Executive Turntable: Jody Gerson Joins Ancestry Board, Plus CTS Eventim’s New CPO Brings AI Edge

Welcome to a sweltering edition of Executive Turntable, Billboard‘s weekly roundup of promotions, hires, exits and everything in between across the music industry. This go-round we’ve got Jody Gerson (ya heard?), several moves in the live space, and a couple big hires at Lost Highway. Buckle up…

Ancestry has appointed Universal Music Publishing Group chairman and CEO Jody Gerson to its board of directors as an independent member. Gerson, a pioneering figure in the music industry, became the first woman to lead a global music company and major publisher in 2015. She has worked with top artists like Adele, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd, and led major catalog acquisitions for icons such as Bob Dylan and Sting. Beyond her music achievements — which include multiple executive-of-the-year nods on various Billboard lists — Gerson also co-founded the nonprofit She Is The Music and serves on several influential boards. Ancestry board chair Mark Thompson praised Gerson as a “visionary leader whose transformative impact on the music industry is matched only by her unwavering commitment to creativity, inclusion and innovation,” while Blackstone’s David Kestnbaum highlighted her “highly valuable perspectives.”

Thorsten Schäffler is the new chief product officer of European ticketing giant CTS Eventim, effective July 16. In this role, Schäffler will oversee product management across all B2B and B2C offerings and lead the development of the company’s global product strategy. A key focus will be leveraging generative AI to enhance data analysis and predictive tools for promoters, while improving fan experiences through personalized recommendations and marketing. Reporting to CTO Karel Dörner, Schäffler brings extensive experience in digital transformation, having held leadership roles at Flix, Enpal and Boston Consulting Group. Dörner said of Schäffler’s remit: “As an experienced product manager and proven expert in the development and implementation of digital product strategies, he will, among other things, drive the use of generative AI and transform innovative ideas into customer-oriented offerings.”

Sony Music Publishing promoted Margherita Gnech to managing director of its Italy division, effective immediately. Based in Milan, Gnech will lead creative and business operations at SMP Italy, which represents iconic talents like Ennio Morricone, Måneskin and Franco Battiato, reporting directly to SMP president of international Guy Henderson. Since joining SMP in 2020, Gnech has played a key role in the company’s success, first as senior manager of legal and business affairs and most recently as head of legal and business affairs. She previously practiced copyright law. Henderson said Gnech “has a clear vision about the creative future of our company and will be a major contributor to Italy’s music publishing business. Her relationships across our global network will be instrumental as we continue to expand Italian songwriters’ presence around the world.”

Lost Highway made two key adds to the repaved label‘s growing Nashville-based team. Casey Thomas was named vp of marketing, bringing nearly seven years of experience leading marketing and commercial partnerships at Monument Records, along with prior experience at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Vincent Masino joined as manager of audience development and content strategy, coming from UMG Nashville, where he was a digital content specialist. Co-head Robert Knotts praised Thomas’s innovative approach and Masino’s talent for connecting artists with audiences. The hires follow the label’s relaunch, with Kacey Musgraves as its first new signing.

Oak View Group appointed Simon Hanna as senior vp of operations. Hanna brings over 15 years of experience in live events, hospitality and venue operations, having previously served as COO at Freemans Event Partners. In his new role, Hanna will oversee operational performance across Oak View Group’s expanding portfolio of venues, working closely with evp of venue management Rebecca Kane Burton and vp of hospitality strategy Michalis Fragkiadakis to enhance fan experiences and boost innovation. Hanna has led operations for major global events like the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2023 Rome Ryder Cup, and worked at iconic venues including Wembley and Lord’s.

United Talent Agency appointed partner Darnell Strom as head of its U.K. office in London. Strom, who has a background in politics and previously worked with Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, has played a key role in UTA’s global strategy and represents high-profile clients including Malala Yousafzai, Jon Batiste and Alexis Ohanian. Relocating from Los Angeles, Strom will oversee UTA’s U.K. operations and lead its expansion across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Space Shower FUGA, a joint venture between Japan’s Space Shower Networks and Downtown’s global distributor FUGA, appointed Satoshi Tanaka as CEO, effective July 1. Tanaka, a board member since 2022, brings nearly two decades of experience from Space Shower Networks, where he led content production, international development and corporate planning. He’ll now focus on expanding client acquisition and business development, supporting Japanese rights holders with global infrastructure and local expertise. Founded in 2021, Space Shower FUGA combines FUGA’s global tech with Space Shower’s cultural leadership to serve Japan’s music ecosystem. Outgoing CEO Koichi Sato will transition to chairman. The company currently supports around 2,000 clients, offering localized distribution, royalty reporting and promotional tools for artists.

