HYBE America, a South Korea-based music and entertainment company with a growing global presence, has appointed veteran executive Ethiopia Habtemariam as its new President of Music, the company announced on Thursday.
In her new role, Ethiopia will oversee artist development and A&R across HYBE America’s label ecosystem, identify creative and commercial opportunities, and help advance the company’s long-term growth strategy. She will be based in Los Angeles and Atlanta, her hometown and a hub of global hip-hop, reflecting HYBE’s focus on the US music market following its 2023 acquisition of Atlanta-based label Quality Control.
She will report directly to HYBE America Chairman and Chief Executive Isaac Lee, who described her as “a once-in-a-generation leader whose influence on artists, songwriters, culture, and the music business is unmistakable.” He added that Ethiopia’s vision, taste, and strategic insight make her ideally suited to guide HYBE America into its next chapter, as the company builds a forward-looking entertainment business focused on artists and fans.
Ethiopia previously served as Chair and chief executive of Universal Music Group’s Motown Records from 2021 to 2022. During her tenure, she oversaw a joint venture with Quality Control and played a key role in developing artists such as Lil Yachty, City Girls, Migos, Lil Baby, Leon Thomas, and NBA YoungBoy.
A veteran of more than two decades in the music industry, Ethiopia began her career as a teenage intern at L.A. Reid’s LaFace Records and held leadership roles across Universal Music Publishing Group and Capitol Music Group. She has worked with numerous prominent artists, including Chris Brown, J. Cole, Justin Bieber, Ciara, Jhene Aiko, and Keri Hilson.
HYBE America said Ethiopia will continue to collaborate closely with Universal Music Group, given the companies’ long-standing partnership. Speaking on her appointment, she said, “I’ve long admired how HYBE America approaches artists, fans, and the future of entertainment. This is a company building with intention and investing for the long term while staying deeply connected to culture. I’m excited to contribute my experience as HYBE America continues to shape what’s next for music on a global scale.”
Quality Control Music chief executive Pierre ‘P’ Thomas and COO Kevin ‘Coach K’ Lee highlighted Ethiopia’s extensive experience and past collaboration with the Atlanta-based label.
Thomas said, “Her passion for artists, commitment to culture, and deep understanding of the music landscape make her an extraordinary leader.” Lee added, “Working with Ethiopia again feels full circle. From the early days in Atlanta, we built something special at Quality Control, and it means a lot to see that legacy continue in this next chapter.”
Ethiopia’s appointment comes as HYBE America undergoes rapid expansion following its acquisition of Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings in 2021. After Braun stepped down as CEO last summer, the company launched a globally focused label services division and completed several strategic initiatives over the past year, including acquiring VIP experiences firm Confirmed360, striking a distribution deal with So So Def Recordings, and launching a joint venture with YouTube creator Alan Chikin Chow.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source birrmetrics.com ’
