Mike Van Named First CEO of Billboard

Mike Van has been elevated to the role of CEO of Billboard — the first time anyone has held the role.

In this position, Van will oversee Billboard’s global brand footprint in 15 countries, along with all aspects of strategy, revenue, business operations, live experiences, international licensing and brand partnerships. Van will oversee both the business and editorial teams, with Billboard editor-in-chief Hannah Karp now reporting to him directly.

Van has served as the president of Billboard since 2022, driving double-digit revenue growth and expanding the brand’s global presence. Van has also driven Billboard‘s digital transformation and continued to develop cutting-edge live experiences, including Latin Music Week, the Billboard Latin Music Awards, THE STAGE at SXSW, the Billboard Music Awards and Billboard Women in Music.   

Van will report to Jay Penske, chairman and CEO, Penske Media Corporation.

“Mike is a one-of-a-kind leader, visionary and partner,” Penske said. “His passion for the Billboard brand and clear vision for its future has always set him apart. Mike has fostered a collaborative environment with a team committed to building a formidable global business – innovating and trailblazing at every level. It has been inspiring to watch Billboard’s seismic growth over the last several years and I look forward to seeing the brand continue to thrive under Mike’s leadership.”

“It is the honor of a lifetime to lead Billboard and the team,” Van said. “Together, we have cultivated a culture of excellence. What we’ve built over the last several years has been nothing short of extraordinary, particularly in a media landscape marked by contraction and consolidation. I am deeply proud to carry this legacy forward as we shape the next 125 years by continuing to celebrate artist and executive achievements through our charts, content, global IP expansion and evolving our signature live experiences, cementing our position as the definitive voice of music business and culture.”

Van’s career has spanned media, entertainment and business transformation. He has held leadership positions at Billboard for the last seven years before serving as president. In addition to his time with Billboard, Van brings more than 25 years of marketing and monetization experience, including leadership roles at Pandora, Electronic Arts and Complex.