Key comments from Virgin Music Group leadership reflect the optimism for the future:
Nat Pastor emphasized that van Rijn’s appointment is aimed at combining both companies in a thoughtful, strategic way to enhance resources and services for independent entrepreneurs.
JT Myers praised the work that Downtown has done in the music industry and expressed respect for its leadership team, pledging to back the continued success of Downtown under its new structure.
Andrew Bergman expressed pride in Downtown’s culture, noting that van Rijn represents the company’s core values of trust, partnership, and excellence.
Van Rijn’s past experience at FUGA is notable, where he expanded the company into a full-service label partner offering a wide range of services, including marketing, sync, and royalty accounting. His efforts led to significant international growth, with a footprint spanning across EMEA, North America, LATAM, and APAC.
#VirginMusicGroup #DowntownMusic #IndependentArtists #MusicIndustry #Acquisition #MusicPublishing #TechInnovation #PieterVanRijn #FUGA #MusicDistribution #ArtistServices #MusicTech
Van Rijn’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the combination of Virgin Music Group and Downtown, preserving the individual strengths of both companies while increasing resources and technology for independent creators.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure a smooth integration while continuing to empower the global independent community.
Key comments from Virgin Music Group leadership reflect the optimism for the future:
Nat Pastor emphasized that van Rijn’s appointment is aimed at combining both companies in a thoughtful, strategic way to enhance resources and services for independent entrepreneurs.
JT Myers praised the work that Downtown has done in the music industry and expressed respect for its leadership team, pledging to back the continued success of Downtown under its new structure.
Andrew Bergman expressed pride in Downtown’s culture, noting that van Rijn represents the company’s core values of trust, partnership, and excellence.
Van Rijn’s past experience at FUGA is notable, where he expanded the company into a full-service label partner offering a wide range of services, including marketing, sync, and royalty accounting. His efforts led to significant international growth, with a footprint spanning across EMEA, North America, LATAM, and APAC.
#VirginMusicGroup #DowntownMusic #IndependentArtists #MusicIndustry #Acquisition #MusicPublishing #TechInnovation #PieterVanRijn #FUGA #MusicDistribution #ArtistServices #MusicTech
Downtown, which started in 2007, currently serves over 5,000 business clients and 4 million creators across 145 countries. The company operates in key areas like Artist & Label Services, Distribution, and Music Publishing, with a portfolio that includes FUGA, CD Baby, Downtown Music Publishing, and Songtrust.
Van Rijn’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the combination of Virgin Music Group and Downtown, preserving the individual strengths of both companies while increasing resources and technology for independent creators.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure a smooth integration while continuing to empower the global independent community.
Key comments from Virgin Music Group leadership reflect the optimism for the future:
Nat Pastor emphasized that van Rijn’s appointment is aimed at combining both companies in a thoughtful, strategic way to enhance resources and services for independent entrepreneurs.
JT Myers praised the work that Downtown has done in the music industry and expressed respect for its leadership team, pledging to back the continued success of Downtown under its new structure.
Andrew Bergman expressed pride in Downtown’s culture, noting that van Rijn represents the company’s core values of trust, partnership, and excellence.
Van Rijn’s past experience at FUGA is notable, where he expanded the company into a full-service label partner offering a wide range of services, including marketing, sync, and royalty accounting. His efforts led to significant international growth, with a footprint spanning across EMEA, North America, LATAM, and APAC.
#VirginMusicGroup #DowntownMusic #IndependentArtists #MusicIndustry #Acquisition #MusicPublishing #TechInnovation #PieterVanRijn #FUGA #MusicDistribution #ArtistServices #MusicTech
Justin Kalifowitz, Downtown’s founder, confirmed that he is stepping away from the company, which he started in 2007. Kalifowitz shared a personal farewell message with the community. Andrew Bergman, who previously served as Chairman of Downtown, will now take on an advisory role.
Downtown, which started in 2007, currently serves over 5,000 business clients and 4 million creators across 145 countries. The company operates in key areas like Artist & Label Services, Distribution, and Music Publishing, with a portfolio that includes FUGA, CD Baby, Downtown Music Publishing, and Songtrust.
Van Rijn’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the combination of Virgin Music Group and Downtown, preserving the individual strengths of both companies while increasing resources and technology for independent creators.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure a smooth integration while continuing to empower the global independent community.
Key comments from Virgin Music Group leadership reflect the optimism for the future:
Nat Pastor emphasized that van Rijn’s appointment is aimed at combining both companies in a thoughtful, strategic way to enhance resources and services for independent entrepreneurs.
JT Myers praised the work that Downtown has done in the music industry and expressed respect for its leadership team, pledging to back the continued success of Downtown under its new structure.
