Executive Turntable: Sony Music Publishing Taps MD of Iberia, Plus Bruce Allen Names Successor at Namesake Firm

Sony Music Publishing elevated Jordi Tello to managing director of Iberia, succeeding longtime Spain MD Juan Ignacio Alonso, who retired in August. Based in Madrid, Tello will oversee creative and business operations across Spain and Portugal, reporting to SMP president of international Guy Henderson. Tello joined SMP in April 2024 as A&R director, working with top artists like Rels B, Morad, Rigoberta Bandini, and Vicco, while SMP Iberia continues to represent iconic talent such as Jose Luis Perales, Estopa, Rozalén and Love of Lesbian. With over 25 years of experience, Tello began his career as a musician before transitioning into the music business in 1999 as an A&R for Warner Music, later spending 15 years at Universal Music Publishing — ultimately as A&R director — before joining Sony Music as an A&R director in 2017 and returning to publishing at SMP in 2024. Henderson praised Tello’s leadership and industry acumen, while Alonso expressed confidence in his successor. “I am delighted… and feel confident that the amazing work achieved by SMP Iberia’s current and former teams will be pursued and fostered under his leadership,” he said.

Canadian music executive Paul Haagenson was appointed president of Bruce Allen Talent, effective Oct. 6. The move comes as company founder Bruce Allen steps into the role of chairman, continuing his involvement with the Vancouver-based management firm. Haagenson previously served as president of Live Nation Canada, where he oversaw some of the country’s biggest tours and events. Before that, he was vice president and GM of the Western Division at House of Blues Concerts Canada. His decades of experience in the live music and talent management industries position him to steer Bruce Allen Talent into its next chapter. Bruce Allen Talent represents a diverse lineup of artists, including Canadian icon Anne Murray, Michael Bublé, Jann Arden, producer Bob Rock, and rock band The Offspring, with Bryan Adams among its past clients. “The company has a tremendous roster of talented artists, and I want to make sure they continue to get the best service we can offer,” Allen said in a statement. “Paul is going to add so much. He has a big reputation, and he understands the business incredibly well.” –Peony Hirwani

Virgin Music Group appointed Cindy Gu as general manager of Southeast Asia, overseeing operations in Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. Based in Singapore, Gu is focused on expanding VMG’s presence across Southeast Asia — the six markets are home to over 600 million people — while advancing the company’s mission to support independent artists and labels throughout these dynamic markets. Gu brings over a decade of experience in electronic music, having led Fabled Records — a joint venture between Live Nation and Astralwerks — while championing regional talent and driving global success with standout releases like “Lathi” by Weird Genius and “Way Back Home.” She joins Liza Fuady, regional director, who will continue leading commercial strategy from Jakarta. “An entrepreneur herself, she knows firsthand what it takes to build successful independent music businesses and will be a valuable partner to entrepreneurs in one of the world’s most important high growth regions,” said JT Myers, co-CEO of Virgin Music Group.

Gibson appointed Anne Rohosy as chief commercial officer, expanding her leadership to oversee global commercial strategy across wholesale, direct-to-consumer and retail channels. Since joining Gibson in 2021, Rohosy has driven organizational transformation, led HR and culture initiatives, and revitalized the iconic guitar maker’s amplifier division. With over 30 years of leadership at global brands like Levi Strauss & Co. and Nike, Anne Rohosy brings extensive expertise in brand building, sales, marketing, strategic growth, and board-level innovation across consumer and tech-driven markets. “Anne’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping Gibson’s transformation over the past several years,” said Cesar Gueikian, president and CEO of Gibson.

Big Machine Label Group announced a round of promotions and hirings in the label group’s international division, which continues to lead the label’s international efforts across key markets including the UK and Australia. Alex Hannaby has been elevated to vp of international marketing and operations (in addition to her role as head of U.K.). Iren Coutiel has been promoted to senior international digital & commercial manager, while international marketing & promotions manager Roxanne Gwillam-Kelly expands responsibilities to include overseeing projects in the U.K. and beyond, while international marketing & promotions manager Flo Myerscough-Harris expands her role from overseeing select projects in the U.K. to also include other international territories. International label intern Cary Dal-Lago will assist on all global BMLG projects. –Jessica Nicholson

Symphonic Distribution appointed Victor Roque as senior director of A&R and client development, LATAM, marking a strategic expansion into Puerto Rico alongside a new partnership with High Ground Music (HGM). Roque, a seasoned business development expert and former national director of marketing for Spanish Broadcasting System, brings over a decade of experience in artist marketing and event promotion. Based in P.R. and reporting to Symphonic’s vp of LATAM biz-dev, Greg Vinas, he’ll lead Symphonic’s efforts in artist acquisition and catalog growth across the Caribbean. His hiring will be celebrated at a launch event tonight (Sept. 5) in San Juan, co-hosted by Symphonic and HGM, whose founding team includes former Rimas execs.

