Blab Music
Global Music Industry Sees Surge of Key Leadership Moves in July 2026
July 2026 was a month of high‑profile appointments that reshaped the global music landscape, with new leaders taking the helm of major digital platforms, publishers, ticketing giants, and venue operators.
The first wave of changes came from Believe, the Paris‑based digital‑music platform that has been expanding its footprint in Latin America. Believe named Marcela Moreira—formerly the general manager of Warner Music Brazil—as its new country director for Brazil. Moreira’s tenure at Warner saw the label grow its presence across the country, and her appointment is part of Believe’s strategy to deepen its foothold in the region.
TuneCore, Believe’s independent‑artist distribution arm, promoted long‑time employee Andi Arya Dwi Putra to head of operations in Indonesia. Putra joined TuneCore five years ago, and under his stewardship the company has seen steady growth in the Indonesian market.
In the hip‑hop and media arena, Play MPE’s founder Sharath Cherian was announced as chief executive officer of both Play MPE and its parent, Destiny Media Technologies. Cherian’s dual role is intended to tighten the company’s media‑technology offerings and streamline decision‑making.
The Digital Media Association (DIMA) added Alyssa Slaimen—who previously served as senior counsel to Senator Peter Welch—to its executive team as vice president of government and external affairs. Slaimen’s appointment is expected to boost DIMA’s lobbying and policy work.
Alta Music Group launched a new publishing division that will be supported and administered through Sony Music Publishing. Zeb Berg, former executive at Electric Feel, will head the division and oversee the development of new publishing deals.
United Talent Agency (UTA) promoted James Wright—an 11‑year veteran of the agency—to co‑head of UTA’s music group in the United Kingdom. Wright’s promotion reflects UTA’s continued expansion in the UK market.
Warner Chappell Music (WCM), the publishing arm of Warner Music Group, elevated David Goldsen—who has worked with the publisher since 2009—to executive vice‑president of A&R. Goldsen’s new role will focus on talent scouting and development.
In a landmark appointment, Roberto Neri, the chief executive officer of the Ivors Academy and director of UK Music, was made a life peer in the House of Lords. The appointment is the first time a music‑industry executive has entered the British legislative body.
Alibaba’s Damai International, which recently launched a global label, named Mark Meyerson as its first head of North American ticketing. Meyerson, who previously held senior roles at AEG Presents and Ticketmaster, will launch and scale Damai’s ticketing operations across North America and integrate them with the company’s international platform, MAISEAT.
AEG Presents’ venue‑development team promoted three senior staff members: Cameron Marcotte to vice president, Jake Hiersteiner to senior director, and Mike Ryan to project director. The company also confirmed new hires in the team, including senior design and construction specialist Alyssa Sarilarp, senior project manager Will Evans, and administrative assistant Marysol Flores.
Merlin, the global distributor of independent music, appointed former Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) chief executive Dan Nevin as its new vice president of industry relations. Nevins will oversee relationships with labels and artists.
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) elected three new board members: David Weingarden, Vice President of Concerts + Events at Z2 Entertainment; Cassie Dickson, director of HR and project management for Audiotree, Lincoln Hall, and Schubas Tavern; and Shayna Melgaard, director of programming and talent buying for Hennepin Arts.
These appointments illustrate a broader industry trend toward consolidating digital distribution, expanding publishing capabilities, and strengthening ticketing and venue operations. The moves also highlight the growing importance of cross‑border leadership as companies seek to navigate diverse markets and regulatory environments.
The industry will watch how these new leaders shape their organizations’ strategies over the coming months, particularly as digital platforms continue to evolve and live‑event revenue remains a key focus for many companies.
The first wave of changes came from Believe, the Paris‑based digital‑music platform that has been expanding its footprint in Latin America. Believe named Marcela Moreira—formerly the general manager of Warner Music Brazil—as its new country director for Brazil. Moreira’s tenure at Warner saw the label grow its presence across the country, and her appointment is part of Believe’s strategy to deepen its foothold in the region.
TuneCore, Believe’s independent‑artist distribution arm, promoted long‑time employee Andi Arya Dwi Putra to head of operations in Indonesia. Putra joined TuneCore five years ago, and under his stewardship the company has seen steady growth in the Indonesian market.
In the hip‑hop and media arena, Play MPE’s founder Sharath Cherian was announced as chief executive officer of both Play MPE and its parent, Destiny Media Technologies. Cherian’s dual role is intended to tighten the company’s media‑technology offerings and streamline decision‑making.
The Digital Media Association (DIMA) added Alyssa Slaimen—who previously served as senior counsel to Senator Peter Welch—to its executive team as vice president of government and external affairs. Slaimen’s appointment is expected to boost DIMA’s lobbying and policy work.
Alta Music Group launched a new publishing division that will be supported and administered through Sony Music Publishing. Zeb Berg, former executive at Electric Feel, will head the division and oversee the development of new publishing deals.
United Talent Agency (UTA) promoted James Wright—an 11‑year veteran of the agency—to co‑head of UTA’s music group in the United Kingdom. Wright’s promotion reflects UTA’s continued expansion in the UK market.
Warner Chappell Music (WCM), the publishing arm of Warner Music Group, elevated David Goldsen—who has worked with the publisher since 2009—to executive vice‑president of A&R. Goldsen’s new role will focus on talent scouting and development.
In a landmark appointment, Roberto Neri, the chief executive officer of the Ivors Academy and director of UK Music, was made a life peer in the House of Lords. The appointment is the first time a music‑industry executive has entered the British legislative body.
Alibaba’s Damai International, which recently launched a global label, named Mark Meyerson as its first head of North American ticketing. Meyerson, who previously held senior roles at AEG Presents and Ticketmaster, will launch and scale Damai’s ticketing operations across North America and integrate them with the company’s international platform, MAISEAT.
AEG Presents’ venue‑development team promoted three senior staff members: Cameron Marcotte to vice president, Jake Hiersteiner to senior director, and Mike Ryan to project director. The company also confirmed new hires in the team, including senior design and construction specialist Alyssa Sarilarp, senior project manager Will Evans, and administrative assistant Marysol Flores.
Merlin, the global distributor of independent music, appointed former Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) chief executive Dan Nevin as its new vice president of industry relations. Nevins will oversee relationships with labels and artists.
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) elected three new board members: David Weingarden, Vice President of Concerts + Events at Z2 Entertainment; Cassie Dickson, director of HR and project management for Audiotree, Lincoln Hall, and Schubas Tavern; and Shayna Melgaard, director of programming and talent buying for Hennepin Arts.
These appointments illustrate a broader industry trend toward consolidating digital distribution, expanding publishing capabilities, and strengthening ticketing and venue operations. The moves also highlight the growing importance of cross‑border leadership as companies seek to navigate diverse markets and regulatory environments.
The industry will watch how these new leaders shape their organizations’ strategies over the coming months, particularly as digital platforms continue to evolve and live‑event revenue remains a key focus for many companies.
