Executive Turntable: TikTok Music Stategist Joins Warner’s ADA, Plus UK Charts Hub Elects Chairman
Welcome to a sopping edition of Executive Turntable, Billboard’s comprehensive(ish) compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across music. It’s Julie Greenwald‘s last Friday as chair and CEO of Atlantic Music Group — read her farewell letter to staff here. Carry on for [mostly] good news but also check out Billboard‘s just-released annual list of Latin music’s most powerful executives, plus our weekly interview series spotlighting a single executive, our helpful calendar of notable events, and have you ever wanted to look at tchotchkes inside the office of an executive while reading their in-depth answers to the most important questions facing the biz? From the Desk Of is probably your jam.
Warner Music Group appointed Corey Sheridan as global head of commerce and revenue for ADA, the company’s independent label and artist services division. Sheridan, until recently the head of music partnerships at TikTok, will manage ADA’s commercial strategy, working to drive revenue and optimize music releases. The Los Angeles-based exec reports to ADA president Cat Kreidich. At TikTok, Sheridan played a crucial role in the platform’s music strategy, overseeing the creation of the TikTok Charts feature and securing partnerships with Billboard, Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. His first role at TikTok was as head of music for North America, from April 2019 until February of the last year. Prior to TikTok, Sheridan held leadership roles at UnitedMasters, SoundCloud and Sony’s The Orchard. His work has earned recognition on Billboard’s 2020 Impact list and the 2019 Digital Power Players list. Kreidich praised Sheridan for his visionary leadership over the years, particularly in anticipating industry trends, and highlighted his deep passion for indie music and extensive digital and social experience as key assets for ADA’s future success. Sheridan lauded ADA’s “clear vision and unmatched drive to strengthen what a distribution company can offer.”
Drew Hill, CEO of Proper Group’s distribution division, was elected chairman of the Official Charts Company, which compiles the UK’s music and video sales data. Hill succeeds Sony Music senior director of commercial analytics Charlotte de Burgh-Holder, taking on the non-executive role starting Sept. 29. He represents ERA, the Digital Entertainment & Retail Association, which co-owns the Official Charts Company with BPI. As chairman, Hill will work closely with CEO Martin Talbot to shape the company’s strategy and chair the Official Charts board. With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment sector, including roles at Walt Disney and Curb Records, Hill now leads Proper Group’s distribution division. He recently oversaw the launch of the UK’s largest warehouse for physical music and video. Talbot praised Hill’s wide-ranging industry experience, noting it makes him well-suited for the role “as we continue to evolve all that the Official Charts does and stands for – and prepares for the next phase in its development.”
Warner Chappell Music promoted A&R executive Spencer Nohe to vp of A&R. During his career, Nohe has worked with artists including Thomas Rhett, Alysa Vanderheym, Brittney Spencer and Conner Smith. He joined WCM Nashville in 2020 as director of A&R and previously worked at Curb/Word Entertainment and BMI. Nohe will continue to report to Ben Vaughn, president and CEO of WCM Nashville, who called him a “true, thoughtful music professional.” –Jessica Nicholson
Universal Music Greater China senior vp Gary Chan has been tasked with helming a new label specifically covering China’s Greater Bay Area, which includes both Hong Kong and Macau and is home to more than 86 million people. The new imprint, Universal Music China Greater Bay Area, has its headquarters in Shenzhen and will focus on discovering and nurturing local talent. “We eagerly anticipate welcoming the outstanding talents from this region to join us in driving forward, the next era of Chinese pop music,” said Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of UMGC. “In this pursuit, we are setting our sights on transforming the GBA into a trendsetting hub that epitomizes creativity, vitality, and connectivity, crafting fresh musical expressions and innovative entertainment experiences.”
Big Machine Label Group appointed Andi Brooks as director of streaming for The Valory Music Co, effective immediately. Previously the director of Southwest promotion & marketing at Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment (formerly BMLG Records), Brooks will now collaborate with VMC’s streaming partners to strategize and promote both new releases and existing catalog. She reports to VMC president George Briner and svp of digital & promotion Ashley Sidoti. Brooks joined BMLG Records in 2019, following a successful career in radio and morning television in Madison, WI. “Her enthusiasm and passion for music, along with her desire and drive to be the best in the streaming world makes her a great addition,” said Briner.
