Executive Turntable: Concord Promotes Its Fearless Leader — Plus, Tiny Tenure for Kennedy Center Programmer

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Your weekly roundup of promotions, hires and exits across music. This go-round? Big moves at BMI, Live Nation, Warner Chappell, BMG, Wasserman and more.

Concord has promoted Andy Serrao to chief creative officer of Concord Label Group, where he will oversee A&R and strategic marketing across Concord Records, Fearless Records and Rounder Records.

Serrao, who joined Fearless shortly after its 2015 acquisition by Concord and later became its co-president, has helped guide successful campaigns for Ice Nine Kills, I Prevail, Pierce the Veil and The Pretty Reckless. Prior to Fearless, he logged time in the A&R departments at Atlantic/Roadrunner Records and Pure Noise.

He’ll report to Concord Label Group CEO Tom Becci and continue to be based out of the company’s Los Angeles office.

“Andy’s success at Fearless over the past seven years, along with his ability to build and lead an exceptional team and artist roster, made him the clear choice for this role,” Becci said. “He embodies the kind of creative leadership we value – hands-on, intentional and grounded. I’m excited to watch him step into this challenging new position.”

His promotion comes as BMG Rights Management is in active negotiations to acquire Concord, with both companies said to be working through equity and stock components of a potential deal that could exceed $6.6 billion and would require regulatory approval.

“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead the wider CLG team in work I truly believe in – supporting artists, serving music fans and helping connect with the next generation of the two in meaningful ways,” said Serrao in a statement. “We’re fortunate to be stewards of the careers of Concord Label Group’s artists, past, present and future, and of their music. At the end of the day, our success comes from a shared vision and commitment to our artists and to one another. We have no choice but to do work that makes them both proud.”

Check out a stacked rundown of this week’s staffing news below:

Pam Schoenfeld (BMI)

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BMI has appointed Pam Schoenfeld as its new senior vp and chief legal officer, reporting to CEO Mike O’Neill and based in New York. She succeeds longtime executive Stuart Rosen, who will remain as svp, senior legal advisor until his planned retirement on June 30. Schoenfeld joins BMI with extensive experience in global legal operations across music, technology and digital platforms, having previously served as general counsel at TouchTunes, chief legal officer at Radancy, and in senior roles at DoubleClick/Google overseeing licensing and M&A. “Her leadership will help strengthen BMI’s mission to protect and champion our songwriters, composers and publishers, and the advocacy work we do on their behalf,” O’Neill said of the Fordham Law grad.
Fabiano De Queiroz (Live Nation)

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Live Nation has appointed Fabiano De Queiroz as svp of global touring, Latin America, boosting its touring strategy across one of the world’s fastest‑growing live regions. Based in Los Angeles, De Queiroz will work across Latin American markets to expand touring pipelines of talent and support both established and emerging hubs as Live Nation continues investing in regional infrastructure. He joins the company after more than 17 years at MOVE Concerts, where he served as vp of talent and booking and oversaw booking and marketing operations across Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Puerto Rico and other markets. His experience includes major global events such as Rock in Rio and the FIFA World Cup. “Latin America continues to shape the global touring calendar in a major way,” said Omar Al-joulani, president of touring, Live Nation Concerts. “Fabiano’s leadership will support our continued investment in the region as we expand opportunities for artists and deliver more live experiences for fans across Latin America.”
David Checa (Warner Chappell Music)

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David Checa has joined Warner Chappell Music as managing director of WCM Colombia, where he’ll report to Gustavo Menéndez, president of U.S. Latin & Latin America. Checa will lead operations in one of the region’s most influential markets and support a top-tier roster that includes Bull Nene, CASTA, Vicente García, Santiago Cruz, Juan Pablo Vega, Piso 21 and TIMØ. He joins from ONE Publishing, where he served as global head of publishing and rights management, and brings more than two decades of experience across authors’ societies, neighboring‑rights organizations and major publishers. His past roles include CEO of SAYCE and SOPROFON, president of ACODEM, and overseeing Sony Music Publishing’s operations in Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Central America. Warner Chappell leaders praised his market expertise and deep understanding of rights management, with WCM co-chairs Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall saying, “As Colombia’s influence on the global charts continues to grow, we’re confident that David is the right person to lead our operations and champion our writers in this vital market.”
Kevin Couch (The Kennedy Center)

