{"id":129092,"date":"2025-01-24T12:10:42","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T17:10:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cyberlego.com\/web\/2025\/01\/24\/executive-turntable-wmg-changes-things-up-in-hong-kong-plus-paul-hastings-hires-powerhouse-lawyer\/"},"modified":"2025-01-24T12:10:42","modified_gmt":"2025-01-24T17:10:42","slug":"executive-turntable-wmg-changes-things-up-in-hong-kong-plus-paul-hastings-hires-powerhouse-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cyberlego.com\/web\/2025\/01\/24\/executive-turntable-wmg-changes-things-up-in-hong-kong-plus-paul-hastings-hires-powerhouse-lawyer\/","title":{"rendered":"Executive Turntable: WMG Changes Things Up in Hong Kong, Plus Paul Hastings Hires Powerhouse\u00a0Lawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\tWelcome to\u00a0Executive Turntable<\/a>, Billboard\u2019s weekly compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings \u2014 and all things in between \u2014 across the music business.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tWe have compiled ways<\/a> music companies are coming together to support those affected by the wildfires across Los Angeles<\/em>, plus a running list<\/a> of organizations offering relief for musicians and music industry professionals, as well as a tally<\/a> of affected industry events. More coverage here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThere\u2019s been a changing of the guard at Warner Music Hong Kong<\/strong>, where Robin Ch\u2019i <\/strong>has taken over from longtime managing director Gordon Lee<\/strong>, who is retiring after two decades of leadership. He reports to Simon Robson, who oversees Warner Music Group\u2019s APAC recorded business until a permanent leader is named. Ch\u2019i has been with WMG for 15 years, most recently as director of A&R, brand and business. He previously worked at Warner Chappell Music, focusing on artist development and brand strategies. To land a smooth transition, Lee will support Ch\u2019i until the end of March. Under Lee\u2019s tenure, the company has become a major force in the Asian music industry, developing top artists like Janice Vidal, Khalil Fong and MC Cheung Tin-Fu, while achieving 2.5 times revenue growth in the past five years, the company said in its announcement this week. Robson praised Lee\u2019s contributions and expressed confidence in Ch\u2019i\u2019s leadership, emphasizing WMHK\u2019s commitment to supporting artists and driving innovation \u201cin this dynamic industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cMusic has always been a source of magic for me; it\u2019s not just my career, but a passion that enriches my life,\u201d said Lee, who said he personally chose Ch\u2019i as his successor. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to everyone at Warner Music Group, especially my dedicated team, whose support has been invaluable. I also want to thank our artists for their trust, allowing us to help them realize their dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Donald<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tAfter Trump\u2019s Inauguration, Is Politics Pulling Pop Music To the\u00a0Right?\t\t<\/p>\n<\/h3><\/div>\n

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\n\tMeanwhile\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tSid Fohrman<\/strong>, a prominent music industry lawyer, joined Paul Hastings<\/strong> LLP in Los Angeles as a partner and chair of the firm\u2019s music industry practice. Repeatedly recognized by Billboard<\/em> in our Top Music Lawyers list \u2014 we<\/a> <\/em>are<\/a> <\/em>talkin\u2019<\/a> <\/em>six<\/a> <\/em>years<\/a> <\/em>running<\/a> \u2014 Fohrman specializes in high-stakes music industry transactions, including catalog sales, music licensing and securitization. He also advises on emerging media business models, artificial intelligence, and global sponsorships. His clients include media companies, music labels, funds, talent, and entrepreneurs, with notable representations for Primary Wave, BMG Rights Management, Warner Music Group, TikTok and HYBE America. Previously leading Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP\u2019s music and digital media practice, Fohrman enhances Paul Hastings\u2019 entertainment and media platform, co-led by Erik Hyman and Ken Deutsch. Firm chair Frank Lopez praised Fohrman\u2019s ability to handle complex transactions, \u201cincluding in the dynamic music space\u201d which he said \u201cenhances our top-of-market capabilities for key players at the intersection of technology, media and entertainment.