Executive Turntable
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Veteran touring specialist Rich Schaefer has been officially promoted to president of global touring at AEG Presents. Schaefer takes over the role from Gary Gersh, who announced he would be stepping down last month. In his new role, Schaefer will oversee all aspects of the concert promotion company’s worldwide touring deals, operations and talent relations. […]
LONDON — The new CEO of Swiss-based Utopia Music says he is focusing on making the company profitable within the next 12 months through “topline growth” and does not envisage making further cost savings through staff cuts or divestments.
Alain Couttolenc was announced as chief executive of Utopia Music on Thursday (Oct. 19), succeeding co-founder Mattias Hjelmstedt, who has been leading the company since February and now returns to his former role as executive chairman.
Speaking exclusively to Billboard, Couttolenc says he will utilize his 25 years’ experience of leading global data and media businesses to boost growth across all of Utopia’s revenue streams and move the company into profitability “in one year – maximum.”
“By getting the right data with the right AI [artificial intelligence] and the right positioning, I think we have the most unknown and unsold jewels in the industry,” he says. “Now the job is to take them out.”
Couttolenc joins Utopia from Ipsos, one of the world’s largest data companies, where he held the post of chief development officer. His executive career also includes senior leadership roles at data analytics company (and former Billboard owner) Nielsen Media, most notably SVP for Latin America and CEO of Europe Nielsen Media.
The Mexico-born, Swiss-based executive joins Utopia Music on the back of a highly turbulent 12 months that has seen the tech company undertake extensive cost-cutting measures, including several rounds of layoffs, multiple executive departures, office closures, legal action over a stalled acquisition deal and the offloading of three of its businesses — Absolute Label Services, U.S.-based music database platform ROSTR and U.K.-based publisher Sentric.
In under one year, the firm’s global workforce has been trimmed from approximately 1,200 staff to around 440.
Reflecting on Utopia’s well-publicized troubles, Couttolenc says the restructure that interim CEO Hjelmstedt began implementing in late 2022 was a “tough” but necessary response to the wider financial pressures felt by all tech companies over the past several years.
“The good news is that we’re still here,” says Couttolenc, who spent several months working at Utopia’s headquarters in the Swiss town of Zug on a consultancy basis, prior to being officially appointed CEO.
As a result of the restructuring, the chief exec says that Utopia is now well positioned at “the right size with the right products,” while his main goal is achieving profitability through “topline growth, not [reducing] cost out.”
“Cost out is about people and that is absolutely not my intention,” says Couttolenc, referring to the multiple rounds of job cuts and divestments Utopia undertook between late 2022 and summer 2023. “I think that’s in the past. It’s not my intention to continue that,” he says. “That’s a [closed] chapter.”
Instead, Couttolenc says he will focus on developing Utopia’s existing tech solutions for all layers of the music business, adding value for its artist, label, publisher, distributor, collecting society and streaming platform clients.
At present, those tech solutions encompass six main product services, spanning cross-platform analytics, an AI-powered recommendation engine targeted at DSPs and streaming services, lyric and language analysis tools to aid discoverability and Utopia’s royalty processing and payments system TrackNClaim, which tracks music consumption on digital platforms and helps identify conflicts and unclaimed mechanical royalties.
According to Utopia, TrackNClaim’s analysis of music consumption on YouTube in North America helped collect over $4 million in royalties for rights holders in 2022. The company aims to expand its TrackNClaim product to other streaming platforms and international markets.
Utopia’s other core businesses include its two main physical music distribution entities: Proper Music Group, which provides distribution services for over 5,800 indie labels and service companies, and Utopia Distribution Services (formerly Cinram Novum), whose clients include Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and [PIAS].
While the sale of CDs and vinyl may appear to sit uncomfortably with Utopia’s AI and tech-driven business model, Couttolenc says the opposite is true and both businesses deliver a wealth of vital sales data that Utopia then uses to drive revenue elsewhere, as well as providing opportunities for the company to upsell its services to artist and label clients. Together, Proper Music Group and Utopia Distribution Services account for 98% of the physical music market in the United Kingdom, says Utopia.
“For me, [physical] distribution is not a legacy business. On the contrary, it fuels the other solutions and vice versa. It’s a good hybrid to have,” says the chief exec, who was himself a music DJ in the 1980s.
In a statement announcing Couttolenc’s appointment as CEO, Utopia co-founder Mattias Hjelmstedt said the exec’s successful track record as a global business leader coupled with his “deep understanding of data and its implementation” makes him the ideal person to steer Utopia’s ongoing transition from a hyper-growth company to a profitable one.
