Navigating the Evolving Music Industry Landscape: Executives Shaping the Future

Welcome to our comprehensive exploration of the latest executive movements and industry shifts shaping the music landscape. From promotions and new hires to strategic restructuring, this article delves into the key changes that are redefining the industry's trajectory. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the scenes and the visionary leaders driving innovation and growth in the dynamic world of music.

Empowering the Next Generation of Music Visionaries

Elevating Talent and Streamlining Operations at Warner Music Nashville

In a strategic move, Warner Music Nashville has rebranded and expanded its marketing and digital departments, elevating Victoria (Torie) Mason to oversee the newly integrated divisions. As the senior vice president of marketing and analytics, Mason will now helm an expanded marketing team that encompasses artist marketing, digital marketing, analytics, brand partnerships, video strategy, and advertising strategy. This restructuring aims to enhance the label's ability to "super-serve" its artists and their music with increased focus and urgency. Mason's journey at Warner Music has been marked by steady progression, as she joined the company in 2011 as the director of research and analytics, steadily climbing the ranks to her current senior leadership role.Elsewhere within the Warner Music Nashville ecosystem, Mary Catherine Rebrovick has been promoted from senior director of publicity to vice president of publicity. Rebrovick's career trajectory has come full circle, as she initially joined the label in 2012 as an assistant to the then-vice president of publicity, Tree Paine, who has since gone on to work exclusively with the "current Queen of Pop," Taylor Swift.

Expanding Creative Horizons at Warner Chappell Music

Warner Chappell Music has welcomed industry veteran Tat Tong as the new vice president of A&R and creative for the Asia-Pacific region. Tong, who previously held the role of A&R director for RCA Records Greater China at Sony Music, will now lead the creative efforts in the APAC market, overseeing the signing and development of new talent and music-related projects. With his extensive experience as a producer and songwriter, Tong is poised to leverage his expertise and knowledge of the rapidly evolving regional music scene to discover and nurture exceptional songwriting talent.

Syncing Success at Virgin Music Group

Virgin Music Group has appointed Justin "Bumper" Reeve as their senior vice president of global sync, tasked with overseeing licensing opportunities for the label's artists and catalogs across various media platforms, including film, television, video games, and advertising. Reeve brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously founded and led the boutique sync licensing firm, Hidden Tracks, where he negotiated thousands of placements for a diverse roster of artists. Since joining Virgin last year, Reeve has already secured high-profile sync placements, including the use of BTS's "Dynamite" in the latest Despicable Me movie and bbno$'s "edamame (feat. Rich Brian)" in a Mountain Dew Super Bowl ad.

Shaping the Future of Music Creation at Splice

Splice, the music technology platform, has appointed Kenny Ochoa as its new senior vice president of content. In this role, Ochoa will oversee the expansion of Splice's catalog of royalty-free, human-made samples, as well as spearhead industry outreach and partnerships with artists. Ochoa's extensive background in the industry, which includes senior roles at Snap, Warner Music, Sony Music, and Sanctuary, positions him as a strategic leader in navigating the evolving landscape of music creation and collaboration.

Navigating the Legal Landscape at Pierson Ferdinand, LLP

Alison Finley, a seasoned music industry executive, has joined the tech-driven law firm Pierson Ferdinand, LLP as a partner in the corporate department. Finley's impressive resume includes a seven-year tenure at Universal Music Group, where she rose from senior vice president to executive vice president, with a stint as the chief operating officer of the iconic Motown label. Her expertise in overseeing strategy, negotiations, and operations for the music giant will undoubtedly be an asset to the Pierson Ferdinand team as they continue to serve the evolving needs of the industry.

Empowering Artists at 300 Entertainment

The dynamic team at 300 Entertainment has undergone a series of strategic promotions, elevating key individuals to drive the company's continued growth and success. Az Cohen has been promoted to vice president of A&R and research, where he will continue to sign and develop new acts. Janelle Gibbs has been named vice president of publicity, responsible for crafting media messaging and storytelling for the label's artists. Tashana Ventura has been promoted to vice president of marketing, overseeing partnerships and release strategies. These promotions reflect the company's commitment to nurturing talent and empowering its team to deliver exceptional results for its artists.

Expanding Bravado's Presence in Nashville

Bravado, the merchandise and brand management arm of Universal Music Group, has appointed industry veteran Mallary Birdsong as the senior director of brand management. Based in Bravado's Nashville office, Birdsong will represent the company's country music roster, leveraging her multifaceted industry experience to help bring artists' visions to life. Her previous roles at Make Wake Artists, Dallas Fan Fares, and BV3 have equipped her with the expertise to excel in this new position, further strengthening Bravado's presence in the thriving Nashville music scene.

A New Era Begins at Berklee College of Music

Berklee College of Music has announced the appointment of Jim Lucchese as its next president, effective January 1, 2025. Lucchese, a longtime drummer and Boston-based executive, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as the CEO of Echo Nest, the founding global head of Creator at Spotify, and most recently, the CEO of the concert curation and artist services company, Sofar Sounds. Lucchese's diverse background and passion for music education make him well-suited to lead Berklee, an institution that has been a "singularly positive force for creativity around the world."

Navigating the Country Music Landscape

In the country music realm, Big Loud Records has welcomed Lisa Smoot as the director of secondary promotion. Smoot joins the label after nearly two decades at Jerry Duncan Promotions, where she rose through the ranks from promotions coordinator to vice president. In her new role, Smoot will oversee secondary promotion across Big Loud's roster of country artists.Elsewhere in the industry, bassist-educator David Abdo has joined PLA Media as a publicist, while Cox Media Group has named Brad Smith as the permanent chief financial officer, after he previously served as the interim co-CFO.

Expanding the Reach of Music Visuals

The international production company 1stAveMachine has appointed music video director Emil Nava, the director and founder of Ammolite Studios, to lead its music division for global commercials and music content. Nava's appointment also includes a partnership with 1stAve on Ammolite Machine, a new music and culture venture that aims to leverage Nava's expertise in the evolving landscape of music visuals, offering a 360-degree creative offering to support artists and brands in connecting with culture, technology, and storytelling.

Empowering Artists at Activist Artists Management

Activist Artists Management has welcomed Karly Brecher as an artist manager, based in Los Angeles. Brecher, with nearly a decade of management experience, will work closely with The Pretty Reckless and other artists on the Activist roster. Her previous roles at SB Projects, HYBE America, and Laffitte Management Group have equipped her with the expertise to handle day-to-day responsibilities and branding for a diverse group of global artists.

Strengthening Artist Relations at Opry Entertainment Group

Opry Entertainment Group has expanded its artist relations team with the additions of Samantha Kane as artist relations manager and Ariana Cubillos Voegler as artist relations coordinator. Kane and Voegler will contribute to the development of artist and industry relations at the Grand Ole Opry and across Opry Entertainment Group, reporting to Jordan Pettit, the director of artist relations and programming strategy.

Elevating Talent at The Chamber Group

The boutique PR and marketing agency, The Chamber Group, has promoted Cassandre Souvenir and Desmond Sam to the role of PR manager. Souvenir and Sam, based in New York City, will report to CEO Chris Chambers as they continue to strengthen their relationships and find new ways to deliver for the agency's clients.

Navigating the Evolving Radio Landscape

In the radio industry, Southern California Public Radio has appointed Alejandra Santamaria as its new president and CEO, succeeding Herb Scannell. Meanwhile, David Kantor has announced his retirement as the CEO of Radio One at the end of the year.