Latest Music Industry Hires: WMG, UMG, SESAC, BandLab, More

Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of October 2nd, 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.

Warner Music Group

Following a recorded-leadership shakeup, Warner Music has tapped KYN Entertainment co-founder Sonny Takhar to serve as chairman and CEO of Warner Music UK & Ireland beginning next year.

Meanwhile, Warner Music Mexico has elevated the “widely admired” Yusim Aladro, who joined the major as marketing director at 2026’s start, to GM.

(“Yesterday in the Los Angeles office we held the first summit of Mexican music,” Aladro wrote on LinkedIn. “The objective is clear: to seek the integration of all territories to ensure that our artists become global!!”)

Finally, Warner Music Central Europe has welcomed Berlin-based Nici Ochmann, most recently an Adidas marketing exec, as its first head of culture and creator marketing.

SESAC

SESAC’s Music Services has added FUGA vet Nick LaPointe as senior director of business development.

Jay Sudarma, for his part, has been elevated to marketing VP at Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI); the longtime SESAC team member is also taking on the same role at Music Services.

PRS for Music

Former Premiership Rugby CEO Darren Childs and ex-Paramount higher-up Maria Kyriacou have joined PRS as independent non-executive directors.

Universal Music Group

Next month, Libby Bush will come aboard Patrick Whitesell-partnered UMG as president of global brands and commercial partnerships. In the newly created role, the now-former CAA exec “will lead a new global function that brings together UMG’s brands, media, and commercial partnership businesses.”

Additionally, Òscar Celma, previously a machine-learning and data specialist with Pandora, Spotify, and most recently Condé Nast, is officially UMG’s SVP of applied AI and machine learning.

And after more than two decades with the major, Frank Briegmann has been promoted to chairman and CEO of Universal Music Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Deutsche Grammophon.

Lastly, uncomfirmed rumblings of layoffs are emanating out of Universal Music Canada, with Billboard pointing to a 6-7% reduction late Friday (October 2nd).

7cult Records

Dalton Piché’s 7cult Records has formally debuted and brought on artist manager Maria Rodigan as SVP.

Ahdritz Capital Partners

Willard Ahdritz has launched Ahdritz Capital Partners with Stockholm-based Isabel Keulen and New York-based Stephen Langer (formerly a Lazard VP) in place as investment partners.

SoundExchange

SoundExchange has announced former CMRRA president Paul Shaver as its business development SVP.

BandLab

BandLab Technologies president Ivan Chen has shifted to CEO; co-founder and existing CEO Meng Ru Kuok has become executive chairman and will continue leading the overarching Caldecott Music Group.

AMRA

AMRA COO Robin Davies will become CEO in the new year, succeeding Tomas Ericsson, who’s transitioning to board chairman after 13 years at the helm.

Create Music Group

Create has hired former Willkie Farr and Paul Hastings attorney Hayley Silvertown as chief legal and business affairs officer.

Live Nation

Chewy general counsel Da-Wai Hu is set to join Live Nation next month, replacing longtime legal chief Michael Rowles, who will step into a senior advisory role.

Webern Chamber Philharmonic

The University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna has announced veteran conductor Marin Alsop as the Webern Chamber Philharmonic’s artistic director.

Chrysalis Records/Blue Raincoat Music

Reservoir’s Chrysalis and Blue Raincoat have confirmed Steve Lamacq as curator, new music and talent development; the just-established consultancy role will see the longtime broadcaster “help discover, champion and develop emerging talent.”

California Bluegrass Association

The CBA has added IBMA Leadership Bluegrass graduate Helen Foley as executive director.

Audacy

In South Florida, Audacy’s 104.3 WQAM has elevated Alejandro Solana to assistant brand manager.