It’s time for Executive Turntable, Billboard’s comprehensive compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings across the music industry, and everything in between.
Read on for great news and don’t forget to vote for the Power 100 Players’ Choice Awards, plus peruse our annual list of the industry’s savviest financial advisors, our weekly interview series spotlighting individual executives, and our Notable Calendar Industry events.
Kat David Officially appointed CEO independent music association (Purpose), serving as interim leader since the departure of Silvia Montello in April. Gee joined AIM in 2017 as Head of Legal and Commercial Affairs and became Chief Operating Officer in 2020, playing a key role in driving the UK independent music scene. As CEO, she will continue to be a voice for the music industry, focusing on issues such as funding, streaming reform and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. AIM chair Ruth Barlow praised Gee’s leadership over the past eight months and stressed the importance of protecting the industry’s independence as corporate consolidation continues. “Genuine independence remains an important check on the consolidation of power by large corporations,” she said. “It has never been more important for the independent community to unite in genuine support of and respect for the integrity and values of artists and rights holders.” At this week’s AIM Annual General Meeting, also elected Four new board members: Junior Foster, Leah Ellis, Matt Bristow and Rachel Buswell. They replace outgoing members Alice Whittington, Claire McKinney, Jason Rackham and Sarah Cole.
CTS activities named Karel Dorner As technical officer for a German concert organizer and ticketing company, effective New Year’s Day. Dorner is a seasoned expert on digital transformation in the European business community, with experience as a co-founder of Western Europe’s leading McKinsey Digital Lab and eBay Europe. In this newly created role, he will be responsible for overseeing IT, product and information science departments to drive digitalization, data-centric business models and the integration of artificial intelligence. Key team members including Christoph Bodi and James Brooke will report to him. This appointment allows Alexander Ruoff, currently Head of IT and Product and Chief Operating Officer, to focus on international development. Dörner’s expertise aligns with CTS Eventim’s growth strategy, with CEO Klaus-Peter Schulenberg praising his “proven expertise” and “entrepreneurial skills”, adding that “he will bring new impetus to the company”.
harmony Announced the formation of a new advisory board of high-profile executives who will guide the music company’s strategic direction and innovation. The committee includes Greg Ballardformer CEO of Glu Mobile and Warner Custom Music; Liat Ben-Zura digital transformation expert who has worked at Microsoft and Philips; Janica Bravoa renowned writer and director; Darien Dashbusiness leaders in music, technology and finance; Mark Geigerco-founder of Lollapalooza and founder of SAVELIVE; Nick Grovean entrepreneur and investor known for co-founding Firefly and Pluto TV; TJ Haynes-Morganchief audit executive of Raymond James Financial Corporation; Scott Pascucciformer CEO of Concord and current executive chairman of Morrison Hotel Gallery; Jim WebbCEO of Brooks Running Company; Tom Wileya veteran music executive and founder of Loma Vista Recordings; and Jack Wiseleyco-founder and equity partner at Concord.
shorts: Michel Escoffery elected as chairman Evers Academy Trustis a UK charity supporting disadvantaged songwriters and composers. As the Trust celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, Escoffery joined as a trustee in 2023, and her dedication to music creators is evident. Chairman of the Board, which is a trustee of PRS. Sarah MorrisPresident NPRThe Kansas City-based affiliate has been elected to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s board of directors.
Vanessa Brennan | Orpheum
Vanessa Brennan join in Orpheum Chief Technology Officer, a newly created position at the Los Angeles-based music rights management technology company. Reporting to CEO Rob Wells, she will coordinate cross-functional teams to achieve strategic growth. Brennan previously held senior roles at Slack, including director of engineering, and at Spotify, where he managed security and system monitoring. Wells praised her strategic insights and technical expertise as critical to Orfium’s growth, saying “her leadership will be instrumental as we expand our global footprint and continue to innovate to drive value in the entertainment industry.”
ADAWMG’s independent music publishing and artist services arm is expanding in Southeast Asia, opening new operations in Indonesia and Thailand. Looking for SiriantoSolar Sounds Jakarta founder and Sony Music veteran will lead ADA Indonesia, while Arisa MalukataWith 18 years of professional experience in LINE TV, TikTok and elsewhere, will lead ADA Thailand. In Indonesia, ADA has expanded its partnership with DPM to connect with 28 independent record labels to expand the international profile of artists. Big names like Armada and Marcell are part of the collaboration. Additionally, ADA has signed an exclusive agreement with Voice of Baceprot (VOB), the first Indonesian band to perform at Glastonbury, to further expand their global reach. These initiatives highlight ADA’s commitment to supporting independent music and strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia, promoting growth and international opportunities for regional artists.
