Executive Turntable: WMG Veteran Taking (Temp) Reins of Deezer; Merlin's Promotion-palooza? New President of Mega House

It's time for another pivot around the Executive turntable, Billboard's comprehensive(ish) rundown of promotions, hires, departures and firings — and everything in between — across music. For a summary of all developments at UMG, please scroll down. For everything else, read on!

DeezerThe search for a permanent replacement for departing Jerónimo Folgueira is underway, but in the meantime the Paris-based streaming service has hired a ringer of sorts to keep the CEO spot warm. In Bergen, a 14-year veteran of Warner Music and longtime CEO of the label group's international and global services division, stepped in to serve as interim CEO until a new head is found. Bergen, who left WMG in early 2021, has been a member of Deezer's board for more than a year and will remain there after the executive search is completed. “Stu's in-depth knowledge of the music and digital industries, combined with his tenure as a director on Deezer's board, makes him perfectly positioned to reinforce the company's strategic direction and facilitate a seamless transition,” said company this week, adding that he believes Bergen is the perfect fit to guide their international expansion and boost subscribers in key markets. The company recently posted positive financial results for 2023, with revenue up 7.4% to $524 million and an 11.5% increase in subscribers (thanks to business-to-business partnerships).

“I am honored to accept the interim role of CEO at Deezer at this critical time,” said Bergen. “I am dedicated to strengthening the company's values ​​and advancing its growth trajectory. With a dedicated team and clear goals already in place, I am eager to lead us through this transition period, ensuring the company is prepared for its ambitious future.”

Merlin, the all-India digital music licensing, has announced an extensive series of promotions and role changes at the company. Over member and partner success groups, Emma Robinson rises to senior director of member operations after six years of service; Daniel Yandel promoted to senior director of member operations after four years; four-year veteran; Joe Dunher is now senior director of member relations; and Poppy Waring (seven years) and Shannon Bradley (three) both rise to senior trade partnerships. As for financial reputation, Vincent Moyo promoted to director of commercial finance, four years in; Grace Styles approaching her three-year promotion to management accountant; Savannah Poulston bumps into operations and events coordinator, nearly two years after joining Merlin. Did someone say figures? Millie Payne (two years) is promoted to senior rights coordinator and Tom White has been appointed senior business analytics coordinator in Merlin's reporting and intelligence team. After all, Tolis Koutronas was named senior technology development and business solutions officer, rewarding four years of improving Merlin's infrastructure, while four years of staff Katie Eckett he is now senior director of business and legal affairs.

YUMMYalso known as the National Association of Music Dealers, was appointed AJ Zane as the trade organization's new chief technology officer. Zane's many duties include NAMM's product and platform technology, cyber security, cloud engineering, infrastructure, enterprise IT, and many other responsibilities that only a “career technologist” (in the words of NAMM's president/CEO, John Mlynczak) could collect. “He brings a diverse background and experience that aligns with our commitment to remain at the forefront of technology and harness its power to propel our organization into the future,” said Mlynczak. Prior to NAMM, Zane was director of engineering at real estate data management tool Measurable, and before that he was technical director at Veyo.

Hayley Evans elevated to the role of president in Mega House Music, a songwriter-producer management company and music publisher. He has ascended to Mega House over the past four years, mentoring the careers of writing talents such as Casey Smith (“Moral of the Story” by Ashe, “Cool” by the Jonas Brothers), Gian Stone (“Stuck With You” by Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande), Caroline Pennell (“Past Life” by Trevor Daniel and Selena Gomez, “Everytime I Cry” by Ava Max) and Peter Fenn (“Nathan (Still Breathing)” by Fred Again…, “Slow Down” by Laufey). Evans also works across the Mega House roster, assisting with Monsters & Strangerz, Joe London, Sol Was and more. He also manages up-and-coming folk artist Mon Rovia and has been instrumental in the company's expansion into Nashville and in Miami. In her new role, she will continue to report to co-CEOs David Silberstein and Jeremy Levin.–Christine Robinson

Music Academy Group (AMG) was appointed Liam Boylan as managing director of the owner and operator of the UK venue. AMG's list of medium-sized venues across the country includes the O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester, the O2 Academy Birmingham and the soon-to-reopen O2 Academy Brixton. Boylan was previously grounds manager at the legendary Wembley Stadium and before that worked for years at SJM Concerts and Manchester Arena. “We are delighted to welcome Liam to the AMG team and look forward to working with him,” said Denis Desmond, chairman of AMG. “He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the live industry and running major events. It will be a big asset.”

