Executive Turntable: Dizzying Changes at Spinnin’ Records, Plus Ryan Seacrest Foundation Stacks Committee

Here we go again with another Executive Turntable, Billboard’s weekly compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across the music business. There’s a full slate of news this week, so let’s get started.

Warner Music Group expanded Niels Walboomers’ role as president of recorded music and publishing in Benelux to include oversight of legendary dance label Spinnin’ Records. This follows the departure of co-president Ewout Swart after 16 years with the company, having risen from royalties manager in 2009 to chief operating officer in 2016 and co-president in 2023. His exit comes shortly after Roger de Graaf, Spinnin’s co-founder, stepped down in November 2024 after 25 years with the label. Spinnin’ Records will continue to operate independently of WMG Benelux, with Walboomers working closely with Jorn Heringa on A&R activities. Founded in 1999, Spinnin’ has been a key force in the EDM industry, representing artists such as Afrojack, Martin Garrix, Tiësto and Nicky Romero. It also houses notable artist imprints, including Tiësto’s Musical Freedom and David Guetta’s Future Rave, and in 2019 launched Spinnin’ Records Asia. WMG acquired Spinnin’ in 2017, leading to co-founder Eelko van Kooten’s departure and subsequent launch of Ledo, a digital distribution platform. “With new leadership, we’re helping Spinnin’ Records write an exciting new chapter for its artists,” said Simon Robson, president of EMEA recorded music, WMG. “Niels has gone from strength to strength since joining WMG, and with his recent work with Spinnin’ Records, it was an easy decision to expand his role.”

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The Ryan Seacrest Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on inspiring youth through entertainment and education, announced new appointments to its industry advisory committee. This committee, composed of pros from music, TV, film and sports, provides expertise and resources to create experiences for young patients in children’s hospitals. New members include Dan Pearson (Lakeside Entertainment Group), Fount Lynch (WMG), Jacki Artis (UTA Foundation), Jennifer Vessio (1220 Entertainment), Jess Anderson (The Lede Company), Lisa Wolfe (Range Music), Lucas Romeo (REPUBLIC), Nicholas Fustor (WWE), Nikki Walsh (Universal Pictures) and Otis Maher (iHeartMedia). They join returning members Debra O’Connell (Disney Entertainment), Devin DeToro (Red Light), Keith Rothschild (RCA) and Scot Fink (Disney Music). The committee plays a crucial role in guiding the foundation’s initiatives, bringing talent visits to Seacrest Studios, securing behind-the-scenes content and aiding in fundraising.

SiriusXM Holdings announced the appointment of Anjali Sud as a new independent director on its board of directors, filling the vacancy left by James E. Meyer, who resigned this week. Sud, an accomplished executive in media and technology, is currently the CEO of Tubi, Fox’s free streaming service. She previously served as CEO of Vimeo, where she took the company public. Jennifer Witz, CEO of SiriusXM, praised Sud’s track record and expertise, highlighting her potential to contribute to the company “as we look to maintain our strong standing and to position ourselves for future growth.” Meyer, who joined SiriusXM in 2004 and served as CEO from 2012 to 2020, expressed pride in the company’s achievements and confidence in its future. “I am extremely proud of all that SiriusXM has accomplished since I first arrived over two decades ago, of the unparalleled audio entertainment the company delivers to listeners across North America and the value it brings to its stockholders,” he said. Witz thanked her predecessor for his commitment and contributions over the years, wishing him the best.

Chris Martignago has been promoted to vp of A&R at independent publisher Prescription Songs. Based in Nashville, he works with artists like Trent Dabbs, Anderson East, JT Daly, Nick Lobel and Tony Esterly. With over 14 years of A&R experience, Martignago began his career at Atlantic Records, where he rose to director of A&R and research, before joining Prescription Songs in 2021 as a senior A&R. Over the years, he has contributed to gold and platinum-certified hits for artists such as Paramore, Marshmello, Shinedown, Ingrid Michaelson and Saweetie, among others. Additionally, he founded HELL YES!, an online community supporting emerging songwriters, and actively volunteers with local schools and art programs. Rhea Pasricha, Prescription Songs’ head of A&R for the West Coast, praised his leadership, saying he has been instrumental in shaping the company’s roster by championing diverse talent.

