Burgess, Wasserman, RCA, BMG Make Executive Moves

Wasserman Music executive vice president and managing executive Corrie Martin is retiring after a 30-year career in the live music industry. Martin helped guide a diverse roster including Imagine Dragons, Janet Jackson, Deftones, Sublime, Avenged Sevenfold, Incubus and more. She began her career at The Tahoe Agency, later founded Fierce Talent, and went on to roles at The Agency Group, APA — where she discovered Imagine Dragons — and Paradigm, before joining Wasserman following its 2021 acquisition of Paradigm’s music division. The company said Martin will stay on a few weeks to help with the transition. “Corrie’s influence on Wasserman Music is immeasurable,” said Lee Anderson, president of Wasserman Music. “Her leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to artists have left a lasting legacy. She will be deeply missed.”

Photo: Wasserman Music execs Kelly Weiss and Corrie Martin at the Billboard Women In Music event on March 6, 2024 in Inglewood, California.

Jerome Porritt has been appointed head of A&R at RCA Records UK, reporting to co-presidents Glyn Aikins and Stacey Tang. Bringing more than a decade of A&R experience, Porritt previously served as head of A&R at Warner Records and Parlophone UK. At RCA, he will oversee artist signings and creative development, leading a team behind key 2025 wins including JADE’s debut, Bring Me The Horizon, Cat Burns and Myles Smith. At Warner and Parlophone, Porritt helped deliver platinum hits such as Max Dean’s “Can’t Decide,” Disco Lines’ “Broke Boys” and The Blessed Madonna’s “Happier,” and played a key role in signing Chase & Status, Luude, Steel Banglez and MIST.

Peermusic has appointed Erik Brataas as managing director Norway and head of Northern European administration. Based in Norway and reporting to Nigel Elderton, Brataas will do as his title suggests: oversee the company’s Northern European administration and lead operations for Peermusic Norway. A veteran executive with more than 30 years in the Norwegian music industry, Brataas has held leadership roles spanning licensing, digital distribution, publishing and collective rights management. He co‑founded Arctic Rights Management in 2018, which became one of Norway’s leading music publishers before its acquisition by Peermusic in 2023, adding 5,000-plus works and expanding the company’s global footprint. Brataas most recently served as CEO of Polaris Hub, negotiating digital licensing agreements across the Nordics with Apple, Spotify and other tech giants. His earlier career includes senior roles at FONO and Phonofile, where he helped build the Nordics’ largest digital distributor. Brataas succeeds Kerstin Mangert, who guided the integration of Arctic Rights into Peermusic. “Erik’s knowledge of the local market and deep understanding of digital rights will create value for our writers in Norway and around the world,” said Mary Megan Peer, CEO of Peermusic.

BMG appointed Jasper Niebuhr as its new managing director, GSA, effective Feb. 1. In the role, Niebuhr will lead the company’s integrated recorded music and music publishing operations in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Based in Berlin, he will report to Alistair Norbury, president, UK, APAC & EU. He succeeds Marc John, who left BMG at the end of last year. Niebuhr will be tasked with accelerating BMG’s objections in the GSA market, which is the company’s third-largest worldwide, after the United States and the United Kingdom. He was previously co-founder and managing director of Neubau Music, a management, label and publishing company. “We are pleased to welcome Jasper to the BMG leadership team,” said Norbury in a statement. “His entrepreneurial drive and deep-rooted industry knowledge, combined with his experience in building an independent music company like Neubau, make him exceptionally well suited to lead BMG in the evolving GSA market. We are confident that Jasper will build on our strong foundation while pioneering new opportunities and innovative strategies for our artists and songwriters across the region.” –Chris Eggertsen

Melanie Geiger as director of Atlantic Records Germany, succeeding Tun Schumacher, who exits the Warner Music Central Europe imprint by mutual agreement. Geiger, who joined Warner in 2017, has held several roles and was most recently director of distribution services hip‑hop at ADA, where she signed acts including Azet x Dardan, Lucio101 and Nimo, and worked with artists such as Ayliva and Katja Krasavice. Her first move in the new role is signing German rap artist Bobby Vandamme (pictured with Geiger) to a long‑term deal — the first signing under her leadership and a key step in the label’s next phase. Founded in 2021, Atlantic Records Germany has focused primarily on German rap and hip‑hop, with a roster that includes Charlize, Junge Arbeiter, Stickle and Yung Hurn. “In Melanie Geiger, we have found the ideal candidate,” said Niels Walboomers, president of Warner Music Central Europe. “She combines cultural relevance with an instinctive flair for new talent. After nearly ten years with Warner Music, she is the perfect choice to consistently evolve the standards of the global Atlantic Records brand within the German market.”

