Latest Music Industry Hires: Hipgnosis, Gibson, Deezer, Beatport, Utopia, More

In one of January 2024’s music industry hires and promotions, Luke Ericson (pictured) became Gibson’s COO on a permanent basis. Photo Credit: Gibson Brands

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of January 12th, 2024.If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to [email protected]. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to [email protected]. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.

Hipgnosis Songs FundSylvia Coleman has resigned from HSF’s board.

GibsonLuke Ericson, who was named Gibson’s interim COO last May, has assumed the role on a permanent basis.

DeezerDeezer has named former Meta product-marketing director Ivana Kirkbride chief commercial officer.

BeatportThe Beatport Group has elevated Matt Gralen (who will continue to fulfill his duties as CFO post-promotion) to president and boosted almost two-year team member Helen Sartory to CRO.

UtopiaApproximately three months after signing on as Utopia Music’s CEO, Nielsen vet Alain Couttolenc has been replaced by Michael Stebler, who reportedly “represents the majority shareholder group behind” Utopia.

Couttolenc has transitioned to deputy CEO and chief commercial officer, with UDS and Proper Music MD Drew Hill a deputy CEO as well. Plus, Pedro Lima, previously with NielsenIQ, is now Utopia’s COO.

AristaSony Music’s Arista has hired longtime Island marketing professional Sharon Timure as head of marketing and tapped former Glassnote publicity head Kelsey Hession to serve as its publicity lead.

ArtistVerifiedArtistVerified has announced its eight-person advisory board: Cool Sh*t, Cool People founder Maria Gironas, Everybody Ventures founder Bruce Hamilton, former Deutsche Bank higher-up Alex Medana, Ozzy Osbourne bassist Rob Nicholson, Loma Vista Recordings’ Rian Rochford, SongHub co-founder Steve Stewart, Goldman Sachs vet Michael Swell, and Michelle Yuen (formerly with Chartmetric).

Fair Trade ServicesIndie Christian music company Fair Trade Services has upped Darren Elrod from COO to president and promoted nearly two-decade team member James Rueger to chief creative officer.

US Patent & Trademark OfficeThe USPTO has brought on Sharon Israel as chief policy officer and director for international affairs, an appointment that the RIAA “welcomes.”

DistroKidDistroKid founder Philip Kaplan is exchanging his CEO post for a role as chairman, whereas COO (and CD Baby vet) Phil Bauer has become president.

ASM GlobalASM Global has hired former Live Nation exec Jason Rio as SVP of live entertainment and content development.

HeavysMetal-focused immersive-audio business Heavys has named as its chief commercial officer more than 10-year Warner Music professional Itay Rahat.

iHeartMediaiHeartMedia has announced Seth Pitkin (previously with Sinclair Broadcast Group) as market president for Des Moines. Additionally, Zann Fredlund is transitioning from iHeartMedia Seattle to begin as program director for San Antonio and Austin.

One Finnix LiveLondon-based live music agency One Finnix Live has enlisted UTA vet Bex Wedlake to serve as a U.S.-based booking agent.

EastCoast EntertainmentEntertainment agency ECE has elevated 10-year team member Kaitlin Sweeney, who’s based in Philadelphia, to managing partner.

Longborough Festival OperaEmily Gottlieb, formerly with the National Opera Studio, is officially the Longborough Festival Opera’s executive director.

Topeka Music VacationsTopeka has hired Anthony Diaz as COO and Rachel Voorhies as senior operations director, besides boosting Nicole Steed to senior marketing and community director. Each individual previously worked or consulted for Sixthman, another company from Topeka founder and head Andy Levine.