Wasserman Music announced three new hires: Tim Beeding, Chloe Garcia and Doug Singer. Beeding spent 20 years at CAA and will co-lead Wasserman’s fairs and festivals division with Shannon Casey. Los Angeles-based Singer, previously partner at WME, joins Wasserman Music as vp of its global agent team. Finally, Los Angeles-based Garcia joins as director of tour marketing following a tenure as tour marketing agent at WME. Wasserman Music president Lee Anderson: “Each of them is a highly regarded leader in their area of expertise, and all of them are exceptional humans we’re proud to call colleagues and partners.” –Dave Brooks

Big Yellow Dog Music, a Nashville-based independent publishing and media rights company, announced a trifecta of promotions across its team. Jonah Gordon has been elevated to manager of sync, expanding his role in placing songs across film, TV, advertising and media. Alana Morgan steps up to coordinator of A&R, where she will focus on talent scouting and development, helping grow the company’s diverse artist and songwriter roster. Brannen Carter has advanced to catalog administrator/coordinator of label services, taking on greater responsibilities in publishing administration and label marketing. CEO and co-owner Carla Wallace praised their growth, stating, “each of these three has shown exceptional expertise, and we look forward to their contributions in 2025.” Big Yellow Dog Music boasts a catalog featuring hits performed by Meghan Trainor, Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, The Jonas Brothers, Jennifer Lopez, Hozier, Demi Lovato and more, while its sync division has secured placements with Target, Apple and more.

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Chelsea Blythe exited her role as executive vp of A&R at UMG Nashville on March 14, having joined the label in 2023. On social media, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work in Nashville, highlighting her love for country music, but that it was “time to go back to California.” Blythe thanked now-former CEO Cindy Mabe, who departed the Nashville label last month, along with artists, managers, producers, publishers and colleagues, for their support. Before UMG Nashville, Blythe was senior vp of A&R at Def Jam, leading efforts for artists like Armani White and 26AR. She began her career at Interscope Records, working with Kendrick Lamar and Rae Sremmurd, and later moved to Columbia Records, signing Symba and Baby Keem, and developing Polo G and The Kid LAROI.

AEG Presents appointed Lisa Mart as the regional general manager of indigo at The O2 and Watford Colosseum. With over 15 years of experience in live events and venue management, Mart will oversee the commercial and operational success of both venues. This role supports AEG Presents UK’s expansion of its mid-size venue portfolio, including the reopening of Watford Colosseum in 2024 and the launch of the Olympia Music Venue in 2026. Mart previously held leadership roles at ATG Entertainment and was most recently venue director at Swansea Building Society Arena. Stuart Dorn, AEG Presents UK’s group venues operations director, welcomed Mart, saying “she brings a wealth of experience, which will help with both the establishment of Watford Colosseum and the continued growth of indigo at The 02” — which is set to host over 200 show this year.

Creed Media wants to pack more punch in the U.S., appointing Lauren Camp as head of strategic partnerships in its expanding Los Angeles operation. Camp is tasked with driving new business opportunities, building partnerships with agencies and influencers, and enhancing long-term value as Creed scales in North America. With over a decade of experience in music, entertainment, tech and sports, Camp founded On Record in 2017 to support independent artists and creatives. Her firm has collaborated with hundreds of artists, brands and labels, offering counsel in branding, media relations and crisis management. She has worked with Brent Faiyaz, FNZ, Pink Sweat$, and corporate clients like Stem and LVRN. She also manages R&B artist Kyle Dion and previously held leadership roles at FYI Brand Group and Hiltzik Strategies. Based in Stockholm with branches in New York, London and elsewhere, Creed Media has orchestrated campaigns for artists like Post Malone, Beyoncé and Dua Lipa.

The Country Music Association announced a big round of promotions and hirings. Ben Balch has been promoted to vp, accounting and finance; he joined the CMA in 2013 as a senior accountant and previously worked at Tractor Supply Company. Aaron Hartley has been promoted to sr. director, business affairs, while April Edman joins as director, accounting and finance. Edman previously served as sr. director, finance at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute. Jason Rost joins as director, ticketing and premium experiences; he previously served as assistant athletic director, ticket initiatives and customer relations at Penn State University. Kevin Coffey has been promoted to director, brand partnerships development, while Meredith Goucher has been promoted to director, international relations and development. Isabel Baldinger has been promoted to marketing manager, while Anthony Sinnott has been hired as CRM Manager and Cailey Parker has been bumped up to full-time as finance operations specialist. –Jessica Nicholson

NASHVILLE NOTES: SMACK backed Mak Symmonds as director of marketing. She’ll lead strategic campaigns across the company’s management, label and publishing arms to boost the visibility of artists and songwriters like Walker Hayes and Shane McAnally. Symmonds brings seven years of experience from Piedmonte & Co., where she excelled in elevating artists’ profiles through major releases, events, partnerships, and marketing campaigns … Stem is bolstering its Nashville operations by naming Courtney Daly as director of artist and label strategy. Daly, who previously worked at Big Machine Label Group, brings nearly ten years of expertise in digital strategy, e-commerce, and DSP relations.

