Scooter Braun officially retires after 23 years: 'Father first, CEO second, manager no more'

After almost one year of speculation, Scooter Braun officially retired from management and transitioned into his role as CEO of Hybe America.

August 2023 saw several reports of Braun clients looking for new representation, from Demi Lovato to Ariana Grande (the latter is now managed by Brandon Creed, but still has ties to Braun). Last year, a source close to SB Projects said Rolling rock that Brown's role was transitional. Now, in a lengthy Instagram post on Monday, Braun has officially confirmed it.

“23 years,” he wrote. “That's how long I've been a music director. 23 years ago, a 19-year-old kid started managing an artist named Cato in Atlanta, GA, and my journey began. Along the way I had so many experiences that I could never have dreamed of. I was blessed to have one Forrest Gump-like life while watching and participating in the journeys of some of the most incredibly talented people the world has ever seen. I am constantly pinching myself and asking “how did I get here?”. And after 23 years, this chapter as a music director has come to an end.”

“It's a weird feeling because I think I've wanted this for a long time, but I was really afraid to answer the question 'who would I be without them?' Braun added. “I was actually only 19 years old when I started. So for my entire adult life I played the role of an artist manager on call 24/7. And for 20 years I loved it. It's all I knew. But as my kids grew up, and my personal life took some hits, I realized that my kids were three superstars that I wasn't willing to lose. The sacrifices I was once willing to make I could no longer justify. It was time to step into a new role.”

Braun announced his new role as CEO of Hybe, adding that Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk “has a vision” that he truly believes in. “But even beyond that he has become a true friend who understands where I need to be in my life these days. And this is a father first, a CEO second and no longer a manager.”

Elsewhere in the statement, Braun reflected on his accomplishments while outlining the company's future. “It was last Christmas when Ariana [Grande] and Justin [Bieber] became the biggest man and woman in the history of the Spotify Billions club I just smiled and thought 'what a ride,'” he wrote. “Justin and Ariana were both young teenagers when I started with them. Justin a 13 year old kid traveling by bus in Canada and Ariana a young actress on Nickelodeon. Watching them both become the legends they are today will forever be one of my greatest honors… I will continue to support them with the same passion I did in each of their humble beginnings.”

He completed his mission with a quote from iconic Motown executive Berry Gordy, who told Braun, “Young man, it never ends the way you want it to, but it doesn't mean it didn't.”

“That wisdom has been proven correct,” Braun said. “I never saw how this chapter was going to end, hell, I didn't even see it happening. But it happened. And I will love every moment of it. I made my plan… but it turns out I like God’s plan better. Cheers!”