It's time for another spin around the Executive Turntable, Billboard's comprehensive(ish) compendium of promotions, hires, departures and firings — and everything in between — across music. Don't forget to delve into this year's Indie Power Players list. We also have a weekly interview series featuring a single executive and a regularly updated gallery honoring many of the industry faces we've lost over the year.
Bravado, the merchandising and brand management arm of Universal Music Group, has announced sweeping changes to its leadership structure. Joining Bravado's c-suite as CFO is based in New York Colin McIntosh, most recently CFO and Chief Operating Officer of REVOLT Media. McIntosh reports to company president Matt Young, as do a host of newly promoted Bravadoans. In Los Angeles, Alisa Tobias has been promoted to svp and head of creative services, Ashley Fogerty is now svp of business affairs and Brian Schechter is senior vice president and head of brand management. In London, David Boyne is managing director of Bravado, UK, while Rachel Redfearn continues to lead the region's A&R and brand management teams and features liaison teams as svp of UK A&R. Working alongside McIntosh in the New York office is Bill Ashtonwho is being promoted to svp of commerce at the company, and under nashville Stacie Swanson elevated to vp artist strategy. But wait, there's more: Ashton's report in the commerce department is based in New York Briana Farrellwho was promoted to vice president of retail in the US and Londoner Kor Taperell, now the vp of licensing. “Helping artists connect with fans around the world will always be our driving force, and I'm excited to announce this new leadership, who will ensure artists' visions come to life,” said Young.
Warner Records most welcome Therese Joseph as senior vice president of A&R management. Based in Los Angeles, Joseph will report to Karen Kwak, evp/head of A&R, and work closely with Julian Petty, evp/head of business and legal affairs. The veteran executive most recently served as head of label operations at Se LaVi/Rebel Music, but began her career at UMG, where she logged time at Def Jam, Victor Victor Worldwide and Capitol. “I've known Terese for many years, starting with our days at Island Def Jam in New York,” said Kwak, who oversaw A&R at UMG's US labels until 2016. “She's a highly regarded player and domain knowledge, playing an integral role in delivering massively successful works for music legends to newcomers alike.”
Sony Music Nashville are promoted Lauren “LT” Thomas to svp of promotion, with Thomas having day-to-day oversight of both the RCA Nashville and Columbia Nashville imprints. Thomas will continue to report to Evp of Promotion Steve Hodges and work with him across the board on all national promotion strategies and initiatives. During her tenure, Thomas helped score radio hits for artists such as Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Nate Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny and Old Dominion. Thomas joined Sony Music Nashville in 2009 and previously spent five years at KMLE in Phoenix, Arizona. Thomas is also a 2019 Billboard 40 Under 40 honoree. –Jessica Nicholson
AEG presents ditch the “sy-” from Don Strasbourgof the title and named the live music veteran as sole president of the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Northwest regions. The Denver-based executive will oversee AEG's regional offices in the Colorado capital and Seattle and continue to manage the team that books concerts in a full line of venues. Until recently, Strasburg served as co-president of the expansion region alongside Brent Fedrizzi, who in May was promoted to president of the North American regional offices. During a long career, Strasburg has held boards at Bill Graham Presents/Chuck Morris Presents, Live Nation and AEG Live. “Don has an unparalleled drive to win and succeed,” noted Shawn Trell, Evp, COO and general counsel of AEG Presents. “He has an almost innate sense of knowing what the public wants and where the trends are headed.”
Emre Dokutsu
Turkish conductor, arranger, guitarist and pianist Cenk Eroglou they joined Frontiers Label Group as the new writer and producer of the Italian metal label. FLG is home to artists such as Winger, Stryper and Blue Öyster Cult, among others. Eroglou has a long creative association with the former, having appeared on a Kip Winger solo album and later as a key player on the neighborhood rock band's first release for Frontiers in 2006 IV. “I am truly excited to welcome Cenk to Frontiers Records and am confident that his impressive background and top-notch craftsmanship will bring significant added value to our label,” said label president Serafino Perugino. “I look forward to working together on new epic projects.”
