Executive Turntable: Kobalt Elevates Digital Dealmaker, Plus AEG Presents New CEO in U.K.

Kobalt elevated Derek Cournoyer to senior vice president of global digital business, expanding his role to lead strategic partnerships with platforms like YouTube and TikTok, while also advancing initiatives in Web3 and AI. He will also oversee licensing and sync strategy across emerging media. Based in Los Angeles, Cournoyer first joined Kobalt in 2011, and returning in 2019 after a stint at Smule. Kobalt’s chief digital officer Bob Bruderman said Cournoyer has played a “vital role in forging innovative deals with new partners while ensuring that we have strong relationships with the major digital services and platforms.” Kobalt represents over a million songs globally, including works by Max Martin, Phoebe Bridgers and Paul McCartney.

AEG Presents crowned Jim King as CEO of AEG Presents UK and European Festivals, expanding his role to oversee the UK concert promotion business. King, who has led major festivals like BST Hyde Park and All Points East since joining the company in 2008, will now guide the company’s broader UK and European strategy. As part of the move, outgoing chief Steve Homer will transition to president of UK Touring, focusing on live concert promotion. Based in London, King will report to AEG Presents Europe and Asia Pacific president Adam Wilkes, who praised his “vision and leadership” as being “central to shaping the company’s presence and footprint across the region.”

WieRok Entertainment Group appointed Holly Salazar as head of publishing and rights management, overseeing its catalog across label imprints including WieRok Records, Amplo Records, Wie3 Records and WieRise Music. Salazar will lead the newly centralized division as WieRok brings music rights administration fully in-house, enhancing transparency, ownership, and creative control for artists and songwriters. With over 15 years of experience—including roles at Dvout Music, Bethel Music, and BMI—Salazar has administered over 2,000 songs and secured 500-plus placements across various media. Salazar also holds the role of vp and finance director for the Administrators of Gospel Music, a non-profit dedicated to education and networking in Christian music rights administration.

Tracey J. Jordan joined de Passe Jones Entertainment as a consulting producer while continuing her work with JORDANLAZIN Productions. A veteran of Arista, Motown, MTV, ABKCO Music and SiriusXM, she brings decades of experience in music and media. Jordan also serves as a Recording Academy governor for the New York chapter and is deeply rooted in jazz heritage through her parents, Sheila and Duke Jordan.

ICYMI: Former Oak View Group CEO Tim Leiweke pleaded not guilty this week to bid-rigging charges related to the construction of Austin’s $338 million Moody Center Arena. Prosecutors allege Leiweke conspired with Legends Hospitality’s former CEO to manipulate the bidding process in 2017, offering subcontract awards in exchange for Legends withdrawing its bid. Leiweke surrendered on July 21 and was released on a $1 million bond. The DOJ uncovered the alleged scheme during a merger probe. OVG and Legends reached non-prosecution agreements and paid fines. Leiweke, who co-founded OVG after leading AEG, stepped down following the indictment but remains a shareholder and vice-chair of OVG’s board. Full Story

Angry Mob Music Group launched AM2, a new in-house creative sync division that merges sync production, A&R and licensing under one roof. Led by co-founder and executive director Sean Harrison, AM2 is supported by a newly expanded team: Jessie LaBelle (Director of Creative Sync), Ashleigh Coulter (Manager of Creative Sync) and Ryan Brooks (Creative Sync Manager). With offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, AM2 connects Angry Mob’s global roster of forward-thinking artists with top brands, studios, and content creators across advertising, film, TV, gaming, and more. The division has already placed music in major campaigns and productions, including Bridgerton, Call of Duty, and House of Gucci, and aims to push creative boundaries in visual media music strategy.

Noelle Lambert launched Niche Media, a PR firm looking to elevate the next-gen of country music talent. With over a decade of experience in marketing and journalism and nearly 15 years in Nashville’s music scene, Lambert — founder of the behind-the-scenes country music platform Country Credits — promises a “forward-thinking approach and an unwavering commitment to authenticity” with her new venture. You can reach her at noelle@nichemediapr.com.

Last Week’s Turntable: Sony Music Publishing Sticks With ‘Pixie’