Latest Music Industry Hires: Universal Music India, Songtradr, A2IM, Circuit Group, Sphere Entertainment, More
In one of mid-June’s music industry hires and promotions, Sanujeet Bhujabal (pictured) became MD of Universal Music India and South Asia. Photo Credit: UMG
Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of June 14th, 2024.
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Universal Music India
Universal Music India has promoted Sanujeet Bhujabal, who joined the company in 2023 after 24 years with Sony Music India, from content EVP to MD for India as well as South Asia.
Additionally, Times Network vet Viral Jani has been elevated to chief revenue officer for Universal Music India and South Asia.
Songtradr
The LA-based Songtradr has just beefed up its board. Alex Rigopulos, cofounder of Harmonix and the studio’s director at Epic Games, and Priyanka Khimani, music entertainment lawyer and managing partner at Khimani Associates, now join existing board members Lindsay Nahmiache, Helge Steffen, and company founder/CEO Paul Wiltshire.
A2IM
Richard James Burgess has announced plans to step down as president and CEO of the American Association of Independent Music at 2026’s start.
The Circuit Group
The Circuit Group has tapped former Seven20 and Monster Energy higher-up James Sutcliffe to serve as chief strategy officer. Meanwhile, Simon Birkumshaw, previously a LabelWorx label acquisitions and A&R exec, is now Circuit Group’s director of operations and label services.
Next, the catalog investor has formally named Black Book Records partner Ian Massoth director of A&R and label services. Previously a Pixelynx/Animoca financial professional, Shivani Phull has signed on as CFO advisor, whereas Bianca Price has joined as social media manager.
Rounding out the appointments is Nick Sung (formerly Astralwerks’ global marketing director) as Circuit’s marketing director and Charlie Tadman (joining after six years in Spotify’s songwriter-relations department) as A&R director.
Sphere Entertainment
Sphere Entertainment has hired Carolyn Blackwood as head of Sphere Studios, and the longtime entertainment exec is set to “lead the day-to-day running of the Burbank-based” division.
UTA
United Talent Agency has enlisted former Ingrooves CEO Bob Roback to serve as COO.
Phantom Power
Former Vinyl Group business-development head Craig Sternberg is officially strategic advisor and head of client relations for production music company Phantom Power, which has inked exclusive pacts with composers Michael Maas and Jordi Rica.
Generator
Generator has confirmed Thea Van der Velde as its head of brand and marketing, with Columbia Records mentee Camilla Whitfield beginning as marketing coordinator for the self-described “creative and cultural talent development agency.”
Joining as program coordinators are Chyaro Hylton (focusing on business support initiatives) and Emily Bowdon (zeroing in on education and skills initiatives). Plus, the Interval Records creator’s first music industry intern, Lucy Bridge, remains part of the operation under “a groundbreaking partnership with Warner Music UK.”
Lastly, Generator has added as board members Beth Hazon, UK Music’s Jennifer Geddes, and ITV/Signpost’s Kenny Toal.
Re:Create
Copyright attorney Brandon Butler is now an executive director with Re:Create.
Warner Chappell Music
WCM has upped more than eight-year team member Jessi Vaughn Stevenson to VP of A&R and digital.
VRMA
The Vinyl Record Manufacturing Association has welcomed Furnace Record Pressing founder Eric Astor to its board.
BMG
Alexandra Behrens, previously with Bertelsmann’s Gruner + Jahr, has become SVP of global people excellence for BMG.
Downtown/CD Baby
Downtown has promoted Molly Neuman, formerly with Songtrust, to president of its CD Baby subsidiary.
Reed Smith
After spending the better part of a decade with UMPG and close to three years in YouTube’s publishing department, Jackson Abbeduto has joined Reed Smith as counsel in its global entertainment and media industry group.
Cumulus Media
Cumulus has boosted eight-year team member Kriston Aitken to chief HR officer effective July 1st.
