Music Industry Shakeups: Triller's Transformation, Sony's Orchard Expansion, and Believe's Global Restructuring

The music industry has been abuzz with a flurry of executive hires, promotions, and departures in recent weeks. From Triller's leadership changes to Sony's strategic moves in South Korea, the landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. This comprehensive report delves into the key developments that are shaping the future of the music business.

Triller's Transformation Journey: New CEO and Board Additions

Triller, the publicly listed entertainment company, has embarked on a "transformation journey" by appointing Vevo veteran Kevin McGurn as its new CEO. The company has also added 1-800-Flowers founder James McCann and Triller co-founder Bobby Sarnevesht to its board, signaling a strategic shift in its leadership and direction.The Triller Group's decision to bring in seasoned industry professionals like McGurn, McCann, and Sarnevesht suggests a concerted effort to reinvigorate the platform and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape. With their collective expertise and industry connections, Triller is poised to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

Strengthening South Korea's Presence: The Orchard's Executive Appointments

Sony Music's distribution arm, The Orchard, has made significant strides in strengthening its presence in the South Korean market. The company has appointed Jeeyoung Lee, a former Warner Bros. Discovery executive, as the head of South Korea and country manager. Additionally, Sungho "Jake" Bae, a former Big Hit executive, has joined The Orchard as the director of artist and label services for the Asia Pacific region.These strategic hires underscore The Orchard's commitment to tapping into the burgeoning Korean music scene and leveraging its global reach to support local artists and labels. With Jeeyoung Lee and Sungho Bae at the helm, The Orchard is well-positioned to forge deeper connections with the Korean music industry and explore new avenues for growth and collaboration.

Believe's Global Restructuring: Romain Vivien's Expanded Role

Believe, the digital music company, has "redesigned" its international strategy under the leadership of Romain Vivien. Vivien, who previously served as the company's Europe president, has now taken on the additional role of global head of music, further solidifying his influence and oversight across Believe's global operations.This move reflects Believe's ambition to streamline its international strategy and capitalize on the growing demand for digital music services worldwide. Vivien's expanded role will enable the company to better coordinate its efforts, leverage synergies, and drive consistent growth across its various markets.In the UK, Believe has also elevated three-year employee Johnny Pinchard, formerly of RCA, to the position of A&R head, underscoring the company's commitment to nurturing local talent and strengthening its A&R capabilities.

Talent Acquisitions and Promotions Across the Industry

The music industry has witnessed a flurry of other notable hires and promotions in recent weeks:- Dart Music founder Chris McMurtry, previously with PEX, has joined OpenPlay as a senior solutions architect.- Longtime Carolina Panthers marketing executive Erin Collums has signed on as the director of marketing at EastCoast Entertainment.- Downtown's CD Baby has tapped former Sofar Sounds VP of growth marketing Jean Mischler to serve as its SVP of marketing.- Ineffable has hired former Spirit Music Group film and TV creative services manager Sage Ressler as its head of sync.- MNRK Music Group has promoted Chris Moncada, who joined the company nearly a decade ago, to the role of COO.- Frenchkiss Records founder Syd Butler and former Spotify executive Michelle Fantus are now co-heads of A&R at Killphonic Rights.- Melanie McAllister, who spent close to a decade at the HR helm of BMG "sister company" Arvato, is scheduled to begin as BMG's chief human resources officer on November 1st.- 11-year UMPG exec David Gray has been upped to UK managing director as well as global head of A&R and is expected to relocate from New York to London in the new year.These appointments and promotions underscore the industry's ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership, diversify its talent pool, and position itself for future growth and innovation.

Departures and Retirements: Bidding Farewell to Industry Veterans

The music industry has also witnessed the departure of several industry veterans in recent weeks:- After nearly 18 years, Apple Corps CEO Jeff Jones is stepping down from his role.- In February 2025, after 27 years, Paul Schadt will retire from his position at Charlotte's 96.9 The Kat, though he will continue to serve as a station ambassador and make on-air and on-site appearances.- Universal Music Japan veteran Takeshi Okada is poised to start as the president and CEO of Warner Music Japan, effective December 2nd.These departures mark the end of an era for these industry leaders, who have left an indelible mark on the music landscape. While their exits may signal a changing of the guard, their legacies and contributions will undoubtedly continue to shape the industry's future.

Shaping the Future: Appointments to the Mechanical Licensing Collective's Board

The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), a crucial organization responsible for administering the new blanket mechanical license in the United States, has seen some notable changes to its board.Songwriter Oak Felder has been confirmed for a second three-year term on the MLC's board, underscoring his continued commitment to shaping the future of music licensing and royalty distribution. Additionally, Reservoir's Rell Lafargue has been elected to a second term on the publisher side, while Wixen's Jason Rys has joined the board.These appointments underscore the importance of the MLC's work and the industry's recognition of the need for experienced and dedicated leaders to guide this critical organization.

Expanding Footprint: Position Music's Nashville Office and Capitol Music Group's Digital Initiatives

Position Music, a leading independent music publisher and record label, has welcomed former Anthem Entertainment creative director Chandler Thurston to its A&R team in Nashville. The company's Nashville office is expected to open in Q3 2025, marking a strategic expansion into a key music industry hub.Meanwhile, Capitol Music Group has brought on Justin Grant, who spent over nine years with Atlantic's marketing team, as the SVP and head of digital marketing for urban. The company has also boosted almost five-year team member Dante Smith to the role of head of digital for Motown.These moves highlight the industry's ongoing efforts to strengthen its digital capabilities, tap into emerging talent, and position itself for success in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.