Vicky Naumanfounder of music-technology consultancy CrossBorderWorks and a former executive at 7digital and Sonos, joined AI music as a consultant. Formerly Somms.ai, Musical AI provides tools to help rights holders monitor and manage how their IP can be used in AI creation. “I'm glad to be a part of this journey,” Naumna said on LinkedIn. “I believe AI can be transformative for all of us if used wisely, and genetic AI needs licensed models.”
Night Time Industries Association Director-General Michael Keel joined the International Nightlife Association, a Barcelona-based nightlife advocate, as Vice President. In a joint statement, the organizations called it an endorsement of Kill's leadership and NTIA's “growing impact on global nightlife policy and advocacy.” Kill remarked that he is “excited to work with our international counterparts to drive positive change and innovation in the nightlife sector. Together, we will work towards a vibrant, sustainable and safe nightlife environment for all.”
NASHVILLE NOTES: A veteran of the contemporary Christian music industry Tim Robinson launched Aligned Talent Agency. The Brentwood, Tennessee-based label represents artists Love & The Outcome, Dan Bremnes, 7eventh Time Down, Ignescent and more. Robinson most recently served as a booking agent for the Greg Oliver Company –JN … Publicity milestone are promoted Campbell Jenkins to a journalist, with immediate effect. The Belmont University graduate joined the Music City-based public relations firm a year ago… BMG Canada determined Brian Columbus as vp of recorded music. He was previously label manager for Concord Label Group/Canada.
The creative team for next year SXSW London takes shape with his appointment Adam Holness as head of music and Katy Arnander as director of programming. Additionally, Alex Poohs will serve as a consulting creative consultant and Elliott Willis has taken on the role of Commercial Director of SXSW London. The festival and conference will take place over a week in June 2025 at venues and venues around Shoreditch in east London. (In April 2021, it was announced that SXSW had signed a “lifeline” deal with P-MRC, a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and MRC, making P-MRC a shareholder and long-term partner with the Austin festival. P – MRC is Billboard's parent company.)
Independent music distribution and marketing company Symphonic Distribution employee Guji Lorenzana as its first land manager for Asia. Based in Los Angeles, Lorenzana is charged with growing Symphonic's presence in the region by expanding its artist roster and forging new business partnerships. A former solo artist and member of the Philippine band TFTI, Lorenzana arrives from Ingrooves Music Group, where he was country manager for the Philippines.
Aaron Hamel is the new label manager for Materia Music, an imprint, distributor, publisher and rights manager of video games based in Seattle. Hamel's appointment follows Materia's recent acquisition of the remaining game music inventory of Ship to Shore, a boutique label he founded that focuses on discovering and reissuing cult tracks. “He shares our passion for discovering and promoting the rich musical heritage of video games as well as bringing innovative new products to the video game music community and market,” said Sebastian Wolff, founder and CEO of Materia Music.
Victoria Fleary promoted to vp of social at iONE Digital, a content company aimed at black and urban lifestyle enthusiasts. Fleary joined the company two years ago as senior director of social media after stints at Emmis Communications and BET. “Victoria's promotion is a result of the dedicated work she has done since her first day at iOne,” said Sam Stiers, GM/evp. “Her relentless drive, creativity and commitment to excellence in digital media has truly been an inspiration to everyone around her.”
Greg Stewart is the new senior director of communications at Universal Music Canada. He previously worked with Bell Media for 12 years, leaving as Director of Music Strategy & Industry Relations. He was also with Much MTV Group for a year and between 2000 and 2006 was in the digital marketing department of UMG. –David Farrell
Lively redesigned creative producer Melody Tseng is the artistic director and set designer for Alanis Morissette's recently launched Triple Moon Tour, which will run until the end of September. Tseng joined the New York-based live company three years ago as associate creative producer. He has previously worked on projects for Live Nation, Diversified Production Services and others. “Melody, as she always does, brought her unique creative vision to life as both Art Director and Creative Set Designer for the tour through the artistic use of various props and set elements.”
ICYMI:
Jess Ducrou
