Warner Chappell Music (WCM) announced the launch of direct operations in India, marking the move from WMC’s prior sub-publishing model to a full-scale, direct-to-market presence in the country. Along with the announcement, Jay Mehta, who served as managing director of Warner Music India since its 2020 launch, has been appointed to lead the new division. He will oversee both recorded music and publishing operations across India and neighboring South Asian markets.
“India’s songwriters are world-class, constantly redefining genres and publishing creative boundaries,” Mehta said in a statement. “By establishing a direct footprint for Warner Chappell, we’re bridging the gap between local brilliance and global opportunity. We’re now positioned to offer Indian creators the sophisticated and international reach that only a world-leading publisher can provide, ensuring their music resonates on a global stage.”
Guy Moot, co-chair and CEO and Carianne Marshall, co-chair and COO of Warner Chappell Music, said in a statement, “India has some of the most talented songwriters in the world, and they are increasingly making their mark globally. What excites us most about this move is not just the expansion of our presence, but the opportunity to help shape an evolving publishing ecosystem that truly works for creators and ensures their music is heard, protected and rewarded everywhere. With Jay Mehta at the helm and our global team behind him, our songwriters couldn’t be in better hands.”
Robert Kyncl, CEO of WMG, said in a statement, “India is a key part of our global growth strategy, and the talent emerging there is truly world-class. By bringing our publishing and recorded music operations under Jay Mehta’s proven leadership, we’re creating a unified powerhouse that can be better serve creators and fans alike. This is the right moment to double down on our investment in India’s vibrant creative economy.” — Ariel King
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Sam Hu (Universal Music Group China)
Image Credit: Picasa Universal Music China announced Sam Hu has been appointed managing director of Universal Music China and senior vp of Universal Music Greater China, effective immediately. Based in Beijing, he will report to chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, Timothy Xu. Within his new role, Hu will oversee the company’s operations and strategic development in China.
Hu has previously served as general manager of Warner Music China, General Manager of Sony Music Entertainment China and vp of Taihe Music Group. “Sam is a highly respected executive with a rare combination of international company leadership experience and a deep understanding of China’s local music ecosystem and culture,” Adam Granite, executive vp of market development at universal Music Group, said in a statement. “China remains one of the most important and dynamic markets in the global music business, and Sam’s strategic and creative vision, operational depth and proven leadership make him exceptionally well positioned to lead Universal Music China into its next phase of growth. We are delighted to welcome him to the UMG family.”
Xu added, “Sam has an exceptional understanding of the industry, a sharp instinct for talent development and market trends, and a strong track record of building artist careers, businesses and teams, as well as being one of the few executives on the market who combines operational experience globally and locally at the highest level. I am confident that under his leadership, Universal Music China will further strengthen its artist development capabilities and create more opportunities for Chinese artists and music to connect with audiences around the world.”
Hu said in a statement, “I am sincerely grateful to Timothy for his trust. Having worked together previously, I have long appreciated his openness, vision and commitment to innovation and collaboration, which have always been a source of encouragement to those around him. I look forward to joining my colleagues at Universal Music China and contributing to the continued growth of Chinese music on the global stage.” — A.K.
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Chris Knight/Roc Nation
Chris Knight was named executive vp of artist management at Roc Nation. He will report to CEO Desiree Perez and vice chairman Jay Brown.
During his time at Roc Nation, Knight has worked directly with J Balvin, helping him achieve career milestones, including playing the FIFA World Cup halftime show and Coachella. He has also guided Robin Thicke’s career for many years. Elsewhere, he played a key role in launching the TSX performance stage in New York’s Times Square and has helped bring artists to Vietnam by developing 8 Wonder—a festival built to bring in global acts like Maroon 5, Charlie Puth, J Balvin, Imagine Dragons, Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera. — Chris Eggertsen
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Billy Hardison (Danny Wimmer Presents)
Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP) announced the launch of DWP Concerts with Billy Hardison joining the company to oversee talent buying and booking strategy across all DWP Concerts partners.
“DWP Concerts is the natural evolution of the foundation we’ve built over the years,” Danny Wimmer said in a statement. “We’ve learned what works—how to connect with fans; how to build real demand; how to execute at scale—and now we’re bringing that directly to our partners. This isn’t just about promoting shows; it’s about helping venues and events grow the right way. That’s why bringing someone like Billy onto the team is so important—he understands what it takes at the venue level and will play a big role in helping our partners build and sustain real success.” — A.K.
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EDEN Media launches
Grammy-winning producer Theron “Neff-U” Feemster—whose credits include Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber and Eminem—and music executive David Greenberg launched music-driven media company EDEN Media. Along with the company’s launch, they partnered with TikTok through music distribution platform SoundOn; its opening slate includes a single from Mike Tyson featuring Rick Ross—a music-based wellness project with Wim Hof—and Feemster’s symphonic work produced in collaboration with Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Team.
Greenberg serves as the company’s CEO while Feemster is Chief Creative Officer.
“EDEN Media was never meant to be a traditional label; that’s exactly what makes it exciting,” Greenberg said in a statement. “We’re building something we believe is genuinely unique. We say ‘EDEN is a music-driven media company’ not a label because it’s designed for how modern audiences discover; connect with; experience art. We believe EDEN is uniquely positioned to put artists first while developing projects that are culturally resonant yet commercially meaningful. It’s an honor to build this alongside Theron ‘Neff-U’ Feemster; we’re excited to bring bold immersive experiences into the world.”
Feemster adds: “EDEN is fertile land where ideas can safely grow. I’m very excited about this partnership—to create disruptive advanced ecosystems of art that can push humanity forward. The team at SoundOn/TikTok is electric; I always believe there’s no life without sound so it should always be on.” — A.K.
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Ed Rivadavia & Kaitlyn Moore (mtheory)
Image Credit: Courtesy mtheory mtheory has promoted two executives: Ed Rivadavia has been promoted to executive vp of marketing & operations while Kaitlyn Moore has been promoted to general manager.
Rivadavia previously worked at companies including Sony Music; he has implemented marketing/digital strategies at labels including RCA Records while Moore previously worked at companies including Maverick managing digital strategies for artists including Brooks & Dunn.
mtheory CEO Cameo Carlson stated: “Titles don’t build companies—people do.” Ed & Kaitlyn have been doing work at high levels for long periods; this recognition reflects their daily leadership as we evolve.” — Jessica Nicholson
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Pawel Brzezinski (Legends Global)
Image Credit: Courtesy Legends Global Pawel Brzezinski’s appointment as executive vp was announced by Legends Global.
Pawel’s track record makes him an ideal leader for premium hospitality services.
This appointment reflects Legends Global’s commitment towards enhancing hospitality experiences.
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