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Kevin Couch, a veteran talent buyer and artist manager, has resigned as senior vice president of artistic programming at the Kennedy Center just 13 days after his appointment was made public. According to his LinkedIn page, Couch was hired in December and tasked with providing creative and strategic leadership and expanding partnerships at the center. In the Jan. 16 announcement, he called it “an honor to join the Trump Kennedy Center,” but on Jan. 29 it was confirmed by The Washington Post that he had peaced out. The Kennedy Center has not commented. His abrupt exit comes as the institution faces widespread criticism and a wave of cancelations after President Trump, the center’s chairman, slapped his name on the building and its branding. Philip Glass, Renée Fleming, Béla Fleck and Stephen Schwartz are among the artists who have withdrawn upcoming appearances. Prior to taking the Kennedy Center role, Couch stayed very busy as director of programming at ATG Entertainment, serving as the talent buyer for San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre and Empire Theatre, among other venues. He also manages — and plays drums in — the ’90s R&B-pop group Color Me Badd through his Couch Entertainment firm.
Marion Gargula and Laurent Pernin (BMG)

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BMG has appointed Marion Gargula and Laurent Pernin as its new co‑general managers in France, reinforcing the company’s commitment to French artists. Reporting to Alistair Norbury, the pair will continue leading their respective teams while expanding into broader executive roles. Gargula, who joined BMG in 2021 and served as finance director, helped spearhead the acquisition of the Jean‑Michel Jarre catalog, the company’s largest French deal to date. Pernin, who arrived in 2019, most recently oversaw the Sync+ division following earlier roles at EMI and Warner Music. Their promotions follow the departure of longtime executive Sylvain Gazaignes. Norbury said: “Marion and Laurent’s combined experience and deep understanding of the French music market, coupled with BMG’s unique service offering, will be instrumental in driving our continued success and supporting the incredible talent in France.”
Jamie Younger (Big Loud Records)

Image Credit: Jessie Addleman/ Courtesy of Big Loud
Jamie Younger has joined Big Loud Records as vice president of marketing. In the new role, Younger will oversee marketing strategy for select artists on Big Loud’s roster. Younger will be based out of Big Loud’s Nashville office and will report to Brianne Deslippe, Sr. VP and head of marketing. Younger most recently oversaw release strategy and artist development at The Core Records, and previously spent over 12 years at Warner Music Nashville, aiding in the rise of Bailey Zimmerman, overseeing the planning, creation and execution of the marketing strategy for his album Religiously. The Album. Young launched her career in the Americana/roots community, working with artists including Justin Townes Earle and Drive-By Truckers, then joined American Songwriter as marketing director. Deslippe said, “Jamie is a proven, artist-first marketing executive with a track record of delivering culturally impactful campaigns across both emerging and established artists. Her depth of experience and strategic leadership make her a strong addition to our team, and we’re excited to have her help drive the next phase of growth for our roster.” –Jessica Nicholson
Joseph Jeremy (SGPS / ShowRig)

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SGPS/ShowRig has appointed Joseph Jeremy — co‑founder of Niscon Inc. — as its new chief technology officer, expanding his role following the company’s December 2025 acquisition of Niscon and its Raynok software. Jeremy will lead SGPS/ShowRig’s long‑term technology strategy while continuing to oversee Niscon from Burlington, Ontario. As CTO, he will guide the integration of advanced automation across the company’s operations, including its new Nashville capabilities, collaborating closely with engineering teams in Burlington and Las Vegas. The announcement follows SGPS/ShowRig’s recent win for rigging company of the year at the Parnelli Awards for its work on the Trans‑Siberian Orchestra tour.
Myles Schalet (Wasserman Music)

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Wasserman Music has appointed Myles Schalet as senior vice president and agent in New York, strengthening its artist representation team and expanding opportunities for clients. In his new role, Schalet will focus on signing emerging talent, building media-driven businesses and developing commercial endorsement portfolios. He joins from WME, where he crafted a specialized practice representing multi-hyphenate stars including Meek Mill, Madison Beer, Snoop Dogg and athletes such as Frances Tiafoe and Nyjah Huston. “Myles has a great instinct for identifying and nurturing talent,” said Kevin Shivers, evp and managing executive. “We’re excited to have him join the team and help us keep growing in new, creative ways.”
Saul Fitton (PULSE Music Group)

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PULSE Music Group has appointed Saul Fitton as senior vp/head of creative, UK, where he will lead signing, development, and creative strategy for the company’s UK publishing roster. Based in London, he will report to co-CEOs Scott Cutler and Josh Abraham and president Ashley Calhoun. Fitton brings more than a decade of experience in A&R, publishing and writer/producer management, most recently serving as senior director of A&R at Sony Music Publishing and previously at Warner Chappell Music. His signings include Ari Pensmith, Lostboy, Cleo Tighe, Mimi Webb, Pablo Bowman, Gracey, FLO and Myles Smith. PULSE executives praised Fitton’s “proven track record of discovering, signing, and developing internationally successful songwriting, production, and artistic talent.”

