Promotions & New Hires at Sphere Entertainment, Columbia/RCA & More

Jen Tanner has been appointed senior vp and head of global brand partnerships for Columbia Records and RCA Records. Based in Los Angeles, Tanner has long been part of Sony Music Entertainment, and spearheaded campaigns for artists including SZA, Doja Cat, Alicia Keys, Lisa and Tate McRae, and has collaborated with brands including PlayStation, Chase, Essentia Water, BMW and Patrón. — A.K.

Shazmah Hakim has been named chief legal officer at Oak View Group, the company announced. He joins OVG from Remington Lodging and Hospitality in Dallas, where she served as CLO. In his new role, he will be based in Denver and report to CEO Chris Granger.

“OVG”s innovative venue development and services platforms are increasingly in demand on a global basis, with particular interest and energy from Europe, the Middle East and Latin America,” the Granger said in a statement. “Shazmah’s deep international experience will substantially accelerate and support these efforts. Shazmah’s diverse legal background across real estate, operations, compliance, and governance, when paired with her experience in the regions in which we increasingly operate, will benefit OVG, our partners, our clients, and the communities we call home.”

Hakim said, “OVG’s growth in the entertainment and live events business is unmatched and I couldn’t be more excited to join a team so focused on leading in the areas of innovation, partnership and best practices. I’m looking forward to putting my experience and passion to work for OVG to advance its key business priorities across its global portfolio.” — A.K.

Icon Concerts and its parent company LiveCo announced they have hired Jesse Stoll as executive vp of global touring. Stoll previously served at Concerts West as vp of touring, producing major tours for Sabrina Carpenter, Hans Zimmer, Theo Von, Tom Segura, Martin Lawrence and Ado.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jesse to the Icon team,” Paul Meloche, CEO of Icon, said in a statement. “As a proven winner I’ve known for years, he brings a rare dual expertise: The high level experience of touring with major acts and the strategic vision for developing talent from the ground up.”

Chuck Steedman, LiveCo president and CEO, said in a statement, “Jesse is a great hire for Icon, not only to help add to the stable of great touring comedians but to bring artists from multiple genres to Icon and LiveCo. Our company is the leading independent promoter and producer of live entertainment in the world, and a talent like Jesse will help us keep that incredible trajectory. He is exactly the kind of innovative thinker and deal maker that this company thrives on.”

Stoll began his career at Sony MBG before moving onto AEG Southwest as a talent buyer. He joined Concerts West in 2022.

“Icon Concerts has built a premier reputation through a tenacious, hands-on approach to promotion and production,” Stoll said in a statement. “I’ve long respected what Paul created as an independent in a fiercely competitive space. We share the same mindset of fighting for every dollar for both promoter and artist. The artists I work with are family, and supporting their vision will always lead. I’m proud to join Icon and excited to build with the scale of LiveCo behind us.”

The Alliance for Women Film Composers elected new officers and a new board. Taura Stinson and Ronit Kirchman were voted into the role of co-presidents of the organization. Allyson Newman and Heather McIntosh, who served as co-presidents since 2023, are exiting the role. Holly Amber has been appointed the organization’s new treasurer, succeeding Thomas Mikusz.

“We are deeply honored to step into the co-presidency of the Alliance of Women Film Composers, which from its inception has elevated the conversation around film and platformed the valuable contributions of women and gender-diverse composers of women and gender-diverse composers and songwriters,” Stinson and Kirchman said in a statement. “We wish to thank Laura Karpman, whose founding vision has made this work possible, as well as exiting co-presidents Heather McIntosh and Allyson Newman, for the generosity and grace with which they have passed the torch. Now that we hold it, we intend to keep it burning bright!

“We look forward to putting the value of composers and songwriters front and center through continuing programs as well as bold new initiatives that arise to meet the changing currents of our industry.

“We are committed to amplifying the songwriters and composers who pour themselves into the art form of telling stories and music, and to championing the profound creativity they bring to the screen.

“Central to our work will be holding the door open as we align with like-minded partners throughout the film, television, and media community to create new opportunities for our members and women across our industry. We are grateful for the trust placed in us by our colleagues, and we step into this role in humility, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to serving our members.” — A.K.

Tim Miles has been appointed executive vp of global SYNC+, BMG announced. Miles will report to Chief Strategy Officer Johannes von Schwarzkopf and is based in London. Miles joins the company from Warner Music Group, where he most recently was senior vp of global sync.

