GMR, Seltzer, HYBE, Warner Make Executive Moves

Michael Seltzer has launched Seltzer LLC, a New York–based private practice following more than 30 years at Universal Music Group. The new firm debuts with a heavyweight roster that includes GOLDSTATE Music, Barry Weiss’ RECORDS, ALTA Music Group, Julian Bunetta’s NOTEBOOK and the Marley family across multiple TUFF GONG–related initiatives. Seltzer will also advise artists, producers, songwriters and labels on a broad spectrum of deals. Seltzer most recently served as executive vice president of business and legal affairs and global head of commercial transactions at UMG, where he led negotiations across record contracts, label ventures, touring, merch, acquisitions, brand partnerships, film and TV projects, and AI initiatives. Over his tenure, he helped structure thousands of deals involving artists such as Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Jay‑Z, Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Marley, as well as major partners including Spotify, Apple Music and TikTok. His career also includes senior roles at Def Jam, Island and Republic, plus a stint as COO of Palm Pictures. A perennial Billboard Top Lawyer, Seltzer says he’ll tailor his practice to today’s rapidly evolving industry. “I’m excited to create a practice that’s agile, innovative, and strategic to meet today’s needs,” he said.

Gene Whitney is the new general counsel of HYBE America, bolstering a leadership team amid that just last week added former Motown chief Ethiopia Habtemariam as president of music. Based in Los Angeles, Whitney will oversee legal strategy across North and South America, guide corporate governance, and support international growth. A veteran exec with over 20 years of experience in the crowded intersection of music, tech and media, Whitney has held senior roles at Amazon Music, Meta, SoundCloud, Vevo and Universal Music Group. Most recently, he served as global head of music business affairs and label operations at Riot Games, shaping its music strategy and licensing framework. Whitney will report to HYBE America CEO Isaac Lee, who said his new GC “brings a rare combination of legal expertise, business acumen and a deep understanding of how music operates across emerging platforms.”

Sara Holmes has been elevated to vice president of promotion and artist services at Warner Records, reporting to senior vp Josh Reich. Holmes, a 14-year veteran of the label, began as an assistant at Warner’s Burbank ski lodge before advancing through roles including Southwest regional and national director of Top 40 promotion. The label said Holmes has been key in shaping pop promo strategies for major acts such as Dua Lipa, Benson Boone, Teddy Swims and Bebe Rexha. After working remotely in recent years, Holmes will return to Los Angeles to assume her new role at Warner’s headquarters.

Gap Inc. has welcomed Pam Kaufman as executive vice president and chief entertainment officer, a new role reporting to CEO Richard Dickson beginning Feb. 2. Kaufman will lead the company’s Fashiontainment strategy, building an entertainment, content and licensing platform that spans music, TV, film, sports, gaming, consumer products and more. She will use her extensive industry relationships to scale partnerships and amplify creative ideas through entertainment-led storytelling. Kaufman previously served as president and CEO of international markets, global consumer products and experiences at Paramount, overseeing a multibillion-dollar global operation across 170-plus markets. Her experience also includes board roles with Stella McCartney, Lindblad Expeditions and the Rock Hall of Fame. As part of the strategy, Gap Inc. will open a Los Angeles office this spring to deepen its presence in the entertainment ecosystem.

Frontiers Label Group has launched BLKIIBLK Records, a new metal and hard rock label, and tapped veteran A&R executive Mike Gitter to lead the effort. Gitter will serve as head of BLKIIBLK and also global head of A&R for Frontiers, bringing decades of experience from stints at Century Media, Roadrunner, Razor & Tie and Atlantic, where he signed acts like Lorna Shore, Killswitch Engage, Bad Religion and Ice-T’s Body Count. The move follows major releases from Frontiers, including Biohazard in 2025 and Megadeth’s final album arriving later this month. BLKIIBLK has already signed Forbidden, Cro-Mags, gothic metal outfit Unto Others and underground stalwarts Nunslaughter. Gitter says the mission is simple: “Establish BLKIIBLK as a force on the heavy and extreme music spectrum that spans the gamut from the mainstays and driving forces of the genre to the most modern of metal to the grimiest of the underground. The common denominator is pushing boundaries with records and bands that are nothing short of vital, no matter what stage in their career.”