Pictured (L-R): Ashley Calhoun, Scott Cutler, Saul Fitton, Josh Abraham and Annie Aberle
Brennen Bryant (Broke Records)

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Broke Records has launched a new publishing division looking to expand the company’s creative wheelhouse and support emerging artists, producers and songwriters. The unit (broke publishing) will be led by Brennen Bryant, who joins as head of publishing and brings nearly a decade of experience across A&R, management and creative development, most recently serving as senior director of A&R at Avex USA Publishing. Bryant says he aims to build a globally minded, creator‑focused publishing operation that champions writers and producers from the jump. “The vision is to help shape the next generation of producers and writers while building one of the most forward-thinking publishing companies to highlight the incredible work already done at broke records,” he said in a statement. The company said the new division launches with representation of roughly 6,600 ISRCs.
WME (Seven Agents)

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WME has promoted seven staff members to agents within its Contemporary Music division, reflecting growth across regions and genres. The newly elevated agents — each rising through WME’s trainee program — include Chris Caulk and Natalie Otto in Beverly Hills; Santi Cruz and Pascual Di Tella on the expanding Latin music team in Miami; Mollie Marshall as a tour marketing agent in Nashville; and Tommy Dockree and Belle Webb as agents in London, with Webb also focusing on tour marketing. Global heads Lucy Dickins and Kirk Sommer praised the group’s commitment to artists. “They’ve shown how deeply they care about the artists they work with, earned the trust of their colleagues, and proven they’re ready to step into their new roles,” they said in a statement.
Sarah Schumacher, Calista Miller, Zachary Anderson (Curb | Word Music Publishing)

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Curb | Word Music Publishing has elevated Sarah Schumacher to head of creative, country publishing, promoted Calista Miller to creative director, country publishing, and added Zachary Anderson as creative coordinator, country publishing. Schumacher, who joined the company in 2021, will oversee country publishing operations, talent development, A&R strategy and all-things creative with Curb Records. She previously signed Alex Kline, Michael Rotundo and Daniel Ethridge. Miller, who began as an intern in 2022, will report to Schumacher and handle day‑to‑day creative strategy, publishing events, internship programs, and Curb’s Texas market initiatives. Anderson joins from The Listening Room and will collaborate on creative strategy, sessions, events and marketing initiatives across the roster.

Pictured (L-R): Calista Miller, Sarah Schumacher, Zachary Anderson
Kristyn Ciani (Legends Global)

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Legends Global has appointed Kristyn Ciani as vice president of live entertainment for its content and booking division. A veteran executive with more than 20 years in live entertainment, Ciani will oversee promoter and agent outreach and help drive biz-dev across Legends’ stable of 450 global venues. She will collaborate with major partners including AEG Presents, Live Nation, Feld Entertainment, TEG Live, Outback Presents, Loud & Live, CMN and LiveCo. Ciani previously spent 16 years at C3 Presents, leading talent strategy and programming for major venues and co-producing landmark events such as the National Mall’s Landmark Festival and Texas’s Hurricane Harvey benefit concert. She later co-founded Soap Creek Entertainment, advising clients on talent, marketing, and large‑scale event operations.
NAMM Board Elections

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NAMM announced eight newly elected board members during the 2026 NAMM Show, who will serve three‑year terms through January 2029 and help guide the organization’s mission and strategic direction. The incoming class includes industry leaders across retail, manufacturing, distribution, education and pro audio: Antonio Ferranti (Proel North America), Chris Hutnick (Lienau AV Associates), Jeff Bertrand (Bertrand’s Music), John Stephans (Avedis Zildjian Company), Jonathon Breen (The Music Shoppe), Ryan Richman (Eastman Music Company), Stacey Ryan (School of Rock) and Whitney McGuire McNicol (Maxwell’s House of Music). The announcement also recognized outgoing board members, including Lance Day (D’Addario) and Kim Koch (Saied Music), whose contributions strengthened NAMM and its global membership.
Chip Herter (The Syndicate)

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The Syndicate has appointed Chip Herter as svp of music supervision and licensing, a newly created role that will establish a division dedicated to music supervision, licensing and full-spectrum music support for clients. An award‑winning music supervisor with more than 15 years of experience, Herter previously served as music director at Deutsch, shaping campaigns for major brands including Taco Bell, Dr Pepper, Nintendo and Walmart. His hire expands The Syndicate’s long-running work with Taco Bell to include music supervision across all its creative agencies. Herter led the Mexican Pizza relaunch campaign with Doja Cat and has worked on music strategies for Microsoft, Nike, Airbnb, Google and Coca‑Cola. He will be based in The Syndicate’s LA office.
JJ Farrell (jump.global)

