Executive Turntable
Page: 33
TikTok COO V. Pappas is stepping down to “move on and refocus on my entrepreneurial passions,” they announced on Thursday (June 22nd) in an email to the company they subsequently shared on Twitter.
“To our amazing community of creators, employees, and people who have made TikTok ‘the last sunny spot on the internet,’ it has been an absolute privilege to serve you all and to be a part of this once in a lifetime journey,” they tweeted.
TikTok’s chief of staff, Adam Presser, will take over operations, according to a staff email from CEO Shou Chew. “He will seek to further develop the voices of TikTok’s vibrant and diverse ecosystem and drive closer cross-divisional strategic planning and collaboration, in an effort to bring to life our mission of inspiring creativity and bringing joy to people by nurturing and supporting creators, users, and partners worldwide,” Chew wrote.
In addition, Zenia Mucha will join the company as chief brand and communications officer. Mucha previously served for two decades at Disney before departing the company in 2021. She “will focus on advancing the strategic vision of our brand and advising key businesses,” Chew explained. “It is essential that we widen the aperture of our marketing and communications functions to further fortify TikTok as a beloved brand and one of the most trusted entertainment platforms in the world,” he added. “With Zenia’s vast expertise and deep experience, we are well positioned to do so effectively.”
Pappas, a former YouTube executive — the company’s first audience development lead, the author of The YouTube Creator Playbook, and the developer of YouTube’s Creator Academy and channel certification program — initially joined TikTok in 2018.
“Five years ago when I was first approached by TikTok, I was incredibly inspired by the product vision to be a new mobile-first video experience that serves as a canvas, bridge and window for everyone,” they wrote in their goodbye letter. “The pitch was to take on a role to transform and grow the product and broaden its appeal through developing diverse communities and content… I took a gamble on what was then a completely unknown company and product.”
Pappas then stepped into the interim global CEO role after Kevin Mayer departed suddenly in 2020.
The days of TikTok being “unknown” are of course long gone; much of the music industry now focuses on the platform to market artists and find new ones to sign.
“Five years later, we have grown to a global team of thousands of people and I believe we have achieved our goal to innovate and define an entirely new experience for people to share, create, and be entertained,” Pappas noted. “Today I stand proud that we deliver a product that resonates with over 1 billion people around the world. TikTok is now a household name.”
According to Pappas’ letter, they will be “taking on an advisory role” during the transition period.
Independent Bay Area-based label, publisher and distributor EMPIRE has promoted industry veteran Tina Davis to the role of president, the company announced today (June 21). Davis, who most recently worked as EMPIRE’s senior vp of A&R, will continue to lead the company’s vast and varied A&R efforts while also getting involved in day-to-day operations and […]
Jason Ellis joined independent dance music label Armada Music as global senior A&R director. Ellis will also serve as an acquisition consultant for BEAT Music Fund, the company’s recently launched dance music investment arm. Based in London, Ellis will be responsible for sourcing and developing up-and-coming talent while consulting on future BEAT acquisitions. He joins […]
Bay Area-based record label, distributor and publisher EMPIRE has named Alexandra Moore its new chief business officer, the company announced today (June 14). In her new role, Moore will be leading business and revenue-driving initiatives, overseeing content distribution, e-commerce, business development, mergers and acquisitions and the company’s international expansion, which has recently extended to Japan, […]
Cory Litwin, founder/CEO of 2wenty2wenty Music Group, is joining Range Media Partners as the newest managing partner in the music division, the company tells Billboard.
Litwin brings with him his roster of more than 25 writers, producers and engineers encompassing multiple genres, including Murda Beatz, Jason “Cheese” Goldberg and Autumn Rowe. Litwin’s team, including managers Brennan Bryant and Ky Zaretsky as well as coordinator Edson Higareda, are also joining Range.
Since taking on management of Murda Beatz in 2014, Litwin has helped the producer rise to become one of the most in-demand hitmakers in hip-hop thanks to successful collaborations with Drake, Travis Scott and Migos. In 2022 alone, Litwin signed Murda Beatz to a global distribution deal with ADA Worldwide, negotiated a catalog sale with Canadian music rights manager Kilometre Music Group and scored him a Las Vegas residency at Hakkasan. Litwin and Murda Beatz also recently co-founded and launched Murda Beatz Psychedelic Water, a non-alcoholic herbal supplement.
Litwin began his career as a party and concert promoter in Toronto. Before joining Range, he served as executive vp at Neil Jacobson‘s Hallwood Media from 2020-23. He has twice been named to Billboard‘s R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players list.
“Cory Litwin adds a much-needed dimension to our already dynamic business,” said Range Music co-founder/managing partner Matt Graham. “He and his team understand the producer and writer representation landscape at the highest level and provide access to tremendous hitmakers that enrich Range Music, feed our burgeoning label and publishing business. Additionally, I have found him to be a leader who acts; motivating those around him to move his client agendas forward at every turn.”