“It’s our products that will ultimately talk for us,” says Couttolenc. “I’m pretty much obsessed with understanding and tracking why people listen to music. The why for me is very important because that’s where you understand the real trends of listeners.”
Virgin Music Group announced the members of its global leadership team on Thursday (Oct. 19).
The executives’ responsibilities are split across five regions. Jacqueline Saturn will serve as president of Virgin Music Group North America/executive vp of global artist relations; Thomas Lorain and Nick Roden will be co-presidents in Europe; and Victor Gonzales has been named president in Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula, with Cris Garcia Falcão working as MD of label and artist strategy/GM of Virgin Music Group Latin.
In Australia and New Zealand, Nathan McLay will assume the role of MD — working with Tim Janes as MD of global marketing for Virgin Music Group Australia — and Michael Roe will take the position of MD in Africa, Middle East and Asia (AMEA).
“It is an enormously exciting time to be working in the independent sector of our business,” JT Myers, co-CEO of Virgin Music Group, said in a statement. “In today’s market,” he added, “visionary music entrepreneurs can be successful on a global scale if they have the right team and infrastructure to empower them.”
In addition to announcing regional leaders, Virgin named Jay Blomquist as chief technology officer, Jeremy Kramer as execugtive vp of global marketing, Joy Larocca as executive vp/CFO, Liz Morentin as senior vp of global communications and brand strategy, Matt Sawin as head of global product strategy and operations, Nina Rabe-Cairns as head of global growth strategy and Zack Gershen as executive vp of global commercial and digital strategy.
The appointments are the latest step in a consolidation process for Universal Music Group’s various artist services outfits. In September 2022, the company lumped together Virgin Music Label and Artist Services, Ingrooves Music Group and the newly acquired mtheory Artist Partnerships into a new entity, Virgin Music Group — of which mtheory’s founders, Myers and Nat Pastor, were appointed co-CEOs.
“mtheory was founded on the idea that we could transform the music industry by offering better, more aligned partnerships with artists,” Myers said last year. “By bringing these incredible global teams and resources together, we have the opportunity to turbo-charge that vision, and deliver even more value to artists, labels and music entrepreneurs.”
Warner Music previously combined its Independent Label Group and Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA) under one roof in 2012. Sony Music merged The Orchard and RED under the Orchard brand in 2017.
Round Table Management has hired Steve Ford as artist manager/head of artist development, the company announced on Tuesday (Oct. 17). Round Table represents We The Kingdom, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe and more. With the hiring of Ford, artists Britt Nicole, Ivan Theva, One Common and Jillian Warman will join the firm’s roster of clients. In […]
If it’s Friday that means another spin around the Executive Turntable, Billboard’s comprehensive(ish) compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across the music industry.
Hard 8 Working Group is now live in La La Land. The Nashville-based music management company promoted Aimee Beren to lead its brand-new Los Angeles office, alongside artist manager Michael Duda. With an office in New York as well, H8WG can now boast of bi-coastal bonafides as it continues to build a client roster that includes hardcore elder statesmen Jawbreaker, hard edged Daughtry and alt-rockers All Time Low, All-American Rejects and Boys Like Girls, among others. The company also recently launched a record label with Big Machine. Both Beren and Duda came most recently from Prodigy Artists Management, where Beren was vp of operations and Duda managed artists. Beren got her start at Three Six Zero, where she worked with deadmau5, R3HAB and others. “Aimee has been an absolute stellar part of the H8WG team which alone more than qualified her for this job, but being from LA and having the desire to move back there just made this work out perfectly for all of us,” said Dirk Hemsath, H8WG co-CEO and co-founder.
Atlantic Records promoted Bianca Ortega to vice president of marketing and digital, effective immediately. Based in LA, Bianca recently celebrated 10 years at Atlantic, where she has worked on key projects including Charlie Puth, BRELAND, Oliver Tree, Barbie The Album and more. Following an internship there, Ortega officially joined the label in September 2013 working supporting roles in marketing and video production before rising the ranks — most recently as senior director of marketing and digital. Ortega reports directly to Brian Dackowski, executive vp of viral marketing & analytics.
Warner Music Nashville executive vp of artist development Shane Tarleton announced his departure from the label, concluding a 13-year run. He plans to unveil his next move in early 2024. Tarleton got his start in music in 1998 in the creative department of RCA Records, where he worked under the wing of vp of creative services Mary Hamilton. After leaving RCA in 2004, he dabbled in writing, artist management and event production before joining WMN in 2010, eventually rising to overseeing marketing, brand sponsorships, digital interactive and creative services for the label.