Nathalie Rubin joined IMAGE PR as senior director of publicity, reporting directly to CEO and founder Hailey Bailey. Based in Los Angeles, Rubin brings over a decade of experience in music publicity, having held roles at major labels like BMG and Elektra, as well as top PR agencies like Hustle&Co. At IMAGE, she will work across a diverse client roster that includes musicians, actors, models, digital creators and CEOs.

Independent music distributor IDOL appointed Johann Böhringer as general manager for Germany, Austria and Switzerland (GAS), effective July 1. Based in Berlin, Böhringer will lead regional expansion, support existing label partners like City Slang, NOTON and Kommerz Records, and develop new business opportunities. One of his first projects includes the rollout of the next album by rising Irish post-punk band SPRINTS. Böhringer brings over a decade of experience in A&R, marketing and label management, most recently heading the label division at A Million Music. He has also held roles at Sony Music’s Columbia Records Germany and B1 Records. At IDOL, he joins Victor Coridaß in Berlin and will collaborate closely with the Paris leadership team.

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) announced the appointment of Kristy Fletcher as COO, a new role. Fletcher will continue as president of MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with The JUNO Awards. Prior to MusiCounts, Fletcher spent two decades at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), where she played a key role in developing the community investment strategy for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors. “Kristy’s impact on MusiCounts and the broader Canadian music landscape has been extraordinary,” Allan Reid, president and CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards, said. “Her strategic leadership, deep commitment to community, and proven operational excellence make her a natural fit for the COO role at CARAS.” –Paul Grein

The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) and Legends/ASM Global announced two leadership promotions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Effective July 1, Shannon Kelly will step into the role of general manager, succeeding John Drum, who has been elevated to regional vp for Legends/ASM Global. A St. Paul native, Kelly joined the stadium team in 2018 and most recently served as Director of Events. She brings over a decade of experience from Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and will now oversee the day-to-day operations, management, and promotion of the 66,000-plus seat venue. In his new role, Drum will oversee operations at six NFL stadiums and two additional venues across the U.S.

TKO Artist Management elevated Eric Gundrum to manager, now overseeing day-to-day operations for artist-writers Mac McAnally and Scotty Emerick, while continuing as part of artist Jackson Dean’s management team. Jordan Bernal has been promoted to management coordinator, supporting the management teams for artists Jamey Johnson, Dean, McAnally and Emerick. Finally, Ella Bare joined as executive assistant to the president, supporting company founder and president TK Kimbrell. –Jessica Nicholson

Concert Stuff Group hired Chance Stahlhut as the production company’s new chief operating officer. Stahlhut began his career in punk clubs and small venues before touring globally as an engineer and crewchief with Clair Global. He later transitioned into production leadership roles at VER and PRG, overseeing major tours and cross-functional teams. Most recently, he served as COO at Go West Creative, expanding into experiential strategy and brand activations. At CSG, the Nashville-based Stahlhut will oversee operations across its growing portfolio of production, event and media companies. “Chance’s rare combination of technical expertise, operational excellence, and creative insight makes him an ideal fit to help execute our vision,” said CEO Jim Brammer.

Jack Delaney is promoted to GM at Murray Chalmers PR (MCPR), effective immediately. In his new role, he will collaborate with founder Murray Chalmers on business operations while continuing to manage high-profile client accounts, including Headie One, Lily Allen, James, New Order, Slick Rick, Kate Bush, the John Lennon Estate, Abbey Road Studios and Blue Note Jazz Club. The announcement coincides with the departure of Sarah Henderson from the company, also effective immediately.

Music Technology UK, the UK’s sole trade association dedicated to music tech startups, named Cliff Fluet as its inaugural chair to lead its newly formed board of directors. Fluet is a partner at Lewis Silkin, managing director of Eleven Advisory, and also serves in leadership roles at Music Minds Matter and Help Musicians. As chair, he’ll guide MTUK’s strategic direction to position the UK as a global hub for music tech innovation. The new board includes Helen Sartory (Beatport), Claire Mas (Spitfire Audio), Gareth Deakin (Sonorous Global) and MTUK CEO Matt Cartmell.

StrmMusic appointed Geoff Cubitt as CEO of StrmMusic North America, marking a big step in the Brazilian music tech company’s expansion into the U.S. and Canada. Based in Chicago, Cubitt will lead the company’s North American headquarters and drive growth in AI-powered career management, digital distribution and credit advances for artists. A seasoned digital innovator and the co-founder of Roundarch, Cubitt has led digital transformations for brands like HBO, Adidas and JP Morgan Chase over the course of a 30-year career.

Last Week’s Turntable: Live Nation Bids Adieu to Greg Maffei