The Nashville-based Freeman joined Outback Presents four years ago and has zeroed in on comedy tours, primarily, including Taylor Tomlinson, Leanne Morgan and Dusty Slay. He began his career with a four-year tenure at WME, where h honed his craft in the music department. You can hit up Freeman at taylor.freeman@outbackpresents.com.

Nashville Notes: Republic Live hired Anne Stirk as director of marketing and brand strategy, where her duties include the Boots and Hearts Music Festival. She arrives from Spotify, where she was an artist and label marketing specialist … Bob Squance joined music publisher Lady Luck Songs as creative director. He arrives from Round Hill Music, where he served as senior director of A&R … PLA Media added senior social media and marketing consultant Pip Wynans, who was most recently a Crowd Surf digital marketing manager … The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hired Caroline Mullins as director of marketing. Prior to joining the museum, Mullins held positions at Lipscomb University and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

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