“Tim brings a strong track record of building high-performing teams and driving impactful music-for-media partnerships,” von Schwarzkopf said in a statement. “As we scale SYNC+, our focus is on a more innovative, technology-enabled service — combining global scale with advanced capabilities in data, product, and AI to better connect music to opportunity. With a strong global leadership team, consisting of Allegra Willis Knerr, Amberly Crouse-Knox, Scott Doran and Caspar Kedros, in place, Tim will help drive the next phase of growth.”

Miles said, “The opportunity with SYNC+ is clear — a unified rights platform, a world-class catalogue, and a structure designed around our customers, from global studios to emerging digital platforms. The next phase is about being faster, smarter and more connected — through better product, sharper processes and a more integrated global approach. With GenAI and other technologies playing an increasing role in how music is discovered and licensed, there is a real competitive advantage available to those who move decisively.” — A.K.

Former UMG exec Taylor Sloane has launched Dream Big Music, aimed at helping to build artist careers through modern marketing and campaign leadership. During her time at UMG, Sloane contributed to campaigns for artists including Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, and Jordan Davis.

At Dream Big Music, she is joined by strategic partner and husband Michael Sloane, who has worked in areas including artist management and digital strategy and serves as a full-time faculty member at Belmont University.

Dream Big Music’s flagship clients include artists Jordan Davis and Riley Green, as well as strategic development client Staydium.

“Dream Big Music was built around our belief in a global fan strategy,” Taylor Sloane said in a statement. “The goal is not just to market moments, but to help artists and teams create lasting connection, sustained momentum, and real fan growth over time and beyond traditional marketing channels, into new spaces where culture, community, and attention converge. Ultimately, we recognized the need to align vision, execution, and long-term fan development on a global scale.”

“We’re not here to just market releases,” added Michael Sloane. “We’re here to help artists build real, lasting audiences, and to do it in a way that scales globally”

PRG has appointed Darren Pfeffer as Chief Commercial Officer, the company announced. He will report directly to company CEO Lawrence Burian. In the newly created role, Pfeffer will lead PRG’s revenue strategy and partner across the organization to help drive company growth, client relationships and more.

Pfeffer has spent 30 years in the live entertainment space, most recently serving as president of DPS (Diversified Production Services), a Live Nation company. During his tenure, he helped to organization power Super Bowl Halftime Shows, Global Citizen Festival in New York City’s Central Park, and FIFA’s inaugural halftime show. Prior to his role at DPS, he served as executive vp, MSG Live at Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.

“Darren brings a perspective few people in this industry have — he’s seen how the best productions come together from the rights holder side, the venue side and the production management side,” Burian said in a statement. “That experience is exactly what we need as we continue to grow. He is equally known for building terrific internal working cultures where teams are empowered to serve clients with passion and excellence. I’m confident he will be a strong partner to our teams and our clients.”

Pfeffer said, “PRG has built something rare in this industry: a truly global operation with the people, the inventory, and the expertise to deliver at any scale. I’ve worked alongside this team from multiple sides of the business and have long admired what they’ve built. I’m excited to be part of what comes next.” — A.K.

Chris Marking has been appointed executive vp of international venue sponsorship at Live Nation, the company announced. In his new role, he will lead the venue sponsorship program including naming rights, founding partnerships, venue network deals and overall strategy across the company’s international venue business outside of North America.

Live Nation currently has several new venues underway, including Cardiff Arena and Munich Arena, with plans to expand into more territories through 2031. Marking will be based in London, and joins from AEG.

“Strategic brand partnerships are a core part of how we’re building our venue business internationally,” Russell Wallach, Live Nation’s global president of media and sponsorship, said in a statement. “Live music is becoming more central to how people plan their lives. Fans are traveling to these venues and returning over time, creating a consistent platform with a new audience every night, depending on the artist. Chris understands how to build those partnerships so they work for both the fans and the venues over time.”

Marking said in a statement, “The best partnerships are built into the venue from the start. It starts with understanding how fans move through the space and what matters to them in each city, because what resonates with fans in one place won’t feel right in another. When that’s done well, brands become part of the moments fans remember and share, creating a level of connection that builds with every show.”  — A.K.

Michelle Garramone has joined Symphonic as head of strategic partnerships. In her new role, she will oversee relationships with catalog owners, investment funds, brand partners and other strategic collaborators. Garramone previously served as president of Blue Rose Music. In her new role, she will report to Symphonic CEO Jorge Brea and be based in Miami.