Primary Wave Music has promoted Alexandria “Lexi” Todd to deputy chief operating officer as she marks 10 years with the company, where she began as a legal intern in 2016. Todd, formerly vp of business and legal affairs, has been instrumental in biz development, operations and major catalog acquisitions — work that earned her recognition on Billboard’s “Women in Music” list and its “40 Under 40” ranking. In her new role, she will work closely with COO Ramon Villa on day‑to‑day operations, oversee aspects of the company’s acquisitions pipeline and take on expanded management responsibilities to improve efficiency and advance companywide initiatives. Todd will also continue leading select high‑value catalog deals; in recent years, she has overseen acquisitions for the estates of the Notorious B.I.G., Itzhak Perlman and others, closing more than $230 million in deals in the past year alone, according to the company.

Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light LLP has elevated Audrey Benoualid to equity partner, effective immediately, making her the youngest equity partner at the entertainment law firm. Her practice spans catalog acquisitions, touring, publishing, brand partnerships, merchandise and recorded music, representing clients such as Tate McRae, Sevdaliza, Karri and Alicia Creti. She also works with top songwriters and producers including Leland, Leroy Clampitt and Annie Schindel, negotiating high-dollar publishing deals and handling transactions across music, fashion, branding and film/TV.  “Audrey has been an exceptional leader within our firm, and her promotion reflects both her remarkable legal skill and the deep trust our clients place in her,” said Eric Greenspan, founding partner. “She has built an impressive practice representing both emerging talent and established artists across every facet of the music business.”

Andre Galuban, head of music and creative industries trade commissioner at the Canadian Consulate in Los Angeles, and Corey Crossfield, who has held digital marketing roles at ROSTR, Red Light Management and more, have co-founded Out In Music, a new professional-first LGBTQIA+ network. Members will have access to monthly events including mixers and educational sessions, as well as an annual mentorship program connecting mentors and mentees. Out In Music will host the Lavender List Awards celebrating LGBTQIA+ music executives during Grammy Week.

Cassie Wright is set to join the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Foundation, as the organization’s new executive director, beginning April 1. Wright will succeed Nancy Cardwell, who is retiring after 10 years with the IBMA Foundation and 20 years at the IBMA previously. Cardwell will remain as a consultant through June 2026. Wright is a banjo and dobro player who also co-leads the Fox Crossing Stringband. Wright is also 2024 graduate of the IBMA’s Leadership Bluegrass program and is a member of the Northern Illinois Bluegrass Association’s board of directors. Wright has served as a cultural diplomat on the U.S. State Department tours to Kazakhstan and Mexico with the Bluegrass Ambassadors (The Henhouse Prowlers). Additionally, Wright manages the Bluegrass Chicago website, which promotes live bluegrass and old-time music in the region, and has served as senior director of operations for the nonprofit Education Development Center. Wright holds a master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy from the University of Nebraska, Omaha; a bachelor of arts in communication from DePaul University, and a project management certification from Cornell University. –Jessica Nicholson

The Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) has appointed its 2026 board of directors, naming Everlasting Records CEO Mark Kitcatt as its new chair. WIN also welcomed three new board members: David Barnes of Rhymesayers Entertainment as director, and Mark Meyer of Random Sounds and Sarah Kesselman of Neon Gold Records as observers. Cecilia Crespo of ASIAr and newly appointed A2IM CEO Ian Harrison stepped up from observer roles, while Maria Amato of AIR was re‑elected treasurer … The Country Music Association likewise announced its 2026 Board of Directors, adding industry leaders including Warner Chappell Music president Austen Adams, songwriter‑producer Barry Dean, Spotify’s Tim Foisset, YouTube/Google’s Margaret Hart, Big Loud’s Sara Knabe, Lainey Wilson tour manager Meg Miller, Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey and C3 Presents partner Charlie Walker.

AEG Presents has expanded its global touring division with four key staffing moves. Caleb Merrell and Laurel Hilburn have been elevated from tour directors to senior tour directors, with Merrell reporting to svp of production and direct support Jonathan Baden and Hilburn to svp of touring Jenny Heifetz Henault. Former Live Nation tour marketer Ryan Erickson joins as senior director of marketing, while Emily Harenza, previously a project manager at Paramount, steps in as director of digital marketing. Erickson will be based in Los Angeles, and Harenza in New York. The expanded team will lead touring operations, marketing strategy and digital campaigns across AEG’s global roster. “Laurel and Caleb have played integral roles in our touring operation, and we’re proud to promote them to Senior Directors,” said Rich Schaefer, global touring president. “We’re equally excited to welcome Ryan and Emily’s expertise to the marketing team, a group that continuously innovates in service of our artists and their tours.”

Damai International has named Kevin Morrow president of its U.S. business, where he will lead operations and drive growth in artist development, touring and promotion between Asia and the United States. He brings extensive leadership experience, having overseen talent at The House of Blues Company, served as president of Live Nation’s New York offices, and co‑founded Steel Wool Entertainment & Media in 2011. Morrow joins a U.S. leadership team that includes former Live Nation president Jason Miller and Steel Wool execs Tyler Rutkin, Austin Chee and Harrison Chu.

