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UK record industry trade group BPI has appointed Jake Hills as Head Of Corporate Communications. Hills, formerly of Outcast agency, will promote UK record companies’ cultural and economic roles while addressing industry challenges. BPI Communications Director Gennaro Castaldo stated: “Jake's background in the innovation sector will prove especially valuable as we seek to make the case for the opportunities for growth that lie ahead for UK recorded music”. Hills added: “It's vital that the industry underpinning British music is well-represented in media and policy discussions, particularly in the face of technological change”.
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Lenzo Yoon, former co-CEO of HYBE America, is expected to fully depart HYBE at the end of 2024 when his non-compete clause expires. Yoon, who joined the company in 2010 and played a key role in its strategic growth, stepped down from his position in January 2023 and has since returned to South Korea with his family. Scooter Braun became the sole CEO of HYBE America following Yoon's departure. HYBE has not officially commented on Yoon’s status or future plans. The news comes as HYBE America reported a net loss of approximately $11.7 million last year.
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Nashville christian and country music label Red Street Records has promoted Cambria Sojka to Creative Director and appointed Gianna Robinson as Digital Content Coordinator. Both will report into Red Street’s Michael Steele, VP Of Streaming & Playlist Strategy. Red Street founder Jay DeMarcus says “It’s a very exciting time at Red Street and I couldn’t be more THRILLED with the team we have assembled”.
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Sony Music label Arista Records has promoted Nick Petropoulous to Executive Vice President of Promotion And Artist Development. Petropoulos, who will oversee radio promotions alongside leading the label’s artist development strategy, says “I’m THRILLED to take on this expanded role and continue the journey with the entire team to develop and elevate our unique global roster”. Commenting on the promotion, Arista’s CEO David Massey said, “Nick has become an integral part of the Arista team over the last three years. His vision has been crucial in strategising and executing our promotion strategy”.
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Warner Music Japan's Chief Operating Officer Kazuhiro Shimada has departed the company after less than two years in the role. Shimada, who joined from Amazon Music Japan in November 2022, left on 9 Jul. During his tenure, Warner Music Japan expanded its ADA division and formed partnerships with creative house LAND and Red Light Management. In a social media post, Shimada stated: “I plan to take a break for a while to recharge myself and look forward to the next challenge in the near future”.
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Big Loud Records has promoted Stacy Blythe to Executive Vice President Of Promotion. Since joining in 2015, Blythe has led radio promotion activity for artists including Chris Lane and Morgan Wallen. Partner Seth England praised Blythe as “integral to the success of our organisation”. Blythe joins recently promoted EVP / GM Patch Culbertson in Big Loud’s new executive leadership team, reporting directly to the label’s partners. Blythe says, “From day one of this incredible Big Loud journey, I've been privileged to grow alongside this remarkable team”.