Dinesh Ratnam has been appointed managing director of Warner Music Malaysia, where he will oversee the company’s operations out of Kuala Lumpur, and will report to Warner Music Asia co-presidents Chris Gobalakrishna and Jonathan Serbin. He joins WMG from VOD streaming service iQiyi, where he served as senior director in the international business department and was country manager for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Before that, he held key roles at iflix, another prominent VOD service in the region, and tech company the Catcha Group. The WMM roster of local talent includes Adam Lee, Masdo, Janna Nick and Bunga, among others. “With its vibrant diversity and immense talent, the Malaysian music scene serves as a vital hub for cultural exchange and artistic expression,” said Gobalakrishna. “Dinesh’s appointment signifies our dedication to nurturing this thriving ecosystem.”
BrickHouse Entertainment CEO and founder Scott Brickell and SMP Consulting leader Ron Smith have entered a joint partnership, with SMP Consulting operating cohesively under the BrickHouse Entertainment name. Brickell and Smith, along with Chase Swayze, are managing partners in the company, while Kim Davis has been promoted to chief operating officer. Also rounding out the organization are Caleb Gauntt and Jared Johnson. The combined artist roster includes hit CCM group MercyMe (whose “To Not Worship You” is currently in its fifth week atop the Billboard Christian Airplay chart) as well as CAIN, Micah Tyler, Caleb & John, Iveth Luna, Micah Christopher, Christian Paul and Bay Turner. –Jessica Nicholson
Neil Jacobson’s writer-producer management company Hallwood Media promoted Quinn McGinley to general manager of its recording division. In the new role, Chavez will focus on day-to-day operations of Hallwood Recordings, including publishing, distribution and (of course) recordings. McGinley joined Hallwood in October 2020 and was most recently a project coordinator. Jacobson, formerly president of Geffen, described McGinley’s musical instincts “unparalleled” and said his “incredible charm and kindness have won the hearts of everyone he encounters.”
Indie booking agency Sound Talent Group added Steve Kaul as an agent out of its newly established Nashville office. Kaul is a veteran of APA and CAA and brings along a roster of clients including Built to Spill, Vanessa Carlton and Citizen Cope, among others. LA-based STG opened its new Music City outpost in the Berry Hill nabe, with agents Beth Keith, Jonathan Wilson, Kaul and four others. STG co-founder Tim Borror calls Kaul ” one of my favorite people in the business” with “incredible success over the years. We’ve wanted him to be part of what we are doing from the beginning.”
ICYMI: Warner Music Group announced former Google executive Carletta Higginson as its new chief digital officer, replacing outgoing CDO Oana Ruxandra … and Francisco Granados was named svp of A&R at Warner Music Latina.
Venue management company ASM Global elevated Will Beekman to vice president of theater operations and content development. In addition to his current duties as booking director for ASM’s arenas in the Northeast, Beekman will now also be tasked with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the firm’s theater division, with focuses on branding, bookings and wider event planning. Beekman’s previous experience includes a 10-year tour as executive director at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts.
Jess Partridge is the new executive director of the European Music Manager Alliance, or EMMA. She’ll spearhead policy, advocacy, partnerships and day-to-day management of the advocacy organization, which represents over 2,000 music managers across Europe and another 600 worldwide. “Managers and artists are at the heart of this industry and advocating for them, means advocating for a better music ecosystem for all,” said Partridge, who previously had a major part in launching PRS Foundation’s Keychange initiative for gender equality and is founder of the In Stereo music platform. You can reach Partridge at jess@emma.community.
Warner Chappell-backed publishing company Jody Williams Songs promoted Tenasie Courtright to creative manager. The Belmont grad joined the company in December and worked under senior director of creative Nina Jenkins on a roster that includes Vince Gill, Ashley McBride, Driver Williams and Jason Nix, among others. Reach Courtright at tenasie@jodywilliamssongs.co.
Last Week’s Turntable: WMG Flips the Script in Finland
Warner Music Latina has named Francisco Granados the label’s new senior vice president of A&R, Billboard has learned. Granados, who previously served as director of A&R at Warner Music México, will be responsible for spearheading Warner Latina’s artistic discovery and nurturing musical talents in the U.S., according to a press release issued Thursday (Oct. 12). […]
The Warner Music Group announced former longtime Google executive Carletta Higginson as its new executive vp/chief digital officer today (Oct. 10). Higginson, who will join the company Oct. 16, replaces outgoing evp of business development/chief digital officer Oana Ruxandra, who announced her departure Oct. 4 after five years with the label group. Higginson is the […]
If it’s Friday that means another spin around the Executive Turntable, Billboard’s comprehensive(ish) compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across the music industry.