Range Music managing partner Tyler Henry added, “Cory is one of the best managers in the industry, and I couldn’t be more excited we get to partner again after all of these years. He goes above and beyond for his artist, partners, team and family. His abilities as an executive go far beyond music and I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes at Range.”
“I chose Range because I loved the company culture and the partners that had already been assembled,” said Litwin. “One of my favorite quotes is, ‘It’s not about the destination, but about the journey.’ Being able to join somewhere at this point in my journey with so many great partners having varying expertise and experience is exciting and inspiring to me. I’m looking to grow as much as I can and work alongside great people who can help with my growth and the growth of my clients. Here at Range there is an opportunity to expand into the arenas of some of my other passions, including film, television and sports.”
In addition to Litwin, Graham and Henry, the Range Media music division is headed up by Jack Minihan, Melissa Ruderman, Chris Thomas and Evan Winiker, as well as partners Michele Harrison, Greg Johnson, Rachel Douglas, Ace Christian and Joel Zimmerman.
Since launching just over two years ago, the Range music division has established its own label in partnership with Capitol Music Group and Virgin Music & Artist Label Services and brought on clients including Jack Harlow, Saweetie, Justin Tranter, Cordae, Midland, Nova Wav, Nicky Romero, D Smoke, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Hailey Whitters, Lauv, MAX, HARV, Sean Douglas, Wondagurl, Disco Biscuits, Rich the Kid, Yola, Eric Bellinger, Tkay Maidza and Pentatonix.
Steve Butler was named head of legal & business affairs, North America at Warner Chappell Music. Butler will support the publisher’s U.S. (including Nashville and U.S. Latin) and Canadian markets while working closely with various departments to ensure cohesion across its North American operations. He will continue reporting to Warner Chappell executive vp/global head of legal & business affairs Peter Rosenthal. Butler was previously senior vp of legal & business affairs; among other deals, he oversaw the company’s purchase of David Bowie‘s catalog.
Warner Music Group’s WMX announced several new hires: Karl Walsh as executive vp/head of global commerce; Brian Furano as global head of A&R; and Robbie Owens-Russo as senior vp of creative services. Additionally, the company announced the following promotions: Tracy Stone to head of artist and fan experiences, North America; Bob Workman to head of WMX artist & fan experience, UK & rest of the world/senior vp of international artist & brand partners; and Angela Nguyen to head of global commercial operations. The new appointments mark a major overhaul of WMX’s merchandise, commerce, partnerships and ops teams. Walsh can be reached at Karl.Walsh@wmg.com, Furano can be reached at Brian.Furano@wmg.com, Owens-Russo can be reached at robbie.owens-russo@wmg.com, Stone can be reached at Tracy.Stone@wmg.com and Workman can be reached at Bob.Workman@warnermusic.com.
David Loiterton was hired as president, Indo-Pacific at Primary Wave Music. Based in Hong Kong, Loiterton will be tasked with managing the company’s catalog while driving investment in music IP across the region, particularly in India, Japan, Korea, China and Australia as well as emerging Southeast Asian markets. He can be reached at dloiterton@primarywave.com.
SESAC Performing Rights promoted Erin Collins to senior vp of film/TV creative services. The Billboard 2022 Women in Music honoree will continue overseeing SESAC’s network of composers and publishers.
Independent dance label Armada Music announced several new hires and promotions: Madeleine van Schendel was named chief growth officer; Jop Bonnike was promoted to COO; and Michel Peek was promoted to GM of publishing. Additionally, Nadine van Bodegraven moved from Armada’s executive team to join its investment company BEAT as COO.
Attorney Kenneth T. Deutsch joined law firm Paul Hastings as a partner and global co-chair of its entertainment and media practice. He joins from Latham & Watkins, where he served as global co-chair of the firm’s entertainment, sports and media group.
Island Records announced the promotions of Hannah Colson to director of artist development and Sam Lunn to director of strategic marketing.
MNRK Music Group promoted Brandon Squar to GM and Ebrahim “Abe” Rasheed to senior vp of urban. Squar will oversee commerce, marketing, project management and publicity for the company’s artists while Rasheed will spearhead all efforts in A&R and artist development for MNRK’s urban roster.
Tamaya Petteway was named senior vp of partnerships at Dick Clark Productions, where she will be tasked with securing brand partnerships across the company’s live event programming, including the American Music Awards, the Country Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, the Streamy Awards, So You Think You Can Dance and The Golden Globes. Petteway joins the company from Endemol Shine North America, where she most recently served as senior vp of brand partnerships, licensing and digital.
