Leadership Shifts and New Roles Across the Music Landscape
Recent developments in the music industry have highlighted a variety of significant personnel changes. Chris Granger, who took over as OVG’s interim CEO after Tim Leiweke’s July indictment, has now been appointed to the position permanently. With Leiweke receiving a pardon, it appears unlikely he will make a return to the company, as OVG has removed his name from its website and is focusing on achieving strong outcomes under Granger’s leadership.
In a notable closure, Skyline Artists Agency is shutting down after 35 years of operations. Founder Bruce Houghton will remain active in the industry, contributing to Hypebot and serving as a senior advisor for Bandsintown. The agency’s agents have moved on to new positions, with Andrea Sabata joining the Kurland Agency, Mark Lourie at Madison House, and James Leslie and Ben Rossman at Dynamic Talent International.
In the tech sphere, TikTok has appointed Ziad Ojakli as head of public policy for the Americas. Ojakli previously held the position of EVP of government operations at Boeing, indicating a strong focus on navigating regulatory landscapes.
Warner Music Group’s CEO Robert Kyncl has made adjustments to his compensation package, dividing a planned stock option into three segments, each linked to specific share-price goals.
iHeartMedia’s Power 105.1 has made key promotions, naming DJ Prostyle as assistant program director and promoting Symantha Wilson to music director while also maintaining her role as producer for The Breakfast Club.
In a move to strengthen its global copyright efforts, SMP has elevated Jeff Smarr to senior vice president. Meanwhile, Atlantic Screen Group has promoted Rupert Hollier to COO and Rosie Hill to president of Nightjar Music, with Tom Paul joining as creative sync manager.
Greg Goodfried, previously with DamGood Management, has started a new role at Creative Artists Agency as an agent for digital creators and podcasters. Jamie Guggenheim will also join CAA as an agent.
The American Association of Independent Music has promoted Lisa Hresko to COO, while the Foundation of Independent Music has appointed her as its first president.
Rob Markus has taken on the role of head of international music at WME, having been a partner and agent for over 20 years. MusicNation has confirmed Aisha Salem-Howey as its new general counsel, a noteworthy addition given her extensive experience as an IP attorney.
Looking at upcoming transitions, Zac Coughlin, currently CFO of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger’s parent company, will join SiriusXM in the same role starting January 1st. Additionally, William Willms is set to become the CFO of CTS Eventim in 2026.
In personnel changes at Big Loud Records, Lucy Bartozzi has exited her role as marketing VP just months after joining. HHBC has elevated John Huelsman to president, with founder Becky Harris now serving as CEO.
Betty Sanders, chief people officer at Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy, will retire at the end of the year after four decades with the firm. Big Loud’s rock imprint has added LA-based Brien Terranova and Chicago-based Dave Derkowski as senior directors of promotion.
James Patterson, after a consultancy period, has been appointed COO at ATC Group. The board has also welcomed Lewis Silkin partner Cliff Fluet as a non-executive director. Townsend announced Mike Walsh as a D2C sales and product consultant following his role as executive producer for The Money Trench.
Bruce Moran, who has been with Live Nation, has transitioned to executive chairman of the Latin touring division. Peermusic has recruited Alex Black, a veteran from Hipgnosis/Big Deal, as its new A&R VP. Warner Music’s Atlantic Music Group has also promoted Dave Rocco from creative president to chief creative officer.
Lastly, Phonographic Performance Limited has appointed Anne-Marie Pearce as CFO, adding to the roster of changes within the industry.