Warner Music Finland‘s front office is getting a new look. Managing director Niko Nordström and head of A&R Asko Kallonen, who arrived at WMF in 2007 after Warner Music acquired their Helsinski Music Company label, are both headed for the ovi. Taking over later this year in the MD role will be current general manager Ramona Forsström, who has clocked 15-plus years at the imprint. In Kallonen’s old office in the A&R department will be veteran producer Jukka Immonen, who starts on New Year’s Day and brings with him the artist roster of his Fried Music label (which WMG has additionally acquired via undisclosed terms). Kallonen, meanwhile, will continue to serve as an A&R consultant for Immonen and his team after he passes the mic. The Warner Music Finland roster includes Antti Tuisku, Arttu Wiskari, BEHM, Ellinoora, Kaija Koo and SANNI, among others. Immonen will report to Forsström, who will report to Warner Music Nordics president Mark Fry. Calling Forsström a “huge talent whose counsel I value and who delivers time and again for our artists and our business,” Fry added that “her fresh leadership perspective will help us grow our roster and our artists’ careers.”
SoundExchange appointed Peter Karafotas as senior vp of government relations and public policy. Based in Washington, D.C., he will report directly to the organization’s president and CEO Michael Huppe. Karafotas arrives from Capitol Hill, where he recently served as chief of staff to Rep. David N. Cicilline (D-RI) until his resignation earlier this year to run a nonprofit. In his new role, Karafotas will lead on global public policy issues affecting music creators. He replaces Linda Bloss-Baum, who left over the summer for a full-time teaching gig at American University. Said Huppe: “I am thrilled to have someone with Peter’s expertise at the helm of our Government Relations & Public Policy department at a time when SoundExchange is amplifying our legislative efforts to ensure creators are paid fairly.”
Evan Bogart‘s music rights, label and publishing company Seeker Music hired Dan Stuart as general counsel. Stuart previously completed a five-year run as senior vp of business affairs at AWAL, during which AWAL’s U.S. clientele enjoyed significant growth and AWAL was acquired by Sony Music. Prior to that, Stuart worked for five years as a partner at King, Holmes, Paterno & Soriano, and worked for 15 years as an attorney at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips. Stuart’s career also includes time well spent as a music journalist, a DJ-in-residence, and in radio. “What I’ve known about Dan since the day I met him” about 20 years ago “is how smart, dedicated, passionate, authentic, and well-respected he is,” said Bogart. “He is one of the best in the business, and in my view it’s because he’s not just a lawyer, he’s an OG music guy who really cares about music and music creators.” –Jessica Nicholson
Kobalt promoted Kat Basolo to senior vp of creative synch. The Los Angeles-based exec was most recently vp of creative synch and in the past year helped score a number synch opportunities for Kobalt artists with several major brands, TV shows and films. Prior to joining Kobalt in 2014, she worked at Sony Music Entertainment for 10 years. Global head of synch Rob Christensen credited Basolo with “procuring thousands of synch opportunities” for clients during her tenure. “But more than any stat,” he added, “she has excellent relationships with so many of the world’s top music supervisors because she works hard to understand their needs and then delivers time and time again.”
Dreamcatcher vp of promotion Jim Dandy announced his departure from the company for a new opportunity at New Revolution Entertainment . Following the recent departures of national director of promotion Kellie LaJack, West Coast regional Rick Young, Midwest regional Charlie Dean and promotion manager Annie Brooks, the label is operating without a promotion staff. Dreamcatcher partner Jim Mazza said the situation is temporary, explaining that the promotion team is independently contracted and was let go with no current singles at radio. The label intends to re-form a promotion staff when its lone artist, Tenille Arts, releases her next single in early 2024. Under the circumstances, Mitch Rosell, who signed with the label in August, asked for — and received — his release from his contract. –Tom Roland
Amanda Rae Kopp is promoted to chief product officer at JKBX, a start-up offering investors fractional shares in hit songs. Kopp will be responsible for refining product strategies and driving innovation at the emerging platform. Prior to JKBX, which officially launched Sept. 12, Kopp was a global product leader at Warner Music Group.