Andrew Bergman expressed pride in Downtown’s culture, noting that van Rijn represents the company’s core values of trust, partnership, and excellence.
Van Rijn’s past experience at FUGA is notable, where he expanded the company into a full-service label partner offering a wide range of services, including marketing, sync, and royalty accounting. His efforts led to significant international growth, with a footprint spanning across EMEA, North America, LATAM, and APAC.
#VirginMusicGroup #DowntownMusic #IndependentArtists #MusicIndustry #Acquisition #MusicPublishing #TechInnovation #PieterVanRijn #FUGA #MusicDistribution #ArtistServices #MusicTech
His role will also ensure smooth transitions for Downtown’s clients, teams, and brands, while helping the combined business unlock new growth and collaboration opportunities.
Justin Kalifowitz, Downtown’s founder, confirmed that he is stepping away from the company, which he started in 2007. Kalifowitz shared a personal farewell message with the community. Andrew Bergman, who previously served as Chairman of Downtown, will now take on an advisory role.
Downtown, which started in 2007, currently serves over 5,000 business clients and 4 million creators across 145 countries. The company operates in key areas like Artist & Label Services, Distribution, and Music Publishing, with a portfolio that includes FUGA, CD Baby, Downtown Music Publishing, and Songtrust.
Van Rijn’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the combination of Virgin Music Group and Downtown, preserving the individual strengths of both companies while increasing resources and technology for independent creators.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure a smooth integration while continuing to empower the global independent community.
Key comments from Virgin Music Group leadership reflect the optimism for the future:
Nat Pastor emphasized that van Rijn’s appointment is aimed at combining both companies in a thoughtful, strategic way to enhance resources and services for independent entrepreneurs.
JT Myers praised the work that Downtown has done in the music industry and expressed respect for its leadership team, pledging to back the continued success of Downtown under its new structure.
Andrew Bergman expressed pride in Downtown’s culture, noting that van Rijn represents the company’s core values of trust, partnership, and excellence.
Van Rijn’s past experience at FUGA is notable, where he expanded the company into a full-service label partner offering a wide range of services, including marketing, sync, and royalty accounting. His efforts led to significant international growth, with a footprint spanning across EMEA, North America, LATAM, and APAC.
#VirginMusicGroup #DowntownMusic #IndependentArtists #MusicIndustry #Acquisition #MusicPublishing #TechInnovation #PieterVanRijn #FUGA #MusicDistribution #ArtistServices #MusicTech
Pieter van Rijn, who became the CEO of Downtown in 2024, has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Virgin Music Group. He will continue to be based in Amsterdam and report to co-CEOs Nat Pastor and JT Myers. Van Rijn, known for his extensive leadership at Downtown and FUGA, will oversee global operations, tech, product, and integration strategies.
His role will also ensure smooth transitions for Downtown’s clients, teams, and brands, while helping the combined business unlock new growth and collaboration opportunities.
Justin Kalifowitz, Downtown’s founder, confirmed that he is stepping away from the company, which he started in 2007. Kalifowitz shared a personal farewell message with the community. Andrew Bergman, who previously served as Chairman of Downtown, will now take on an advisory role.
Downtown, which started in 2007, currently serves over 5,000 business clients and 4 million creators across 145 countries. The company operates in key areas like Artist & Label Services, Distribution, and Music Publishing, with a portfolio that includes FUGA, CD Baby, Downtown Music Publishing, and Songtrust.
Van Rijn’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the combination of Virgin Music Group and Downtown, preserving the individual strengths of both companies while increasing resources and technology for independent creators.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure a smooth integration while continuing to empower the global independent community.
Key comments from Virgin Music Group leadership reflect the optimism for the future:
Nat Pastor emphasized that van Rijn’s appointment is aimed at combining both companies in a thoughtful, strategic way to enhance resources and services for independent entrepreneurs.
JT Myers praised the work that Downtown has done in the music industry and expressed respect for its leadership team, pledging to back the continued success of Downtown under its new structure.
Andrew Bergman expressed pride in Downtown’s culture, noting that van Rijn represents the company’s core values of trust, partnership, and excellence.
Van Rijn’s past experience at FUGA is notable, where he expanded the company into a full-service label partner offering a wide range of services, including marketing, sync, and royalty accounting. His efforts led to significant international growth, with a footprint spanning across EMEA, North America, LATAM, and APAC.
#VirginMusicGroup #DowntownMusic #IndependentArtists #MusicIndustry #Acquisition #MusicPublishing #TechInnovation #PieterVanRijn #FUGA #MusicDistribution #ArtistServices #MusicTech
This merger marks a new chapter in empowering the independent community with better services, technology, and resources.