Ariana White was promoted to vp of publicity at Atlantic Records. She currently handles publicity for Atlantic signees Kali, Mahalia, Rico Nasty, Ckay, No Cap and Quando Rondo, among others.
The Black Music Action Coalition and Audiomack announced a paid internship and mentorship program designed to discover the next generation of Black executives in the music industry and named several executives as mentors. They are: Artistry Group CEO Max Gousee, The Blueprint Group CMO/partner Al Branch, Biz 3 Publicity CEO Kathryn Frazier, CAA agent Yves Pierre, 10Q Management CEO Lydia Asrat and AEG talent buyer Marcus “Don Dada” Johnson. Prospective candidates to the program can apply here.
Troy Skabelund joined artist financing company beatBread as CFO. Skabelund is also founder/CEO of the small business consulting network Advisory Zone.
Boutique entertainment law firm Ritholz Levy Fields promoted three attorneys to partner: Cody Brown (New York), Jenna Harris (Nashville) and Dan Zupnick (New York). Brown can be reached at cbrown@rlfllp.com, Harris can be reached at jharris@rlfllp.com and Zupnick can be reached at dzupnick@rlfllp.com.
Lauren Kreisler was promoted to director of brand & digital for the Official Charts Company in the UK, a newly created role. Her expanded role comes ahead of the company’s refreshed brand identity and consumer-facing digital platform in the coming weeks. Kreisler can be reached at lauren@officialcharts.com.
Anna Desalu was named vp of commerce and sales at record label Blac Noize! (Big Machine/SB Projects), where she will lead streaming initiatives for the company’s roster, including by cultivating digital partnerships and editorial placement. She joins the company from Warner Music Group/Atlantic Records’ Asylum Records, where she was director of sales and commerce.
Audioshake co-founder/CEO Jessica Powell has joined the advisory board of digital music distribution platform Octiive, joining SoundCloud chief product officer Rohit Agarwal and Meta head of UK and Ireland venture capital & partnerships Rowly Bourne.
Robert Carlton has been appointed president of SMACK, where he will now oversee all facets of the company, including its publishing, digital and management branches. Carlton will be an equity partner in the company as he takes over from outgoing SMACK president Michael McAnally Baum, who joins the ownership team alongside Robin Palmer and company […]
Ezekiel Lewis has been promoted to president at Epic Records. After serving as executive vp and head of A&R at Epic since 2020, Lewis will now help run the company’s daily operations and continue to helm its A&R division. He will also continue to report to Epic chairwoman and CEO Sylvia Rhone.
“Having been a hit songwriter and producer for many years, Zeke brings an invaluable understanding of the artist’s creative journey,” Rhone said in announcing Lewis’ appointment. “His knowledge and experience of the inner workings of the music industry give him an immeasurable edge to drive key business conversations, while staying true to his A&R roots.”
Lewis initially joined Epic in 2017 as executive vp, A&R. Over the last five years, he has worked with an artist roster that includes 21 Savage, BIA, Black Eyed Peas, DDG, Future, Giveon, Madison Beer, Meghan Trainor, Mimi Webb, Southside and Zara Larsson, among others.
“The entire Epic Records team embodies what it means to champion artist development in this fast-moving industry and I’m excited to help shape its future,” said Lewis in a statement. “I will honor the musical legacy of Epic, our artists and partners with my most intentional effort. I look forward to continuing our collaboration, with the singular goal of giving the world some of the most incredible and influential music created to last for generations.”
Prior to Epic, Lewis was senior vp of A&R at Motown Records. During a six-year tenure that began in 2011, Lewis worked on projects by Ne-Yo, Erykah Badu, Migos, Lil Yachty, T.I., Rich Homie Quan and others. Lewis’ extensive list of credits includes co-writing and co-producing artists such as Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige, Usher and Trey Songz, as well as collaborations with Mariah Carey and Yo Gotti.
Lewis, a 2023 Billboard Power 100 honoree, also founded Bar Music Group in 2010. The music publishing company is home to a roster of songwriters and producers whose credits encompass projects by Chris Brown, Future, Trey Songz and others.
A musician in his own right, Lewis began his career by signing with David Foster’s 143 Records after attending Morehouse College. He later co-founded the songwriter-producer collective The Clutch. The collective is behind hits such as Omarion’s “Ice Box,” Ciara’s “Like a Boy,” Britney Spears’ “Radar” and Timbaland’s “The Way I Are.” Lewis’ additional credits include song contributions on Grammy-winning albums by Luther Vandross (Dance with My Father) and Mary J. Blige (The Breakthrough).