\u201d Lopez added, \u201cThere are strong synergies between Sid\u2019s practice and our roster of leading corporate clients as well as an evolving asset class for asset manager clients across many of our practices, including finance, M&A, private equity and funds, which will help us gain further market share.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJoey Arbagey<\/strong> joined 19 Entertainment<\/strong> as the American Idol<\/em> producer\u2019s new executive vp of music, overseeing 19 Recordings, 19 Publishing and 19 Management. The music biz veteran is based in Los Angeles and will report to SPT nonfiction president, Eli Holzman, and EVP of production Rachel Dax. Arbagey was most recently the evp of A&R at Epic Records, where he played a pivotal role in the careers of artists including\u00a0 Camila Cabello, John K, Eddie Benjamin, Zara Larsson and AJ Mitchel, among others. During his lengthy tenure at Epic he worked closely with then-CEO L.A. Reid, overseeing a roster that included big names like Travis Scott, Meghan Trainor and Future. Earlier in his career, Arbagey worked in radio in San Francisco and later as vp of A&R at Arista Records and Island Def Jam Music Group. In 2007, he launched Near Records, later rebranded as Arbadel Productions, a consultancy, label, and production company. \u201cWe are so glad to bring Joey aboard as we work to\u00a0evolve our music division\u00a0to address the needs of artists in the music industry of today,\u201d Holzman and Dax said. \u201cHis input will be invaluable as we continue to build the legacy of one of the most iconic institutions in music.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\tSony Music Publishing<\/strong> appointed Tatchara Longprasert<\/strong> as general manager of its new office in Thailand (SMP TH), making it the first international publisher with a dedicated local team in the country. Based in Bangkok, Longprasert will report to Carol Ng, president of Sony Music Publishing Asia. SMP TH aims to collaborate with Thai music industry stakeholders to foster international partnerships and develop opportunities for Thai composers and songwriters. Longprasert will focus on expanding SMP\u2019s reach in Thailand\u2019s growing music market. With over a decade of experience, Longprasert previously served as A&R Director at Sonray Music and held roles at Warner Music Thailand, BEC World PLC and S.M. Entertainment. Ng noted Thailand\u2019s dynamic music scene, stating, \u201cThailand has a rich tapestry of sounds and stories. As Thai repertoire grows rapidly, more artists seek a dedicated music publishing partner with global networks and expertise. We look forward to supporting talented songwriters in SMP Thailand and sharing their work with the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tRough Trade Grows Footprint in NYC With Underground Expansion in Rockefeller\u00a0Center\t\t<\/p>\n<\/h3><\/div>\n

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\n\tNASHVILLE NOTES<\/strong>: Kate Vastano<\/strong> joined Sound Talent Group<\/strong>\u2018s senior management team, focusing on maintaining its strong culture and aligning with future goals. An industry veteran, she brings expertise in recruiting, performance strategies and employee engagement. Vastano previously served as director of HR at The Agency Group and people operations manager at United Talent Agency \u2026 Shelby Paul<\/strong>, the director of communications at Big Machine Label Group<\/strong>, has left the company after nearly a decade. She began her journey with Big Machine in 2015 as an intern following her graduation from Central Michigan University and advanced<\/a> to her director role in 2022. She\u2019s reachable here<\/a> \u2026 Alan Jackson appointed daughter Mattie Jackson<\/strong> as master blender for his Silverbelly<\/strong> whiskey. She has written two books about grief and hosts a podcast, In-Joy Life<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\n\tMom+Pop Music<\/strong> co-owners Thaddeus Rudd<\/strong> and Michael Goldstone<\/strong> announced the launch of Pipes Music<\/strong>, a creative and digital agency that supports both signed and unsigned artists. Pipes offers content creation, social media strategy and management of select artist properties. Goldstone emphasized that Pipes helps artists streamline their creative process while maintaining their unique aesthetic across platforms. In a press release, Rudd highlighted the agency\u2019s flexibility in supporting artistry. Additionally, Sullivan Brock<\/strong> leads the creative team, focusing on content shoots and live performance footage, while Emily Ferrell<\/strong> oversees user-generated content campaigns with assistance from Ella Parent<\/strong> and Shae Hicks<\/strong>. Pipes has successfully executed campaigns for artists like Maya Hawke and Magdalena Bay and is currently working with new Mom+Pop signing Chaparelle.<\/p>\n