Pieter van Rijn, who became the CEO of Downtown in 2024, has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Virgin Music Group. He will continue to be based in Amsterdam and report to co-CEOs Nat Pastor and JT Myers. Van Rijn, known for his extensive leadership at Downtown and FUGA, will oversee global operations, tech, product, and integration strategies.
His role will also ensure smooth transitions for Downtown’s clients, teams, and brands, while helping the combined business unlock new growth and collaboration opportunities.
Justin Kalifowitz, Downtown’s founder, confirmed that he is stepping away from the company, which he started in 2007. Kalifowitz shared a personal farewell message with the community. Andrew Bergman, who previously served as Chairman of Downtown, will now take on an advisory role.
Downtown, which started in 2007, currently serves over 5,000 business clients and 4 million creators across 145 countries. The company operates in key areas like Artist & Label Services, Distribution, and Music Publishing, with a portfolio that includes FUGA, CD Baby, Downtown Music Publishing, and Songtrust.
Van Rijn’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the combination of Virgin Music Group and Downtown, preserving the individual strengths of both companies while increasing resources and technology for independent creators.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure a smooth integration while continuing to empower the global independent community.
Key comments from Virgin Music Group leadership reflect the optimism for the future:
Nat Pastor emphasized that van Rijn’s appointment is aimed at combining both companies in a thoughtful, strategic way to enhance resources and services for independent entrepreneurs.
JT Myers praised the work that Downtown has done in the music industry and expressed respect for its leadership team, pledging to back the continued success of Downtown under its new structure.
Andrew Bergman expressed pride in Downtown’s culture, noting that van Rijn represents the company’s core values of trust, partnership, and excellence.
Van Rijn’s past experience at FUGA is notable, where he expanded the company into a full-service label partner offering a wide range of services, including marketing, sync, and royalty accounting. His efforts led to significant international growth, with a footprint spanning across EMEA, North America, LATAM, and APAC.
#VirginMusicGroup #DowntownMusic #IndependentArtists #MusicIndustry #Acquisition #MusicPublishing #TechInnovation #PieterVanRijn #FUGA #MusicDistribution #ArtistServices #MusicTech
This merger marks a new chapter in empowering the independent community with better services, technology, and resources.
Pieter van Rijn, who became the CEO of Downtown in 2024, has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Virgin Music Group. He will continue to be based in Amsterdam and report to co-CEOs Nat Pastor and JT Myers. Van Rijn, known for his extensive leadership at Downtown and FUGA, will oversee global operations, tech, product, and integration strategies.
His role will also ensure smooth transitions for Downtown’s clients, teams, and brands, while helping the combined business unlock new growth and collaboration opportunities.
Justin Kalifowitz, Downtown’s founder, confirmed that he is stepping away from the company, which he started in 2007. Kalifowitz shared a personal farewell message with the community. Andrew Bergman, who previously served as Chairman of Downtown, will now take on an advisory role.
Downtown, which started in 2007, currently serves over 5,000 business clients and 4 million creators across 145 countries. The company operates in key areas like Artist & Label Services, Distribution, and Music Publishing, with a portfolio that includes FUGA, CD Baby, Downtown Music Publishing, and Songtrust.
Van Rijn’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the combination of Virgin Music Group and Downtown, preserving the individual strengths of both companies while increasing resources and technology for independent creators.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure a smooth integration while continuing to empower the global independent community.
Key comments from Virgin Music Group leadership reflect the optimism for the future:
Nat Pastor emphasized that van Rijn’s appointment is aimed at combining both companies in a thoughtful, strategic way to enhance resources and services for independent entrepreneurs.
JT Myers praised the work that Downtown has done in the music industry and expressed respect for its leadership team, pledging to back the continued success of Downtown under its new structure.
Andrew Bergman expressed pride in Downtown’s culture, noting that van Rijn represents the company’s core values of trust, partnership, and excellence.
Van Rijn’s past experience at FUGA is notable, where he expanded the company into a full-service label partner offering a wide range of services, including marketing, sync, and royalty accounting. His efforts led to significant international growth, with a footprint spanning across EMEA, North America, LATAM, and APAC.
#VirginMusicGroup #DowntownMusic #IndependentArtists #MusicIndustry #Acquisition #MusicPublishing #TechInnovation #PieterVanRijn #FUGA #MusicDistribution #ArtistServices #MusicTech
Virgin Music Group (VMG) has officially completed the acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings LLC (Downtown), combining their strengths to offer a global, all-in-one solution for independent artists, entrepreneurs, and rights holders.
