Gotobeat head of festivals Mike Lightford (left) and CEO Max Busin. Photo Credit: Gotobeat
Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of September 4th, 2026.
If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.
AEG Presents Germany
AEG Presents has opened “a dedicated office” in Berlin and tapped Sound of Nashville founder Sina Hall to serve as senior promoter.
Gotobeat
Ahead of its planned double-weekend festival at Beckenham Place Park in July 2027, Gotobeat has added Vision Nine vet Mike Lightford as head of festivals.
Vandall
Music collaboration platform Vandall has announced its advisory board, featuring: ex-Sony Music Finland CEO Wemppa Koivumäki; Henri Lanz, previously CEO of Sony Music Finland and Baltics; former Teosto CEO Katri Sipilä; Music Tech Europe co-founder and Copyright Delta higher-up Turo Pekari; and former Utopia Music exec Petri Rahja.
Additionally, Bas Grasmayer, previously COLORSxSTUDIOS’ head of platform management, has joined Vandall “to work across product and growth.”
Xelon
Melbourne-headquartered distributor Xelon has opened a UK office and disclosed several hires.
In London, former Believe editorial and marketing partnerships manager Jack Lawrenson is in place as global streaming manager, while former New State Entertainment GM Darren Latimer is aboard as UK/Europe label manager.
Additionally, Hamburg-based Gareth Davies, “at the London hub on a regular basis,” is now head of global business development.
Finally, in New York, Armada Music and RCA vet Giancarlo Cordasco is now U.S. partnerships manager.
Warner Music Group
WMG has launched Warner Records Germany and confirmed longtime WM Central Europe higher-up Lea Londa as director.
Meanwhile, Mateusz Smółka, most recently in charge of Spotify’s editorial strategy across Southern and Eastern Europe, will begin as Warner Music Eastern Europe’s first MD on September 7th.
Mattel
Former Iconic Artists Group SVP Sam Juneman is officially Mattel’s head of music and will look “to make music a bigger piece of Mattel’s franchise strategy across content, products, marketing, and experiences.”
Paladin Artists
In Nashville, Paladin Artists has welcomed longtime agent (and Emo Orchestra producer) Ben Mench-Thurlow to its team.