Concord Music Publishing employee Lüder Castringius for the newly created position of senior legal and business representative across Germany, Switzerland and Austria (GSA). In his new role, Castringius will play a “pivotal role” in advancing Concord's interests in the extended region, noted Duff Berschback, spokesman for legal and corporate affairs, who added, “The decision to create this position demonstrates our commitment to leading legal counsel and underscores our efforts to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the music market.” The Berlin-based executive arrives from BMG, where he rose to senior vice president of EU business and legal affairs during a 15-year run at the company. Castringius reports directly to Berschback, who is based in Nashville, but will also work closely with Tina Funk, managing director of Concord Music Publishing, GSA. “We appreciate his sensitivity, his fighting spirit and his commitment to shaping the character and roster of the publishing house … and ensuring that the rights of our creators are protected,” Funk said.

RADIO, RADIO: Audacity announced that the svp of digital audio content Tim Clark will depart at the end of the month, with his role — leading consumer-facing properties such as Audacy.com and the company's radio app — phased out and duties folded into other teams. Clarke joined Audacy in March 2021 as svp of market director before quickly rising to his current position. Prior to Audacy, he spent 12 years at Cox Media, moving up in audience and content for his last three. In a staff memo he received Radio Insightchief digital officer JD Crowley called Clarke “a wonderful creative executive, a great friend and colleague to so many of us.”

Big Loud Rockwhich specializes in big hard rock records, upped its visual marketing game with its date Paul Wright as vice president of creative strategy. Based in Los Angeles, he reports to Lloyd Norman, svp of BLR, which is the alt-rock imprint of Big Loud Records. Wright joins from Red Bull Records, where as director of creative marketing he worked with Blxst, Albert Hammond Jr, AWOLNATION and others on custom content. Prior to RBR, Wright earned time at Nettwerk Music Group and Hopeless Records. Elsewhere at BLR, recent new hires and promotions include Dave Barbis as svp of promotions, Nicole Rich as director of promotions and publicity, Delaine Halpin as project marketing manager, Colleen Kennedy as operations manager and Bella DiDomenico as executive assistant to the president by BLR Greg Thompson. “We are excited to have an executive like Paul join the Big Loud Rock team and also to recognize the growth of our staff and the overall Big Loud Rock team,” said Thompson.

Absolute Label Services has added three new members to its London-based team. Joining as senior label manager is Dominic Squire, most recently senior director of international marketing at BMG. The independent service company also welcomed Jimmy Smith, ex-Squadron, as campaign coordinator. After all, Finn Pete is now a member of the ALS digital right wing in his first gig in the music industry.

Outback presents are promoted Fallon Nell to vp of booking, overseeing all Outback artist bookings for country events, comedy and music. Nell began her career at Outback as the company's first intern, before joining the company's comedy division as a promotion representative. He later moved into artist management at Alliance Artists (now Red Light Management Atlanta) before starting Brothers Management. Nell returned to Outback Presents in 2023, serving as Senior Booking Manager. –Jessica Nicholson

NASHVILLE NOTES: Executive based in Music City Kelly Bolton they joined Warner Records as VP of A&R, focusing on country, but reporting to LA-based Warner Records CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck. He arrived after more than five years at Tape Room Music, where he served as svp of A&R… Black River Records elevated Bill McKay in vp of national promotion. Mackay joined the label in 2012 after more than 30 years in the industry, including stints at MCA, Sony and Strodavarious Records, as well as 16 years as a country radio programmer in markets including Pittsburgh, San Jose and San Diego. Kudos to Mackay at bmacky@blackriverent.com.

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) welcomed Julian Teixeira in the family as an agent in the music touring department. He arrives from The Bullitt Agency and brings a client roster that includes Dubfire, Chris Stussy, Dennis Cruz and Kölsch among others. The George Washington University degree is based on the CAA. New York offices.

ICYMI:

After pulling the curtain on Interscope Capitol Labels Group, president/CEO John Janick (pictured) announced more additions to the C-suite team (namely Gary Kelly and Jason Kawejsza) and a few days later finalized the structure of the new company… then most of UMG's East Coast-y labels reorganized under the new Republic Corps banner under Monte Lipman … and finally a member of the House, Hermesannounced several promotions and hires.

Last week's turntable: Warner Chappell's role in China