This merger marks a new chapter in empowering the independent community with better services, technology, and resources.
Pieter van Rijn, who became the CEO of Downtown in 2024, has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Virgin Music Group. He will continue to be based in Amsterdam and report to co-CEOs Nat Pastor and JT Myers. Van Rijn, known for his extensive leadership at Downtown and FUGA, will oversee global operations, tech, product, and integration strategies.
His role will also ensure smooth transitions for Downtown’s clients, teams, and brands, while helping the combined business unlock new growth and collaboration opportunities.
Justin Kalifowitz, Downtown’s founder, confirmed that he is stepping away from the company, which he started in 2007. Kalifowitz shared a personal farewell message with the community. Andrew Bergman, who previously served as Chairman of Downtown, will now take on an advisory role.
Downtown, which started in 2007, currently serves over 5,000 business clients and 4 million creators across 145 countries. The company operates in key areas like Artist & Label Services, Distribution, and Music Publishing, with a portfolio that includes FUGA, CD Baby, Downtown Music Publishing, and Songtrust.
Van Rijn’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the combination of Virgin Music Group and Downtown, preserving the individual strengths of both companies while increasing resources and technology for independent creators.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure a smooth integration while continuing to empower the global independent community.
Key comments from Virgin Music Group leadership reflect the optimism for the future:
Nat Pastor emphasized that van Rijn’s appointment is aimed at combining both companies in a thoughtful, strategic way to enhance resources and services for independent entrepreneurs.
JT Myers praised the work that Downtown has done in the music industry and expressed respect for its leadership team, pledging to back the continued success of Downtown under its new structure.
Andrew Bergman expressed pride in Downtown’s culture, noting that van Rijn represents the company’s core values of trust, partnership, and excellence.
Van Rijn’s past experience at FUGA is notable, where he expanded the company into a full-service label partner offering a wide range of services, including marketing, sync, and royalty accounting. His efforts led to significant international growth, with a footprint spanning across EMEA, North America, LATAM, and APAC.
#VirginMusicGroup #DowntownMusic #IndependentArtists #MusicIndustry #Acquisition #MusicPublishing #TechInnovation #PieterVanRijn #FUGA #MusicDistribution #ArtistServices #MusicTech
Virgin Music Group (VMG) has officially completed the acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings LLC (Downtown), combining their strengths to offer a global, all-in-one solution for independent artists, entrepreneurs, and rights holders.
This merger marks a new chapter in empowering the independent community with better services, technology, and resources.
Pieter van Rijn, who became the CEO of Downtown in 2024, has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Virgin Music Group. He will continue to be based in Amsterdam and report to co-CEOs Nat Pastor and JT Myers. Van Rijn, known for his extensive leadership at Downtown and FUGA, will oversee global operations, tech, product, and integration strategies.
His role will also ensure smooth transitions for Downtown’s clients, teams, and brands, while helping the combined business unlock new growth and collaboration opportunities.
Justin Kalifowitz, Downtown’s founder, confirmed that he is stepping away from the company, which he started in 2007. Kalifowitz shared a personal farewell message with the community. Andrew Bergman, who previously served as Chairman of Downtown, will now take on an advisory role.
Downtown, which started in 2007, currently serves over 5,000 business clients and 4 million creators across 145 countries. The company operates in key areas like Artist & Label Services, Distribution, and Music Publishing, with a portfolio that includes FUGA, CD Baby, Downtown Music Publishing, and Songtrust.
Van Rijn’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the combination of Virgin Music Group and Downtown, preserving the individual strengths of both companies while increasing resources and technology for independent creators.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure a smooth integration while continuing to empower the global independent community.
Key comments from Virgin Music Group leadership reflect the optimism for the future:
Nat Pastor emphasized that van Rijn’s appointment is aimed at combining both companies in a thoughtful, strategic way to enhance resources and services for independent entrepreneurs.
JT Myers praised the work that Downtown has done in the music industry and expressed respect for its leadership team, pledging to back the continued success of Downtown under its new structure.
Andrew Bergman expressed pride in Downtown’s culture, noting that van Rijn represents the company’s core values of trust, partnership, and excellence.
Van Rijn’s past experience at FUGA is notable, where he expanded the company into a full-service label partner offering a wide range of services, including marketing, sync, and royalty accounting. His efforts led to significant international growth, with a footprint spanning across EMEA, North America, LATAM, and APAC.
#VirginMusicGroup #DowntownMusic #IndependentArtists #MusicIndustry #Acquisition #MusicPublishing #TechInnovation #PieterVanRijn #FUGA #MusicDistribution #ArtistServices #MusicTech