“Given her track record of developing catalogs and building strong strategic relationships, Michelle is the ideal person to lead the way as we expand our financial strategy,” Brea said in a statement. “We have some exciting initiatives coming soon that will allow us to grow our catalog, maximize the value of the catalog we have, and provide our clients with the funds they need to climb the music-industry ladder.”

Garramone added, “We’re at a moment where independent artists and rightsholders are thinking more strategically about their catalogs, their capital and their long-term growth. What excites me about joining Symphonic is the opportunity to be at the intersection of these conversations and to connect the needs of the market with efficient solutions, whether that’s capital, partnerships or new ways to unlock value.” — A.K.

Warner Chappell Music announced the promotion of Wendy Recio to head of legal and administration for Spain and Portugal. Based in Madrid, she will report directly to president of Warner Chappell Music Southern Europe, Santiago Menédez-Pidal.

“I am really excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead our talented legal and rights management teams at such a transformative time for the Iberian music market,” Recio said in a statement. “Over the past few years, Warner Chappell has seen remarkable growth in the region, and our ambition continues to scale. By harnessing our cutting-edge systems, we ensure our rights management remains best-in-class, offering our songwriters the transparency and efficiency they deserve.”

Menédez-Pidal added, “Wendy is an exceptional leader who has been instrumental in our most high-profile deals and overall regional expansion. In the modern publishing landscape, the back-end — how we track royalties, analyze data, and protect IP — can be as critical to a songwriter’s success as the creative front-end. Wendy’s deep experience and strategic mindset make her the perfect person to oversee these vital operations as we continue to scale our business in Spain and Portugal.” — A.K.

ROAM announced Jess Kinn has been promoted to partner, along with the hirings of Malakia Thomas and Saskia Collins. Kinn joined the agency last October, and was one of the founding organizers for the Trans Mission event at Wembley Arena. Her roster includes Bimi, Pale Wavese, Mae Muller, Olly Alexander and Africa Express.

“I’ve always believed that being a good agent is about more than booking shows,” Kinn said in a statement. “It’s about advocating for my artists, standing for equality, and thinking creatively at every opportunity. I’m really excited to be bringing this approach with me to the leadership team t ROAM who I believe occupy a seat at the top table when it comes to driving culture and innovation within our industry. Building teams whether it’s interally here at ROAM or externally around the artist is at the core of how I like to work and this partnership gives me the platform to do that with even greater intent and impact.”

Thomas joins the agency from AEG Presents, where she served as head of tour marketing, while Collins  joins from Universal Music Group’s Globe division.

Believe announced Akhila Shankar has been promoted director of artist services, India and South Asia.  Shankar currently heads TuneCore India and South Asia, and will step into the new role immediately while continuing to oversee TuneCore.

“Building TuneCore in India has been a deeply rewarding journey,” Shankar said in a statement. “It’s shaped how I think about the systems independent artists need for their growth and long-term career sustainability. This next chapter with Believe feels like a natural extension of that work. I’m excited to build more connected pathways for artists, from discovery to development and support them more holistically as they grow. There’s a lot to be done, and I’m looking forward to what we can build together.”

Shilpa Sharda, who was previously in the role, has moved on from Believe to pursue other interests, according to a press release. Shankar, based in Mumbai, will focus on artist development, deepening artist partnerships, expanding local capabilities and building pathways for artists both regionally and globally, according to the press release.

“As the music landscape in India and South Asia evolves, our focus remains on building a robust ecosystem that supports artists at every stage of their journey,” Vivek Raina, managing director of Believe India, said in a statement. “Akhila’s deep understanding of the market, combined with her track record of execution, makes her well positioned to lead this next phase of growth for our Artist Services business.” — A.K.

Louie Newman has launched label and radio promotion company Saddle Up Records, aimed at breaking new artists and promoting established artists at country radio. Saddle Up Records will also collaborate on select projects with Lyric Ridge Records.

Newman previously spent 25 years with MCA Nashville, and contributed to the success of hits including Drew Baldridge‘s “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” and the Brandon Lake/Jelly Roll collaboration “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”

The company has also named Chele Fassig as senior vp of national promotion and marketing. Matt Galvin has been named vice president, national promotion & streaming, while RG Jones will join on special projects, bringing a data-driven approach to radio and records strategy.

“Radio remains a primary driver in country music, and we understand how critical airplay is to breaking and furthering an artist’s career,” says Newman, founder/president of Saddle Up Records. “We’ve built a team with a long track record of credibility at country radio, while also working closely with digital and streaming partners to build momentum across all platforms. We’re excited about what’s ahead.”