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Brad Banducci, the former CEO of Woolworths Group, was appointed chief executive officer of TEG, while Geoff Jones is transitioning to chairman after 14 years as CEO. Banducci, with three decades of leadership in retail and consumer sectors, follows his passion for live events in this new role. Jones, awarded the Order of Australia Medal, played a key role in transforming TEG into a global leader in ticketing, live entertainment and technology. Before joining TEG in 2007, Jones held roles at IMG, Foster’s, and served in the Australian Defence Force. TEG is owned by Silver Lake, a private equity firm focused on technology investments.

ATC Group promoted Ric Salmon to the new role of chief growth officer. Based in London, Salmon has been with ATC for a decade, managing artists like Laura Marling, Glen Hansard, and Trevor Horn. He also co-founded Driift, a BAFTA-winning livestream company now part of ATC Services. Before ATC, Salmon managed global artists such as Seal and Morrissey and held senior A&R roles at Sony Music, Ministry of Sound, and Warner Music International, working with artists like Eric Prydz, Rod Stewart and The Corrs. In his new role, Salmon will focus on expanding ATC’s full-service model through acquisitions and partnerships. ATC Group, which saw a 107% revenue increase in 2024, manages artists like Nick Cave and PJ Harvey and books shows for over 570 acts.

Round Hill Music founder and CEO Josh Gruss is opening Round Hill Music Co., a hybrid music store in Greenwich, Conn., at 398 Greenwich Ave. this May. The store is designed as a spot for musicians, collectors and fans of all stripes, blending tasty guitars, curated vinyl, apparel and other goods into an immersive environment. Conceived as a personal passion project by Gruss, the store aims to bridge the gap between serious musicians and casual listeners. Located a couple minutes from the Greenwich train station, it features listening stations and what it describes as an “inviting layout for effortless music discovery.” Gruss, who moonlights as guitarist in the rock band Rubikon, said he was inspired by his favorite music stores as a kid, including the sadly-gone block of instrument shops on 48th Street in NYC and record shops like Tower Records and Long Island Sound. Round Hill Music Co. will also feature a live performance stage for small concerts and events.

The Core Records appointed Zach Siegal-Eisman as head of audience development and insights. With over 15 years of experience in entertainment marketing, Los Angeles-based Siegal-Eisman will focus on digital strategy, audience growth and fan engagement for the label’s artists. He has worked with acts like Nickelback, John Fogerty and HARDY, holding leadership roles at Artist Network Management, Crowd Surf and Big Loud Rock, among other companies. Co-founders Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman praised his expertise in artist development, asserting “it will be instrumental in maximizing fan engagement and artist impact.” Founded in 2019 with Live Nation, The Core Entertainment represents artists such as Bailey Zimmerman, Nickelback and Nate Smith. In 2023, it launched The Core Records with Universal Music to develop and support new talent using UMG’s global reach.

Jeremy Heffner launched Third Generation Music Group (TGMG), a new music company that includes a record label, music publishing, and artist management. With a decade of experience at Universal Music Group’s UMe division and ABKCO Music & Records, Heffner oversaw physical production, digital releases, and licensing. TGMG aims to partner with artists rather than operate as a traditional label, focusing on amplifying creative voices. The initial roster features Texas-born singer-songwriter Bennett Woolsey, indie folk/pop artist Clint., and Brooklyn-based rock band Thesaurus Rex. Heffner stated, “Our hope is to help our artists get their voices heard, aid the creative process and have the world recognize their efforts.”

Quinn Kaemmer launched communications, creative consulting and media relations firm The Quinntessential. Kaemmer previously led the communications department at Big Machine Label Group, spearheading efforts for artists including Riley Green and Jackson Dean. Prior to joining BMLG in 2022, Kaemmer rose through the ranks at BBR Music Group, working with artists including Lainey Wilson and Parmalee. –J.N.

ICYMI:

David Kramer will become CEO of UTA in June, succeeding co-founder and longtime leader Jeremy Zimmer. Zimmer, who has served as CEO since 2012, will transition to a role as board member and executive chairman. Paul Wachter will continue as chairman of the board … Audacy unveiled several executive changes, appointing Kelli Turner as president and CEO, Chris Oliviero as chief business officer, and Bob Philips as chief revenue officer. [Keep Reading]

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