Caldecott Music Group has appointed Dani Deahl as vice president of creator policy and corporate affairs, a new role that strengthens the company’s focus on responsible, creator‑first growth. Deahl will also continue as head of communications and creator insights at BandLab Technologies, CMG’s digital division. An artist and longtime advocate for musicians’ rights, she has been a leading voice on ethical AI and creator protections, helping BandLab become the first music creation platform to endorse the Human Artistry Campaign and later testifying in support of Illinois’ landmark AI‑rights legislation. Since joining BandLab in 2022, she has shaped its global communications strategy and positioned the company at the forefront of music‑creation technology. Deahl previously held editorial and leadership roles at The Verge and Output.

Industry veteran Channing Mitzell has joined Electric Feel as vice president of digital marketing, where he’ll spearhead marketing strategy and execution across the label’s roster (which just added 1900Rugrat). In this LA-based role, he will oversee campaigns from concept through launch and help develop innovative, artist‑first marketing approaches. Mitzell joins from Artist Partner Group, where he led marketing for a roster of pop and singer‑songwriter acts, and previously worked across artist management, label services and distribution at Downtown Artist & Label Services and Hills Artists. He began his career at CAA Nashville, maintaining strong ties to Music City.

Milestone Collective has elevated Maggie Coyle to publicist. Coyle, who joined the firm as an intern in 2024 before advancing to associate publicist, has contributed to campaigns for a wide-ranging roster that includes Lonestar, Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, Phil Vassar and Myles Morgan … At Curb Records, Samantha DePrez has been promoted to senior director of promotion, rising from her previous role as director of midwest promotion … The Academy of Country Music has made several staffing changes: Elizabeth Hagler joined as head of operations, people & culture after serving as HR manager at Parking Management Company; Julie Alcaraz becomes senior accountant, coming from her role as director of accounts receivable at Concord Music Group; and at ACM’s charitable arm, ACM Lifting Lives, Brooke Boyd has been promoted from assistant to coordinator.

Halloran Farkas + Kittila LLP has expanded its national footprint with a new Los Angeles office on the Sunset Strip, launching a dedicated entertainment practice led by attorney Bradfield Biggers. Bringing deep experience in corporate finance, private equity and M&A, Biggers advises creators, investors and companies across entertainment, technology and finance. His work spans cross‑border music catalog acquisitions, rights administration, interactive media deals and serving as outside business and legal affairs counsel. Prior to joining HF+K, Biggers clocked time at Raines Feldman Littrell and McDermott Will & Emery.

Angela Abbott has been appointed vice president of music licensing and strategy at TouchTunes, where she will oversee music strategy, licensing and operations for nearly 100,000 connected jukeboxes and entertainment devices. She brings over a decade of experience from senior roles at Pandora, TIDAL and Soundstripe. At Pandora, she helped launch the company’s on‑demand service and shaped direct licensing and publishing strategies during the Music Modernization Act transition, while at TIDAL she led major‑label negotiations and supported artist‑centric and emerging‑technology initiatives. Abbott also serves in leadership roles with Women in Music and is active in industry advocacy.

Tiny Vinyl, which manufactures pocket-sized playable records, is expanding to Europe and the United Kingdom this year and has appointed Ruben Planting to oversee the rollout. Planting has previously held leadership positions at Deepgrooves Vinyl Pressing, Making Vinyl, Music Declares Emergency Netherlands, Four Framed and more. Tiny Vinyl collectibles boast two singles on a 4-inch vinyl disc. The company’s initial series of releases included music by Chappell Roan, Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Gracie Abrams and Tate McRae. They are available in all Target stores in the U.S., among other retailers. “Ruben brings a wealth of experience in international music distribution and revenue growth strategies and is uniquely positioned to connect U.S. innovation and European retail,” said Tiny Vinyl founders Neil Kohler and Jesse Mann in a statement. “By connecting with the resurgent European vinyl market, he will continue our success abroad with dedicated partnerships with retailers and bespoke editions for artist fan clubs, gifting, and tours.” –Chris Eggertsen

Los Angeles–based 72 Music Mgmt. (72MM) has expanded its team and launched a new producer and engineer division, marking the biggest growth in its 13-year history. The new division debuts with a cross-genre roster of Grammy-winning and nominated talent, and will be co-led by incoming executive Sam Seifert, who joins as co-manager after years with Lightnin Management, where he oversaw Asleep at the Wheel and Heartless Bastards. 72MM has also hired Gil Gastelum, founder of Cosmica Artists, as vice president and artist manager. Gastelum brings decades of experience working with artists including Gaby Moreno and Carla Morrison.

Kevin Weaver was promoted to president of Atlantic Music Group, advancing from his role as president of Atlantic Records, West Coast … BMI appointed Todd Horvath as president and COO, effective Jan. 26, with Horvath reporting to CEO Mike O’Neill … At SoundCloud, industry veteran Maurice Slade is elevated to head of music after nearly four years with the company … Finally some housekeeping — Warner Music Group named longtime Billboard editor Hannah Karp (pictured) its new executive vice president and chief communications officer. Replacing Karp at Billboard: Jason Lipshutz and Leila Cobo, as co-chief content officers.