Executive Turntable: ASCAP Adds CTO to Help ‘Harness’ AI, Plus Primary Wave Hires WMG Mainstay

John Pershing is the new senior vice president and chief technology officer at ASCAP, effective Sept. 22. He joins the PRO from What If Media Group, where he has led IT, product development and data engineering since 2019. Pershing, who is based in New York, previously served as vp of software engineering at big data firm 1010data. The organization’s future-focused tech strategy was a key draw for Pershing, who said he’s excited to join “at a time when there are so many new opportunities to innovate.” ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews added, “ASCAP is excited to bring John on board as we continue to drive innovative global technology solutions that benefit our songwriter, composer and publisher members as well as our licensees. He will be instrumental as we harness the power of AI in exciting new ways to create growth, solve market needs, and advance efficiencies.”

Primary Wave Music supercharged its brand division, led by chief brand officer Jeffrey Straughn, with key hires and promotions. Camille Hackney joins as head of brand partnerships in New York, bringing decades of experience from Warner Music Group, where across labels like Atlantic and Elektra she led major campaigns with music-intertwined Fortune 500 companies including Apple, Starbucks, Citibank and Google. Bart Saunt, now senior vice president in Los Angeles, boasts over 25 years of brand partnership expertise from Universal Music Group, Iconoclast, EMI and Virgin, having worked with iconic artists and brands across music and gaming. Additionally, Billboard 40 Under 40er Sam Sklover has been promoted to vp of brand partnerships, after six years at Primary Wave, including campaigns for Prince and Boyz II Men. Straughn praised all three, noting Hackney’s “competitive spirit,” Saunt’s impact as “putting wins on the board from day one,” and Sklover’s strategic “growth and maturity” over the years.

Check out the rest of this week’s staffing news below.