ALL IN THE FAMILY: Penske Media Corporation named Eugenia Richman vp of editorial innovation, where she will lead strategic content development, studio initiatives and revenue growth across PMC’s portfolio (Billboard included). Richman, formerly editor-in-chief of Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), brings nearly a decade of leadership experience within PMC and will report to evp of strategy & operations Tom Finn. Simultaneously, Fairchild Media Group, a PMC division, promoted Michael Atmore to EIC of WWD, adding to his role as chief brand officer. Atmore will oversee WWD’s editorial direction across all platforms while continuing to lead Footwear News and FMG’s live events team, reporting directly to Amanda Smith, CEO of FMG, and James Fallon, chief content officer.

Bryce Buckner and Eric Bindman have each been elevated to partner at dance/electronic management company Prodigy Artists. In addition to this partner role, Buckner serves as senior manager and label manager at Prodigy and has been key in driving growth with an roster that includes headliners like SLANDER and NGHTMRE along with a slate of other songwriters and producers. Buckner also leads the teams behind the Gud Vibrations and Heaven Sent labels, in partnership with Insomniac Music Group. Meanwhile Bindman is partner and director of operations, a role that includes looking after a client roster featuring the Grammy-nominated and Gold-certified producer Audien, along with Elephante, NIIKO X SWAE and Emorfik. He brings 15 years of experience to the role, having worked across artist management, touring, publishing, operations, and team leadership. –Katie Bain

Esa-Pekka Salonen will be the LA Phil’s first creative director, beginning in the 2026/27 season. He’ll lead six weeks of concerts annually and spearhead innovative, multidisciplinary programming. This new role complements the ongoing search for a music director and reflects the LA Phil’s commitment to artistic excellence and audience expansion. Salonen, who was music director from 1992–2009, has had a transformative impact on the orchestra, commissioning numerous works and collaborating on landmark productions. The LA Phil also announced a partnership with the Philharmonie de Paris, where Salonen will serve as creativity and innovation chair and principal conductor. Joint initiatives include a conducting fellowship, ballet commissions, and immersive music-tech experiences.

Jack Babnew officially launched Automatic Classic, a boutique consulting and project development firm in Los Angeles that supports artist clients through services like artist development, A&R consulting, creative strategy, tour logistics and brand partnerships. With over a decade of experience at firms like TMWRK and Gold Theory Artists, Babnew has worked with acts such as MØ, Dorian Electra and Animal Collective, and led global campaigns and collaborations with brands like a24 and Gucci Beauty. Babnew said Automatic Classic’s mission is to empower artists, labels and producers to move creatively and confidently, stating, “If you have the vision, we have the drive.”

NASHVILLE NOTES: Ryan Aviation Group hired head of sales Lexi Dunfey. She arrives after 12 years with Private Jet Services, where she was most recently senior sales director… PLA Media hired public relations specialist Matt Bjorke. He was the longtime editor in chief of the now-defunct Roughstock.com… Marb Marketing head of PR Caitlin Blackford ended a five-year run with the company on Aug. 29, with her next role on the horizon. In her absence, Ave East Marketing publicity manager Natalie Blakley will take on Blackford’s clients.

Kyn Fellows joined UMG/Def Jam Recordings as the newest publicity director, based in the label’s Los Angeles office. Fellows arrives following nearly two years at Biz 3 Publicity, where she played a key role in shaping artist narratives and executing press campaigns for City Girls, Victoria Monét, Babyface and RAYE, among others. Her experience spans media strategy, talent relations and red carpet coordination. Prior to Biz 3, Fellows spent six years at Kennedy Rowe PR, working with major artists like Cam’Ron, Drake, Britney Spears and Chris Brown. Her career also includes time at Jive/RCA Records, Capitol Records, MTV Networks and The Chamber Group in New York.

Last Week’s Turntable: Spotify Picks Head of Nashville Editorial, Plus Merlin Hires Legal Affairs Wiz