\n\tCameron Kooklanfar<\/strong> is now an A&R manager at Prescription Songs<\/strong>, where since 2022 he has collaborated with artists such as Hayley May, Bantu, Shae Jacobs, Kevo, Dominique Sanders, Seb (1Mind) and Lourdiz. A standout achievement in the Angeleno\u2019s career was organizing a songwriting camp with Insomniac, which resulted in the globally successful track \u201cSideways\u201d by Gordo & Drake, co-produced by Bantu. Rhea Pasricha, Head of A&R, West Coast, commended Kooklanfar\u2019s said Kooklanfar\u2019s \u201ctireless work ethic, knowledge across musical genres, and passion for identifying and nurturing the best talent makes him a great A&R.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tRock & Roll Hall of Fame Aims to Axe Copyright Lawsuit Over Van Halen Guitar\u00a0Photo\t\t<\/p>\n<\/h3><\/div>\n

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\n\tConcord<\/strong> elevated Megan Hall<\/strong> to senior vice president of business and legal affairs for Concord Music Publishing. Based in London, Hall will lead Concord\u2019s UK legal team, oversee the global sub-publishing network, and manage the company\u2019s relationship with digital licensing agent ICE. She\u2019ll also work closely with svp Michelle Brown to support Concord\u2019s songwriters on business affairs matters, while reporting to evp Duff Berschback. Hall brings over 20 years of legal expertise, with priors at DMH Stallard, Ministry of Sound and Sony Music Publishing. She joined Imagem Music in 2013 and transitioned to Concord following its acquisition of Imagem in 2017. Hall is also an active member of PRS\u2019s Licensing Committee Advisory Group and the International Confederation of Music Publishers\u2019 Legal Expert Group. Berschback praised Hall\u2019s deep knowledge of the global music publishing environment, while chief publishing officer Jim Selby emphasized her strong connections. \u201cAs the Publishing division continues to grow globally, I know that Concord and the songwriters we represent will continue to be well served by Megan,\u201d said Selby. \u201cHer proficiency in legal matters and her deep roots in the music publishing community make her a great fit for this role.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tPhil Kano<\/strong>, a veteran rock promotion executive, has launched KILPHASO CONSULTING<\/strong>, focusing on promotion, marketing, and artist development. His first client is In De Goot Entertainment, where he will serve as an in-house consultant for projects involving Shinedown, Halestorm, Theory Of A Deadman, Black Stone Cherry, and Zero 9:36. Kano previously held the position of senior VP of rock promotion at Elektra Music Group and clocked over 25 years of experience with Roadrunner, Fueled By Ramen, Atlantic, 300 and Elektra, plus an early-career stint in RCA\u2019s promo department. Phil can be reached here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n\tBOARD SHORTS<\/strong>: Cumulus Media<\/strong> appointed Steven M. Galbraith<\/strong> to its board of directors. A major shareholder of Cumulus, Galbraith brings extensive financial expertise, having held key roles at Kindred Capital Advisors, Herring Creek Capital, Maverick Capital, and Morgan Stanley. He has also taught securities analysis at Columbia University Business School and advised the Office of Financial Research. Beyond finance, Galbraith is active in non-profits, serving on boards for Tufts University, Success Academy Charter Schools and the National Constitution Center, and he holds positions on several corporate boards \u2026 The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation<\/strong> (LABF) elected four new board members: Heather Cohen<\/strong>, Mike McVay<\/strong>, Sam Bush<\/strong> and Ernesto Mourelo<\/strong>. The LABF Executive Committee re-elected Gary Chapman, Mary Collins, Jack Goodman, David Kennedy, and Ginny Hubbard for two-year terms, with Dave \u201cChachi\u201d Denes joining the committee. Additionally, the LABF Board elected Heather Birks, Mike Carter, Chandra Clark, Harry Jessell, Deborah Parenti, Walter Podrazik, Dan Spears, John Taylor, Joyce Tudryn, and Dennis Wharton to new three-year terms.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tHeidi Montag & Spencer Pratt Sue the City of Los Angeles Over Palisades Fire\u00a0Destruction\t\t<\/p>\n<\/h3><\/div>\n