Fantasy Records appointed Lindsay Brandt as vp of marketing and creative. In the newly-created position, Brandt will serve as in-house creative director and head of marketing, focusing on content development and digital strategy. Previously, Brandt served as senior director of creative & digital at Activist Artists Management, working with artists including The Lumineers and Bob Weir. Brandt said in a statement, “My vinyl collection boasts numerous albums with the iconic Fantasy Records logo. I’m humbled to join a team that holds music in such high regard and delighted to tell the story of these profound artists.” –JN
FlyteVu, the full-service marketing agency founded in 2015 by former Warner Music Nashville senior vp Jeremy Holley and ex-CAA agent Laura Hutfless, made several promotions and hires of late. Sina Seger, on staff since 2017, is the firm’s very first general manager — and will oversee day-to-day operations. Elsewhere, Nicole Ranieri has been promoted from account director to head of accounts, and industry veteran Ally Venable joins the team as head of talent. Venable joins from Mandolin Entertainment, a boutique artist and brand management firm. In the past 12 months, FlyteVu has launched two new sister agencies: FV Incubator, handling marketing for start-ups, and FV3, focused on brands and Web3. “Over the past eight years, FlyteVu has built a solid reputation for innovation, excellence, and generosity in the industry,” said Hutfless. “Sina and our Leadership Team have played instrumental roles in our growth and success. We are thrilled to enter FlyteVu’s next chapter as we continue to innovate, disrupt and propel our clients forward.”
Shore Fire Media elevated Haley Griffin and Henry Thomas to junior account executives. Both joined the leading PR firm a mere year ago as interns and were promoted to publicity assistants late in the year. Griffin is a Berklee College of Music graduate, while Thomas is a Skidmore College grad. “In just over a year, Haley and Henry have displayed their talent, commitment, and growth,” said senior vp Rebecca Shapiro. “We’re excited to recognize their contributions and confident that they will shine in their new roles.”
Kobalt promoted Kat Basolo to senior vp of creative synch. The Los Angeles-based exec was most recently vp of creative synch and in the past year helped score a number synch opportunities for Kobalt artists with several major brands, TV shows and films. Prior to joining Kobalt in 2014, she worked at Sony Music Entertainment for 10 years. Global head of synch Rob Christensen credited Basolo with “procuring thousands of synch opportunities” for clients during her tenure. “But more than any stat,” he added, “she has excellent relationships with so many of the world’s top music supervisors because she works hard to understand their needs and then delivers time and time again.”
ICYMI: Warner Music‘s chief digital officer Oana Ruxandra announced she’s leaving the label … Anthem made it official with Jason Klein and Sal Fazzari … and Kenny MacPherson was placed on leave from his job at Hipgnosis Songs Fund, following the filing of a lawsuit claiming he sexually assaulted a staffer in 2005 while he ran another company.
Melanie Johnson is named chief commercial officer at Audoo, the music tech company looking to shake up the royalty reporting system for musicians. Based in London and reporting to CEO Ryan Edwards, Johnson is tasked with overseeing the continued global expansion of the company’s proprietary platform Audoo Audio Meter. She arrives with a packed CV that includes lengthy tenures at Facebook, Sony Music Publishing and EMI Music Publishing. Most recently, Johnson served as vp of partnerships at Utopia Music. “Mel’s stellar professional and personal reputation precedes her,” Edwards correctly notes. “Adding her expertise to Audoo as we mark a milestone five years in business, we move closer to our goal of being the partner of choice for PROs and CMOs, and continue on the mission of revolutionising the public performance royalties space worldwide.”
Reactional Music, the maker of an interactive music engine for video games, hired Spotify veteran Jacob Deshayes as chief operating officer. In his new role, Deshayes will oversee Reactional’s platform and manage partnerships, technical programs and strategy. “In joining Reactional Music I am thrilled to have the opportunity to apply my experience on three of my foremost passions – music, tech and video games – as we unlock groundbreaking tools for a new innovative form of music creation, as well as ways for the world of gamers to personalize their musical experience,” he said. Additionally, Reactional selected one of its founders, former Take Two Interactive CEO Kelly Sumner, as board chairman.
Croshal Entertainment Group, the artist management and label service firm founded by longtime Sony Music and Maverick executive Fred Croshal, made a pair of key promotions. Jimmy Brunetti, previously vp of label services, has been elevated to executive vp of business development and project management. Kirbie Croshal, most recently director of social media and project management, is now senior vp of marketing and digital strategies. Brunetti and Croshal have logged 15 and 17 years at CEG, respectively.
