It's time to drop the needle on another Executive Turntable, Billboard's comprehensive(ish) rundown of promotions, hires, departures and firings — and everything in between — across all of music. We also have an interview series featuring a single executive each week and a regularly updated gallery honoring many of the industry faces we've lost over the year.
Denise Stevens they joined Pearson Ferdinand (aka PierFerd) as partner and co-chair of the firm's global media, entertainment and sports practice. Based in Nashville and Los Angeles, Stevens' expertise spans talent, creativity and technology in music, publishing, touring and more. In the past he was a partner of Loeb & Loeb and this year he did Advertising signlist of top music attorneys. Earlier this century, he authored the bill that eventually became the Songwriters Capital Gains Act, which was signed into law in 2006, and regularly offers advice and assistance to songwriters and their heirs on copyright recovery issues. “I've known Denise virtually my entire career, having been on the opposite side of her deals at times for more than two decades,” said Steven S. Sidman, co-chair of PierFerd's Global Media, Entertainment & Sports practice. “I much prefer being on the same team as her, and I'm delighted to finally be working alongside Denise as one of our team co-captains.”
Alex Matsurov joined the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) as head of business development, effective immediately. In his new job, Machurov oversees the independent label trade organization's strategic partnerships and develops sponsorship opportunities for the organization's events, such as the Indie Week Conference and the Libera Awards. The live events veteran joins from Tandem, a digital charity fundraising platform he co-founded in 2020. He was previously chief revenue officer at Revolution Marketing and vice president of national event partnerships at iHeartMedia, but spent most of the past decade at Superfly, where he completed 10 years overseeing brand partnerships and activations at Bonnaroo, Outside Lands and other festivals. “Alex's expertise and passion for the independent music community will enrich our current operations and steer A2IM into more expansive opportunities,” said Richard James Burgess, CEO of A2IM. “We welcome his vast network of connections and the knowledge he brings to the independent sector.” Feel free to contact Alex@a2im.org.
Warner Chappell Music UK are promoted Andrew Howell to VP sync to publisher, effective June 1. He will continue to report to Rich Robinson, Evp and global head of sync, and Shani Gonzales, managing director of WCM UK and head of international A&R. Howell joined Warner Music in 2016 after career stops at both Universal Music and Sony Music. While at WCM UK, his team has delivered many brand campaigns and connected many placements in games, film and TV such as The crown, Space Monkey and Saltburn. Howell and company also hold monthly sync sessions at Warner Chappell's studios in London. “Andrew's collaborative spirit has helped him build relationships with songwriters and clients who trust him,” said Gonzalez. “He has an encyclopedic knowledge of our song and an unrivaled instinct for what placements will work. He is also an amazing mentor to his team, so this is a very good promotion.”
Antonis Martini and Rich Barner teamed up to launch Nashville-based label and management company Gravel Road. The venture's roster includes Compton Cowboys, Randy Savvy, Justbrandon and producer Scattered Brains (Jelly Roll, Struggle Jennings). Over the years, Martini has worked with clients such as TYGA, Jelly Roll, Killer Mike and Lil Dicky. Under Martini's previous label, Commission Records, Lil Dicky's album Professional Rapper debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's rap album chart. Most recently, Martini served as CEO of Royalty Exchange. Serial entrepreneur Barner's film company, Global Pictures Media, has worked with actors including Robert DeNiro, while his fragrance company was recently honored by Ashley Benson's New You Awards for ASH. –Jessica Nicholson
Space management giant ASM Global most welcome Andy Gortsoff as the new general manager of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Gortsoff will be tasked with overseeing day-to-day operations, management and promotion at the 65,000-capacity venue, the climate-controlled home of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders. Gortsoff's vast decades of ballpark experience includes time as general manager of Empower Field at Mile High, home of the Denver Broncos, and he also led State Farm Stadium in Arizona, home of the Cardinals. “ASM Global has been a trusted partner of the Raiders for years, and we are confident, under Andy's stewardship, that Allegiant Stadium will remain one of the greatest sports and entertainment venues in the country,” said Sandra Douglass Morgan, Raiders president. .
Romeo Entertainment Group, which brings talent to shows and festivals in 35 states, has promoted three of its executives and hired six more at the 70-year-old family-owned Nashville business. Offers at REG include; Adriana “Dri” Valadez, Taylor Williamson and Carly Dimble — everything down to the talent buyer/event producer. New hires at the company include; Scott Kernahan as tb/ep, Briannon “Bree” Griffin as executive assistant to company leaders RJ and Michelle Romeo, and Chloe Dubrovay, Ali J. Stinehour, Alexandra “Alex” Hargis and Grace Kiefer as event coordinators. “These promotions and new hires reflect our continued commitment to growth and excellence,” said RJ Romeo, president. “As we celebrate these achievements, we are reminded of the legacy of innovation and leadership instilled by my grandfather, Don Romeo, and we continue to build on that foundation with a forward-thinking approach.”
Nashville based cult label Integrity Music and its parent organization, David C. Cook, have named Blaine Barkus as president of the imprint, taking the helm from Jonathan Brown, who will become chief global officer. Barcus most recently served as senior vice president of A&R at Provident Entertainment and held leadership roles at Word Entertainment/Warner Music Group and Creative Trust. Along the way, he has worked with artists such as Zach Williams, Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West and recent artists Ben Fuller and Seph Schlueter. –JN
ICYMI:
Patch Culbertson
Seoul court bans K-pop company HYBE since the dismissal of Min Hee-jin as its CEO WORSHIPER affiliate tag… Big Loud Records promoted Patch Culbertson to executive vice president and general manager … Amy Homma, Jennifer Davidson, Jenny Galante and Matt Severson were promoted to Academy of Cinema … and run-don't-walk on the annual 40 Under 40 list of the top young leaders in the music business.