Image Credit: Hannah Drake/Courtesy of Jump Global
Jump.global has promoted JJ Farrell to managing director. In his new role, Nashville-based Farrell will oversee day-to-day operations across jump.global’s partnerships, client services, community growth and live events, including leadership of the HITS HOME venture, a global music industry conference set for April 19-21 in Nashville. Farrell previously served as jump.global’s senior director of marketing and partnerships. Prior to joining jump.global, Farrell held roles at the Music Business Association, ACM Awards, CMA Awards, Sony Music Nashville, Atlantic Records and KP Entertainment. “In the seven years I’ve known JJ, he’s grown from an exceptional marketer and events professional into a multifaceted brand builder and strategic leader,” Nick Maiale, Founder of jump.global. “I’m thrilled to see him step into this role as we expand our services and launch year-round community membership offerings, and exciting new events, in 2026.” –Jessica Nicholson
Jason Odio, Melanie Eselevsky, Diego Otero (Move Concerts)

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Move Concerts has unveiled a refreshed leadership structure for its talent division, spotlighting three key appointments: Jason Odio (pictured) as talent vp, Melanie Eselevsky as tour director and Diego Otero as head of artist relations. The personnel update follows the departure of longtime executive Fabiano Queiroz, who is leaving after 17 years to join Live Nation as SVP of Global Touring Latin America. Odio steps into his new role with a background in hospitality and entertainment, having managed major Miami nightlife venues and recently co‑led Move Management’s artist roster. Eselevsky, a decade‑long veteran of the company, previously served as Talent VP in Argentina and oversaw regional touring strategy. Otero joins as Head of Artist Relations, further strengthening Move Concerts’ artist-facing operations.
George Hyde (West One Music Group)

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West One Music Group has named George Hyde as its new global head of legal and business affairs, royalties and copyright (GHLBARC for short), effective this month. Reporting to COO Maria Scott and joining the executive team, Hyde will guide global strategy across rights, licensing and admin as the company scales its international operations. The role underscores West One’s push for streamlined, commercially strong systems for artists and partners. A veteran executive who previously ran his own consultancy, Hyde said he’s “looking forward to contributing to the company’s continued growth by working with teams across the business to support our writers and strengthen our partnerships worldwide.”
Beau Alexander (Concert Stuff Group)

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Concert Stuff Group (CSG) has hired Beau Alexander as general manager of special event services, a role he assumed in December and in which he now oversees daily operations, client relations and strategy for the division. Alexander previously spent eight years in global sales with 8th Day Sound / Clair Global, building relationships with artists and promoters and supporting large‑scale touring productions. A seasoned monitor engineer, his credits include long tenures with Green Day, Tool, Kid Rock, Rob Zombie, My Chemical Romance, Hootie & the Blowfish and Morgan Wallen, a role he will continue while leading special event services.
The MLC Committee Appointments

The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) has announced one new appointment and several reappointments across its advisory committees. Kelly Baden, svp of copyright, royalties and licensing operations at Concord, has been appointed to the Operations Advisory Committee. Eric Scott (BMG) has been reappointed and will serve as chair, joined by returning members Kristina Johnson (Kobalt) and Iwona Wyrzykowska (UMPG). The Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee has reappointed Dale Esworthy (Sony Music Publishing) and Michael Eames (PEN Music Group), who continues as chair. Matthew Skiba (Vydia) has been reappointed to the Dispute Resolution Committee. Board chair Alisa Coleman praised the members’ “collective expertise, dedication, and guidance” in strengthening The MLC’s mission to ensure accurate royalty distributions.
ICYMI

Image Credit: UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP

Universal Music Spain has named Luis Fernández (pictured) its new president, effective immediately … Manager‑entrepreneur Romel Murphy’s dai + drm (pronounced “daydream”) has struck a multi‑million‑dollar joint venture with Create Music Group … AI music company Suno has hired Sam Berger as senior director of artist partnerships … Independent music company [PIAS] has appointed longtime executive Edwin Schröter as CEO of its [PIAS] Label Group … Swedish music service Hyph has named former BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch as its chairman, effective April … Alicia Karlin has joined The Circuit Group as global president of live … Walter Thomas has been promoted to evp of Motown Gospel/TAMLA … The NMPA has elevated Danielle Aguirre and Charlotte Sellmyer … Finally, BMG has promoted Celine Joshua to evp of global marketing and streaming. [FULL STORIES]