Universal Music Group named Libby Bush Moving into the newly created role of Head of Global Brands and Commercial Partnerships, effective November. According to the announcement, he will “lead a new global function that brings together UMG’s brands, media and commercial partnership businesses, including Universal Music Group for Brands… Spanning digital platforms, physical products and live experiences, these collaborations will be grounded in artists’ authenticity and authentic connections with fans.” Bush, who will be based in Los Angeles, will report to UMG’s Chief Operating Officer Boyd Muir.
He joins from Creative Artists Agency, where he served as Global Head of Entertainment Partnerships and was a member of the Agency Board of Directors. Bush previously founded Tandem Entertainment, an entertainment partnerships agency that was acquired by CAA in 2020, and had stints at Marvel Entertainment, ABC Entertainment, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and the National Basketball Association.
Muir said: “As the way fans experience music evolves, so do the opportunities for our artists. Bringing together our brand, media and commercial partnerships under Libby’s leadership will help expand our artists’ reach and grow revenue, while providing our partners with new ways to build relationships with fans and collaborate with the world’s most influential voices. Libby brings exceptional creative and commercial expertise to the world’s leading music company. We work with our talent, teams and partners to create unforgettable experiences for fans, lasting value for brands and new experiences.” opportunities for artists to work.”
+ Avex Inc. increased its ownership Brandon Silverstein’s S10 Entertainment85 percent of the company was purchased from Silverstein and his partners. The transaction also integrates S10 into Avex Music Group. Silverstein continues to serve as CEO of S10 and Avex Music Group, a board member and equity partner of Avex Music Group. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The transaction follows Avex’s acquisition of the S10 Music Publishing catalog in March 2025, which includes shares of hit songs by Justin Bieber, Drake, Tate McRae, Kehlani, Doja Cat, Post Malone and Rihanna. Silverstein was represented in the transaction by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
Avex Inc. CEO Katsumi Kuroiwa said: “S10 is an outstanding management company that is key to realizing our global ambitions. Bringing S10 into Avex reflects our confidence in Brandon’s leadership and our commitment to growing Avex’s global music business. Together, we will bring the full scope of Avex’s capabilities to artists and creators around the world.”
+ Warner Music Group named Sonny Takhar He will serve as President and CEO of Warner Music UK and Ireland from January 2027. Takhar will oversee creative direction, artist development and strategic operations across WMG’s recorded music footprint in the UK and Ireland, the world’s third-largest music market.
Takhar will report to Val Blavatnik, General Manager, Warner Music North America, UK and Corporate Development. Takhar’s role will also include operational oversight of ADA, WMG’s independent distribution arm in the UK and Ireland, and will work closely with Elliot Grainge, CEO and President of Atlantic Music Group and President of ADA in the US, as well as Aaron Bay-Schuck, Chairman and CEO of Warner Records Group.
As co-founder of Syco Entertainment, Takhar has played a key role in the launch of global TV series “The X Factor” and “Got Talent” as well as the careers of One Direction, Labrinth, Leona Lewis, Little Mix, James Arthur and Fifth Harmony. Takhar recently founded Los Angeles-based KYN Entertainment in a joint venture with Live Nation and has worked with Westlife and songwriter-producer Steve Mac.
Blavatnik said: “Sonny is one of the most visionary executives in music and his track record of discovering, nurturing and disrupting global superstars speaks for itself. His instinct for talent, deep understanding of the wider music ecosystem and strategic global perspective make him the perfect leader to take Warner Music UK & Ireland forward.”
+AmraThe global digital collection community announced today that the Chief Executive Officer, Tomas EricssonHe will transition from his position as CEO after 13 years, effective January 1, 2027. He will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Robin Davieswho has been Amra’s Chief Operating Officer for the last four years, was appointed as the company’s Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1.
Ericsson co-founded Amra in 2013 in partnership with Kobalt Music Group, ultimately directly licensing digital rights to 45 publishers in more than 200 territories, reaching a nine-figure gross by 2026.
“We are grateful for Tomas’ vision and leadership as he and his team have built Amra into one of the industry’s most innovative and transformational organizations,” said Kobalt CEO Laurent Hubert. “We also look forward to Tomas continuing to contribute to the business as President. Amra will be in good hands with Tomas’ ongoing guidance and Robin, who has been with Amra and the Kobalt organization for a decade, at the helm.”
+ Danny Goldberg promoted Jesse Bauer to the position of Senior Vice President and Gabriel Barretto To Vice President Golden Village Entertainment, New York-based artist management company that Goldberg founded in 2007. Bauer has been with the company since its founding; Barreto joined in 2021. He represents Gold Village, Steve Earle, Waterboys and others.
+ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams explained: Jim Selby He was elected to the ASCAP Board of Directors as a broadcaster member. Jim Selby is Head of Global Music Publishing at BMG, leading the company’s worldwide music publishing business and played a key role in its recent merger with Concord.
Williams commented: “The ASCAP Board of Directors cares deeply about making decisions that benefit members as a whole. As a global publishing leader, Jim has the expertise to address the complex issues facing music creators and publishers in today’s marketplace, from both the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence to licensees looking to pay songwriters less. He will be an invaluable voice on the ASCAP Board in our mission to advocate and protect our more than one million members.”
+ Universal Music Group named Oscar Celma as Senior Vice President of Applied AI and Machine Learning, effective immediately. Celma will lead the development and implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning across UMG’s global operations and support UMG’s labels, divisions and businesses. He will report to UMG’s Chief Data Officer, Hannah Poferl.
In her previous role at Spotify, Celma led the development of personalization and discovery, as well as AI-powered personalized listening experiences such as AI DJ, Jam, and Daylist. He has also held positions at Conde Nast, Pandora/SiriusXM and BMAT Music Innovators.
“Òscar brings a unique blend of quantitative and product experience, deep expertise in AI, and a love of music,” said Poferl. “Òscar has built teams that know how to turn data into useful insights at scale and have been able to do so. With the breadth and depth of UMG’s data, there is tremendous potential for him to help our teams do more for our artists.”
+ Chrysalis RecordsBlue Raincoat Music, part of the Reservoir group of companies and associated artist management and music publishing company, is the publisher-journalist’s Steve Lamacq joined the company as Curator, New Music and Talent Development. The newly created advisory role is focused on helping both companies identify, support and nurture the next generation of breakthrough artists.
Working in a consultancy capacity alongside Chrysalis and Blue Raincoat’s existing A&R, management and creative teams, Lamacq, a BBC and NME veteran, will help discover, support and develop emerging talent, drawing on over four decades of experience at the forefront of alternative and independent music culture. Lamacq was appointed MBE in 2025 for services to broadcasting and music venues.
Jeremy Lascelles, CEO of Chrysalis Records & Blue Raincoat Music, said: “Steve has a remarkable ability to spot great artists early. He often identifies talent long before the wider industry has caught on. When I asked him if he would be interested in working with us in this capacity, I was delighted when he agreed. It’s almost a dream scenario for us. Alongside his deep knowledge of music, he has built a level of trust with both artists and audiences, which makes him uniquely qualified for this curatorial role.” “I am excited about the association and think we will have a lot of fun.”