Derek Cournoyer has joined ElevenLabs as strategy lead for music business affairs, where he will help guide the company’s expanding music initiatives, including Eleven Music — the AI music‑making platform. Based in Los Angeles, Cournoyer arrives after more than a decade at Kobalt, where he was most recently senior vice president of global digital business, leading partnerships with YouTube and TikTok and advancing Web3, AI, licensing and sync strategies across emerging media. He first joined Kobalt in 2011, returning in 2019 after a stint at Smule. Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Cournoyer called ElevenLabs “one of the most advanced and widely respected AI audio platforms,” adding that joining now feels “timely and meaningful.”

WMA marked its 10th anniversary in the U.S. with a series of executive moves meant to boost its international expansion. Crystina Cinti, a company veteran since 2016, has been promoted to global senior vice president, reporting to founder and global CEO Seb Weller. In her expanded role, she will continue driving global growth and enhancing WMA’s offerings across entertainment, brands and culture. The agency also named Kelsi Ring as U.S. vp of PR, social and marketing; based in Los Angeles, she joins from Red Bull Records with more than a decade of experience in music, entertainment and live events. Additionally, Nick Calafato, formerly of Vevo, has been appointed global head of film and photography for WMA Studios. Said Weller: “As we look ahead, I feel more energized than ever about the next ten years: delivering meaningful growth for our clients, expanding our footprint in entertainment, and continuing to innovate as an agency.”

Maxim Karlik has joined Creative Artists Agency as an agent in its global touring division, based in Los Angeles. At CAA, he’ll focus on client strategy and new business opportunities. Karlik previously led a group at UTA that integrated music clients across publishing, film, TV, gaming, and other divisions, overseeing Post Malone’s acting roles in Happy Gilmore 2 and Road House and the launch of his graphic novel Post Malone’s Big Rig. Karlik also serves on the Save the Music Foundation’s Advisory Board and is a Clio Awards jury member.

Michelle Vélez has been hired as the director of artist strategy and strategic partnerships at NuLife Entertainment, an artist management, development and events company with a roster that includes Elvis Crespo, Víctor Manuelle and Ebenezer Guerra, among others. “Their unique balance of vision, legacy, and authenticity are qualities that I’ve long admired,” said Vélez. “I’m excited to work with a team that’s propelled some of Latin music’s most recognizable names to global recognition.” Bringing more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Vélez has held senior roles at Sony Music Latin, Universal Music Latin, WK Entertainment and Moroch Partners, giving her a unique perspective at the intersection of artist management, music marketing, culture and brand partnerships. Most recently, the Latin music exec served as head of marketing & communications at Nevarez Communications, where she represented top tier acts like Elvis Crespo, Gloria Trevi and more. Vélez also serves as assistant vice chair of fundraising for Women in Music’s Miami Chapter and is a member of LARAS. –Isabela Raygoza

Goldenvoice has hired talent buyer Luke Hanna for its San Francisco office, marking his return to the AEG Presents company. Hanna, who previously booked shows at The Regent Theatre, The Belasco and other Los Angeles venues, will join the team overseeing the Warfield and Regency Ballroom, as well as additional Bay Area events. Reporting to Goldenvoice svp of talent Danny Bell, Hanna said, “The warmth of this homecoming has been overwhelming… Feels great to be back.” Originally from Ventura, Hanna began in the DIY scene before interning at Goldenvoice and later booking major acts including Jack White, Iggy Pop, Paramore, Ed Sheeran and Kelly Clarkson.

Merlin announced its 2026–27 board, introducing several new members alongside the return of the executive who originally established the organization … Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern revealed she will retire at the end of 2026 … TuneCore CEO Andreea Gleeson is stepping aside after a decade with the DIY distribution platform, transitioning into a strategic advisor role for parent company Believe … UMG made a significant hire with longtime journalist Hannah Poferl appointed chief data officer … Finally, Warner Music Latina elevated Brenda Carrasco to senior vp of marketing and artist strategy.