It's time to devour a wicked short version of Executive Turntable, Billboard's compilation of promotions, hires, departures and firings — and everything in between — across music.
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Long-standing Deutsche Grammophon chairman Clemens Troutman has earned a bigger role in Universal Music's Global Classics & Jazz (GCJ) division. With his new title of president of Deutsche Grammophon and new business strategy at Global Classics, Trautmann will lead innovation and collaboration across all UMG classical labels – including those of the New York-based Verve Label Group – and explore business opportunities. A Juilliard-trained clarinetist, Trautmann led Deutsche Grammophon for nine years, working with renowned artists such as Daniel Barenboim, Lang Lang and Max Richter. He signed talents such as Hildur Guðnadóttir and Yannick Nézet-Séguin and launched initiatives such as the streaming platform STAGE+ and the Max Richter Sleep app, as well as a series of projects with Moby and Benny Andersson. His approach to integrating recorded music, publishing, live performance and technology has been praised by Dickon Stainer, president of GCJ, and Frank Briegmann, president of Universal Music Central Europe, who highlighted his combination of artistry and business acumen. “[Trautmann’s] The appointment to this expanded global responsibility, in addition to his leadership role at the helm of the world's most prestigious classical music label, will allow us to bring even more business ideas and insights to our artists worldwide,” said Briegmann.
GCJ also appointed Natasha Baldwin to president of Global Classics, Jazz and Screen, a newly created role effective immediately. Baldwin, who will continue as executive vice president of classical and screen at Universal Music Publishing Group, will oversee GCJ's classical and jazz companies, including Decca and Blue Note, managing international strategies for artists such as Andrea Bocelli and Jon Batiste . Based in London, Baldwin reports to Jody Gerson, Marc Cimino and Dickon Stainer. Her role emphasizes the synergy between recorded music and publishing, building on her success at Decca Publishing and UMPG Classics and Screen, where she signed contracts with prominent composers such as Max Richter and Nicholas Britell. This appointment underscores UMG's dedication to classical and jazz, with Stainer and Cimino praising her as “uniquely experienced” with “extraordinary skills.”
Opry Entertainment Group determined Gary Scott as Chief Operating Officer, bringing over 25 years of experience in hospitality operations, asset management and strategic leadership. Scott joins from Ridgeline Hospitality Group, where he provided advice to all hotel, gaming and hospitality industries. His career also includes previous stints at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and MGM Resorts/The Mirage, overseeing business development, marketing and operational strategies. Scott will work with retiring COO Pete Weien during the transition. OEG CEO Patrick Moore highlighted Scott's expertise in operational excellence, employee engagement and workplace culture, aligning with OEG's focus on innovation and growth. “From Ole Red's expansion to the launch of Class 10 and everything in between, OEG has experienced exceptional growth over the past decade thanks to bold strategy and strong leadership,” said Scott. “It is an honor to join this dynamic and talented team as we shape the future of OEG together.”
Jeanette Porcello | Center
Janet Porcello was promoted from senior manager to director of A&R at Downtown Artist & Label Serviceswhere he will lead the company's growth in Nashville. Reporting to global VP of A&R Bryan Mooney, her promotion follows recent signings including Drew Holcomb, Tiera Kennedy and Mat Kearney, among others. Since joining Downtown in August 2023, Porcello has played a key role in shaping the creative direction for artists such as Abbey Cone, Fancy Hagood and REI AMI. He has also managed notable projects including Kennedy's debut album, Rooted. Her career began at Atlantic Records, rising to A&R manager during a five-year stint at Warner Music. Porcello has expressed excitement about supporting independent artists — “something Downtown is very proud of, and I look forward to further expanding the reach and impact of our roster.” Mooney added that the company is “thrilled to see her step into this role with the same creativity and dedication that has earned her the trust of her artists and colleagues.”
NASHVILLE NOTES: Big Loud Records are promoted Stephanie Carter to the senior vice president of finance. Carter joined Big Loud Records in 2023. Her career also includes time at Nissan, Mars Petcare, PICA Group, Evergreen Copyrights, Nashville Predators and Live Nation… Big Yellow Dog Music elevated Nicole Rhodes to senior sync manager from director of … Publishing veteran Scott Sherrod joined Anthem Entertainment as senior creative director. He has spent the last two years focused on consulting through his own label, Circle 5 Music.
Alexander Wessely is the new creative director for Anyma ahead of the Italian-American DJ's upcoming sold-out residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Known for his work with Swedish House Mafia and his collaborations with artists such as The Weeknd and Grimes, Wessely will be involved in creative direction, set design and co-direction for Anyma's shows. As Sphere's first electronic music act, Anyma (born Matteo Milleri — also one half of production duo Tale of Us) aims to deliver an immersive fusion of art and technology with Sphere's series, titled Anyma: “The End of Genesys , airing eight shows from December 27 to 31, 2024 and January 1, 10 and 11, 2025.
ICYMI:
Seon Jeong Shin
HYBE's Big Hit Music named current general manager Seon Jeong Shin to be the next K-pop label president… Dan Rosenits president Warner Music Australasiaexpanded his role to include Warner Chappell Music, lengthening his title as president of records and publishing, Australasia… Brady Bedard appointed evp of promotion for Atlantic Music Groupafter a 26-year career at Sony Music… and artist manager Nicholas Parasram and co-founder of Twitch Justin Kahn started a new venture, Thin Ice Entertainment. [KEEP READING]