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\n\tCollin Citron<\/strong>, a seasoned music publicist, joined 2b Entertainment<\/strong>, the PR team led by Bobbie Gale and Luke Burland in Los Angeles. Previously, Citron was senior director of publicity at Elektra Records since 2018, where he managed national publicity campaigns for artists like Bailey Zimmerman, Panic! At The Disco, All Time Low, NEEDTOBREATHE and Fitz and The Tantrums. This new role marks a return for Citron, who began his career in 2014 with BB GUN Press, which merged with MixedMediaWorks in 2023 to form 2b Entertainment.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe New York Convention Center Operating Cooperation<\/strong> announced Joyce Leveston<\/strong> as the new CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center<\/strong>, effective March 10. Leveston, who brings over 30 years of industry experience, was previously the senior vp of convention centers at Oak View Group, overseeing 60-plus convention and conference centers in the company\u2019s OVG360 portfolio. She has held senior roles at major convention centers across the U.S. and managed high-profile events like the Super Bowl fan fests and presidential inaugural balls. Hugh Carey, vice chair of NYCCOC, praised Leveston\u2019s vision and passion, adding, \u201cher leadership will not only inspire our team but will also enhance the experience for all who walk through our doors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tASM Global<\/strong> promoted Ryan Golden<\/strong> to GM of Pechanga Arena San Diego, a 14,000-capacity venue. Golden will oversee all aspects of daily operations, including purchasing, booking, marketing, finance, human resources, food and beverage, box office, production, maintenance, parking, security and emergency management. Golden has been with Pechanga Arena for four years as assistant GM to outgoing GM Steve Eckerson, who will transition to a part-time advisory role. Prior to joining ASM Global, Golden\u2019s experience included a vp of events role for AEG\u2019s Microsoft Theater and L.A. LIVE.<\/p>\n

\n\t\tICYMI:\t<\/h3>\n
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Manu Ferradas <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t\tBMG<\/strong> named Johannes von Schwarzkopf<\/strong> as chief strategy officer and executive board member, overseeing<\/a> global strategy, M&A and global licensing and synch operations at the Berlin-based music giant \u2026 Longtime rock and punk promoter\u00a0John Reese<\/strong>\u00a0and author\u00a0Craig Duswalt<\/strong>\u00a0joined forces to launch<\/a> the Disrupt Artist Management Network (DAMN!<\/strong>) \u2026 and Manuela Ferradas<\/strong> joined\u00a0SiriusXM<\/strong>\u00a0in a senior role<\/a> to oversee the Latin artist and industry relations team for SiriusXM and Pandora.\t<\/h5>\n
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\n\t\tLast Week\u2019s Turntable<\/strong>: Concord Forms New Digital Division<\/a>\t<\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Aller \u00e0 la source<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Welcome to\u00a0Executive Turntable, Billboard\u2019s weekly compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings \u2014 and all things in between \u2014 across the music business. We have compiled ways music companies are coming together to support those affected by the wildfires across Los Angeles, plus a running list of organizations offering relief for musicians and music industry […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-129092","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-musique","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberlego.com\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/129092","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberlego.com\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberlego.com\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberlego.com\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberlego.com\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=129092"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberlego.com\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/129092\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberlego.com\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=129092"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberlego.com\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=129092"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberlego.com\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=129092"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}