Last Week’s Turntable: Glass Ceiling Breaker Departed Sony
The Warner Music Group’s chief digital officer Oana Ruxandra is leaving the label, according to company emails obtained by Billboard.
The top-level exec, who also held the title of executive vp of business development, led the major label group’s digital strategy since her promotion to her current role in April 2020. She first joined WMG in December 2018, when she was hired as executive vp of new business channels / chief acquisitions officer, then a newly-created role at Warner under then-CEO Stephen Cooper. Her next move is currently unknown; in an internal memo to staff, Ruxandra implied that current Warner Music CEO Robert Kyncl had a replacement lined up already.
During Ruxandra’s tenure, she led Warner’s push into the gaming and web3 arenas, including investments in Roblox and Overwolf, partnerships with Snap and NFT platforms OneOf and Blockparty, and negotiated deals with Twitch, Peloton, TikTok, Meta, avatar company Genesis and Spotify’s podcast division, among several others. She has often been credited with positioning the company to take advantage of technological innovations for the future, something that has become increasingly important as the industry begins to grapple with the effects of AI.
“Oana’s been a key player in — and fierce advocate for — the evolution of both this company and the industry at large,” Kyncl wrote in an internal memo obtained by Billboard. “She has not only helped us vault many challenges, but drive streaming revenue, while exploring and developing new paths and platforms that will maximize value for our talent, our team, and our company.”
Prior to returning in 2018, Ruxandra spent four years at WMG in the early 2010s, rising to vp of digital strategy and business development, before moving to Universal Music Group as senior vp of digital strategy and partnerships in 2016. Before her time in the record label business, she spent several years working in finance at Constellation Capital Management and BlackRock.
“I leave WMG knowing it’s well positioned for a bold, bright future: Not least with our core streaming partners and evolving social media platforms and fitness players; we’ve also been the first to forge innovative partnerships with a wide, diverse, and thriving network of gaming, Web3, and AI companies,” Ruxandra wrote in an internal memo obtained by Billboard. “At the same time, we’ve acquired and created new businesses for WMG, including Interval Presents, our podcasting unit, and IMGN, our social media publisher. … The last decade has been a wonderful wild ride; we’re once again at the heart of seismic shifts and massive opportunities. I wholeheartedly believe that the future of our industry lies in the dynamic relationship between artist and fan, and the incredible explosion in creative and commercial possibilities created by that interplay.”
Read Ruxandra’s full note below.
Hi everyone,
I wanted to let you know that I’ll be leaving WMG. Robert and I have been discussing my role for a while now, and I’ve decided it’s time for a change, one where I explore even further my entrepreneurial spirit. Look out for an announcement about my next move. I know Robert has plans for my successor and you’ll be hearing from him about that soon.
Like so many of you, my primary motivation is always our artists and their music. It’s an incredible honor and responsibility to help grow their careers, expand their revenue streams, and champion their rights. I’ve loved being part of this team, dreaming big and driving change. I’ve spent eight out of the past ten years of my music career here, and I’m very proud of everything we’ve accomplished together.
I leave WMG knowing it’s well positioned for a bold, bright future: Not least with our core streaming partners and evolving social media platforms and fitness players; we’ve also been the first to forge innovative partnerships with a wide, diverse, and thriving network of gaming, Web3, and AI companies. At the same time, we’ve acquired and created new businesses for WMG, including Interval Presents, our podcasting unit, and IMGN, our social media publisher.
The last decade has been a wonderful wild ride; we’re once again at the heart of seismic shifts and massive opportunities. I wholeheartedly believe that the future of our industry lies in the dynamic relationship between artist and fan, and the incredible explosion in creative and commercial possibilities created by that interplay.
Above all, I’m most proud of the extraordinary team we’ve assembled, which has evolved into the absolute best in the business. I want to thank them for their passion, dedication, and above-and-beyond hard work. I’ll be looking forward to seeing what you all accomplish in the future.
My last day in the office will be next Friday. In the meantime, I want to thank Robert, Steve, Len, and the Board of Directors for the opportunity to help grow WMG. I’ve made many friends here and I’ll see you all soon.
Keep in touch - I’ll be rooting for you,
Oana
Anthem Entertainment, an independent music company, has announced major changes to its senior leadership in both the publishing and recorded music divisions of the company. Jason Klein and Sal Fazzari are now both permanently instated as the company’s CEO and CFO, respectively, after serving in those roles as interims since early 2023. Previous to becoming […]