Distribution and retail brand Fat Beats appointed industry veteran Rob Caiaffa as its new head of marketing. Caiaffa will oversee Fat Beats’ marketing efforts during a time of growth and expansion, as the brand celebrates its 30th anniversary. His role will focus on enhancing Fat Beats’ market positioning and strengthening relationships with artists and industry partners. Caiaffa brings two decades of experience from previous senior positions at companies like SoundCloud, Motown Records and Def Jam Recordings. At SoundCloud, he played a key role in launching initiatives like the Fresh Press artist interviews and the CloudBar industry insights program, and worked on strategic partnerships with major brands like SiriusXM and Pandora. Caiaffa said his goal at his new gig is upholding Fat Beats’ legacy while exploring innovative new opportunities for the brand’s future.
Jon Borris joined The Core Records as general manager, where he will oversee the label’s day-to-day operations, focusing on artist strategy, A&R, marketing and distribution. He joins the label following a six-year tenure at Republic Records, where he worked with artists including Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, Drake and Ariana Grande. Prior to Republic, Borris spent two decades at Sony Music Entertainment. Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Simon Tikhman launched The Core Records in 2023. -J.N.
Outback Presents appointed Joel Bachkoff as senior vp of comedy, marking a key addition to the company’s growing funny business. Bachkoff will focus on developing the careers of comedy talent, guiding them from clubs to theaters and eventually arenas, while cementing their long-term success. With decades of experience in the comedy industry, Bachkoff’s career began at the club level and expanded to owning and operating multiple comedy, music, and restaurant venues across Arizona, Florida, and California. His expertise and innovative approach have made him a respected leader in the field. Outback Presents co-CEOs, Brian Dorfman and Michael Smardak, expressed their excitement about Bachkoff joining the team, with Smardak saying he’s “thankful to be able to work with Brian and Joel who have dedicated their careers to comedy.” Reach Bachkoff at joel.bachkoff@outbackpresents.com.
Dhar Mann Studios, a leading digital content company, appointed Sean Atkins as president and COO. Atkins, a media industry veteran with experience at Jellysmack, MTV, and Discovery, joins to drive the company’s growth and expansion into new business lines. Dhar Mann Studios produces scripted content, generating over 6.7 billion views in the past year, the company said. Atkins will oversee its Burbank production facility and lead efforts to broaden the company’s reach, including live events, merchandising, publishing, and partnerships, with representation from CAA. As president of DMS, Atkins has already launched the 5th Quarter Agency, a new creator-services division to help top creators monetize their content on YouTube. Dhar Mann, the company’s founder, sees Atkins as key to accelerating the company’s mission-driven growth. “Together, we’re set to advance our mission of using media to make a positive global impact, while we propel the company into this next stage of unprecedented growth,” he said.
Align PR is expanding its music and Latin teams with the addition of Lauren Morris-Ruff and Erica Goldish in Los Angeles, Victoire Selce and Nick Vinci in New York City, and Justin Tejada in Miami — all with strong backgrounds covering labels, agencies and various markets. Align’s client roster includes heavy-hitters like Madonna, Demi Lovato, Zayn Malik, Lil Wayne, Lea Michele and Nicky Jam, among others. Co-founder Nicole Perez-Krueger expressed excitement about the company’s growth, noting how the varied experiences of the new team members — Morris-Ruff at PMK*BNC, Goldish at Shore Fire, Selce at Wasserman, Vinci at 10K Projects and Tejada at Acoustyle — enhance the firm’s culture and storytelling abilities. The music department will continue to collaborate with longtime staff members such as Nicole Perez-Krueger, Brit Reece, Cait Bailey, Paul Samaha, Alec Huerta, Trixie Richter and Isa Perez.
ICYMI:
Elektra veteran Gregg Nadel was appointed co-chair and co-president of Warner Music Nashville, replacing Ben Kline to work alongside co-head Cris Lacy … Universal Music Group Nashville appointed Robert Kilduff as chief financial officer … Several staffers at CMT have been let go … and Dickon Stainer was appointed chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK, succeeding David Joseph, who announced a day before that he was stepping down from the role after almost 17 years at the wheel. [MORE]
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