family members: Michelle Singer join in Penske Media As Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, oversees legal affairs for a range of publications, including Rob Report, She media and art-focused shops art news, american art and art forumwhile also supporting Fairchild with Nicole Brandofino. Singer, who is based in New York, will report to Judith Margolin, senior vice president and deputy general counsel. Singer has extensive media law expertise, having previously held G to C-level roles at JAF Communications and MRC Media, supporting the following teams advertising billboard And in hollywood reporter. Her skills include newsroom consulting, strategic partnerships, data privacy, litigation and advertising law. Before turning to media law, Singer worked in the music industry for two decades, working at Sony Music, BMG and EMI Music on commercial matters…Previously –advertising billboard news director Shirley Halperin Join Maer Roshan as co-editor of our sister publication, hollywood reporter. It’s the sequel to Halperin, who spent seven years at THR before taking his talents to the next level. type And, recently, Los Angeles Magazine.
believe New leadership structure for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) announced, appointments Liliana Abdalo As Head of Label and Artist Solutions Celine Sheedy Serves as Artist Services Director. Both will report to regional general manager Dolly Makhoul. Based in Dubai, Abidalo has over 16 years of experience working with YouTube and other major music companies in the region. Paris-based Hitti will focus on supporting independent artists through marketing strategies. She has been recognized for her significant contributions to the Arab music scene as Head of Editorial and Marketing Partnerships advertising billboard Arab 40 Under 40 List. “This new leadership team represents a bold step forward in our mission to deliver unique value to our partners and customers, accompanying them at every stage of their development,” said Dolly Makhoul, regional managing director at Believe. Throughout our footprint in the Middle East and North Africa, our goal is to continue to establish Believe as the leading local music company, consistent with our own vision, model and values: independence, professionalism, respect, fairness and transparency.”
Belinda Dinwiddie Hafron | Belinda Dinwiddie Hafron Musician on call
Musicians on callbrings live music to hospitals, titled Belinda Dinwiddie Hafron Serves as its first chief development officer. Havron will lead all fundraising efforts, including support from individuals, corporate partnerships, events and grants. Over her 37-year career, Havron has raised millions of dollars for various causes, including $60 million for capital and special projects. She previously worked at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, where she created charitable funds and secured support for nonprofits. “Her unparalleled reputation in Nashville and decades of experience helping charities grow and thrive will be invaluable as we build the future of our organization,” said MOC President and CEO Pete Griffin. “I know that under her leadership Under his leadership, we will have great success expanding our programs into new communities. “
independent dealer Idol appointment Rayne Gonzalez As DSP Editor and Partner Manager (UK), support their growing London-based roster. Gonzalez, formerly with [PIAS]will report to UK general manager Roo Currier and DSP head of editorial and partnerships Paul Pétel. The appointment is in line with IDOL’s new global services agreement with UK record labels Full Time Hobby and Hassle Records. IDOL will manage global digital distribution, marketing and audience development for the labels (excluding Germany, Austria and Switzerland). The team will work closely with labels and artists to use advanced analytics to track playlist performance and consumption trends to grow international audiences.
Joanna Buttermetz roll out sakuo cluban independent music supervision and consulting agency based in New York. She previously led Carousel Collective’s music division, working with brands including Victoria’s Secret, PepsiCo, Spotify and Calvin Klein. CLUB S’AKOÚO specializes in music supervision, licensing, licensing, production and talent negotiations, helping clients thoughtfully integrate music into media projects and create impactful campaigns. Most recently, the agency targeted the Spice Girls’ “Never Give Up On The Good Times” for Victoria’s Secret’s holiday campaign.
Peter Ratcliffe is the UK label trade body’s new content protection director BPIeffective immediately. Ratcliffe has extensive expertise in intellectual property protection following a 32-year career with the Metropolitan Police, where he ran the UK Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit and served as Detective Superintendent. He will lead BPI’s 16-member Content Protection Department, working closely with BPI’s legal team to address digital and physical music piracy. Ratcliffe’s appointment, which will report to OBE CEO Dr Jo Twist and is supported by Niki Haywood, underlines BPI’s commitment to protecting the work of artists in the ever-evolving music landscape. Dr. Twist emphasized that Ratcliffe’s valuable experience in intellectual property infringement is an important asset “at a critical moment in the transformation of our industry, when human art needs more protection than ever before.”
jack crullo, television reception’s Group Operating Director, will move from the UK to New York to join the US team. Clulow has been instrumental in launching and managing 13 music and hospitality venues in London and Alabama since 2017, with three further projects underway in the US, including a new venue in Los Angeles. Founded by Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons, tvg’s hotel venues, which include The Orion in Huntsville, Ala., and Flat Iron Square in London, are known for their high-quality design and hospitality that emphasizes local flavor.
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Gerardo Mejia