LJ Stoll was named GM/vp of A&R at The Hard Working Record Company, a new Nashville-based record label from Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) and management company Hard 8 Working Group. The venture was struck between BMLG president/CEO/founder Scott Borchetta and Hard 8 co-founders Dirk Hemsath and Rich Egan, along with partners David Conway and Mike Bachta. “Rich and I had been toying with the idea of starting a label again, since that’s the world we both came from,” said Hemsath in a statement. “We had been working closely with Scott and Big Machine on the artist Kidd G and Scott mentioned he wanted to start a more pop-leaning imprint and that’s the world we’ve been in heavily for the last few years, most recently building pop star Tate McRae.”
Hipgnosis Songs Fund global head of song management Nick Jarjour exited his role at the company “as I embark on an exciting new chapter in my journey,” the executive wrote on LinkedIn. “During my tenure at Hipgnosis, I had the honor of working alongside a visionary leader and mentor, Merck Mercuriadis who has achieved remarkable feats for songwriters and revolutionized the music industry for future generations,” he continued. Jarjour will continue serving as CEO of his label, publishing and creative agency JarjourCo.
Andrew Spence was promoted to general counsel at Sony Music Publishing UK, where he will oversee business and legal affairs strategies and initiatives on behalf of the company and its roster while also offering guidance and counsel on its legal and operational matters. The London-based executive will continue reporting to Sony Music Publishing UK president/co-managing director, UK/senior vp of international David Ventura and UK co-managing director Tim Major. He was previously head of legal and business affairs.
Edith Bo was named head of A&R at Rostrum Records, where she will oversee the overall direction of A&R strategy and develop strategic branding partnerships, working closely with Rostrum’s marketing team. Bo joins the company from SoundCloud, where she served as senior manager of publishing. She can be reached at edith@rostrumrecords.com.
Rob Segal joined The Feldman Agency (TFA) as partner/president of TFA Inc. Segal previously founded his own agency, Segal Communications, which became one of Canada’s largest promotional and licensing agencies, with clients including Sony, Ford, Marvel, HP and Dreamworks. In his new role, he will lead the agency in fostering new business, driving marketing campaigns and elevating its brand presence. Based at the company’s Toronto office, he can be reached at rob@feldman-agency.com.
Frederik Boutahar was named vp of A&R at Columbia Records Germany, Switzerland & Austria (GSA), which he will lead alongside vp Alexandra Falken. Boutahar will report to Sony Music Entertainment GSA CEO Patrick Mushatsi-Kareba. He joins the company from TwoSides, where he served as MD. He can be reached at frederik.boutahar@sonymusic.com.
Sebastian Mair joined digital rights management company Muserk as head of business development APAC. He will oversee the company’s business throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Based in Tokyo, Mair developed a relationship with Muserk via his company Music Solutions, which develops brand partnerships and VIP packages for artists touring Asia. He can be reached at sebastian.mair@muserk.com.
Metal label Nuclear Blast Records restructured its A&R department, promoting Nathan Barley Phillips and Shawn Keith to head of A&R, Europe and head of A&R, North America, respectively. Elsewhere, Tommy Jones was promoted to label manager, North America, which includes A&R responsibilities for Nuclear Blast’s existing roster in the region. A&R Jens Prueter was also named to the newly created role of head of catalogue/senior A&R. The label was acquired by Believe in 2018. Keith can be reached at Shawn@nuclearblastusa.com.
Jen Hubbard was appointed to the newly created role of director of sync A&R at Concord Music Publishing, where she will develop and manage Concord’s U.S. songwriter roster for the purpose of synch activity. She will serve as the bridge between the company’s A&R and synch teams. Based in Nashville, Hubbard reports to senior vp of A&R Brad Kennard with support from vp of publishing sync Kourtney Kirkpatrick and executive vp of global sync Brooke Primont. Hubbard previously served as director of A&R.
Avery King, formerly director of publicity at Elicity PR, formed her own public relations firm, King Publicity. She brings her longtime clients Carter Faith, Aaron Watson, Austin Burke and Anna Rose to the new operation. King can be reached at avery@kingpublicity.com.
Steve Eckerson was named GM at ASM Global’s San Diego-based venue Pechanga Arena. He joins from Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center, where he’s served as GM since 2016. Eckerson succeeds Steve Tadlock in the role. He can be reached at SEckerson@pechangaarenasd.com.
UTA announced the promotions of several staffers in its music division. Sean Hendrie was elevated to agent while Jack Benson, Eli Hanavan, Maria Kanatous, Elie Low, Cassie Trimble and Sydney Wilke were upped to coordinators.
Veeps, the Live Nation-owned streaming platform has named Eileen Mercolino as its first chief marketing officer. She joins Veeps most recently from SPIN where she served as CMO and has held a number of senior marketing and partnership roles at leading entertainment brands including The Walt Disney company, festival producer Danny Wimmer Presents, Hard Rock […]