{"id":2237937,"date":"2026-01-16T19:32:55","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T19:32:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2237937"},"modified":"2026-01-16T19:32:55","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T19:32:55","slug":"gmr-seltzer-hybe-warner-make-executive-moves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/gmr-seltzer-hybe-warner-make-executive-moves\/","title":{"rendered":"GMR, Seltzer, HYBE, Warner Make Executive Moves"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tGlobal Music Rights has announced a leadership transition, promoting <strong>Jeff Toig<\/strong> to chief executive officer while co-founder <strong>Randy Grimmet<\/strong>t moves into the role of executive chairman. The shift formalizes a partnership that has shaped GMR\u2019s direction for years, with the company emphasizing that the move reflects continuity rather than a change in strategy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tToig, who joined GMR in 2018 as chief business officer, has overseen the organization\u2019s revenue strategy, licensing operations and commercial partnerships during a period of expansion. As CEO, he\u2019ll lead the company\u2019s day-to-day operations and guide its relationships with licensees, songwriters and industry partners. Grimmett \u2014 who launched GMR with <strong>Irving Azoff<\/strong> in 2013 \u2014 will remain central to long-term planning while continuing to work directly with the company\u2019s roster.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\t\u201cRandy and Jeff have been working side by side for a long time, building GMR into what it is today,\u201d said Azoff. \u201cThis is a natural evolution for GMR which allows us to continue to set the industry standard for excellence and transparency for the world\u2019s best songwriters and the folks who want to perform their incredible songs.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"injected-related-story \/\/ lrv-u-align-items-center u-align-items-flex-start@mobile-max  lrv-u-background-color-grey-lightest  lrv-u-flex lrv-u-flex-direction-column@mobile-max u-width-710@desktop lrv-u-margin-lr-auto lrv-u-margin-tb-1 u-margin-b-250@mobile-max u-margin-t-275@mobile-max u-margin-t-250@desktop u-margin-b-250@desktop u-margin-lr-n1@mobile-max lrv-u-border-b-1 lrv-u-border-color-brand-secondary-dark lrv-u-border-t-1 lrv-u-padding-tb-1  lrv-u-padding-tb-1@mobile-max lrv-u-padding-r-1@mobile-max lrv-u-padding-l-00@mobile-max u-grid-gap-18@desktop u-grid-gap-0@mobile-max\">\n<h3 id=\"title-of-a-story\" class=\"c-title  a-article-related-module-title a-article-related-module-title--color-brand-primary a-font-accent-xl u-font-weight-800 u-letter-spacing-0179 u-line-height-normal lrv-u-color-grey-dark bb-pro-related-stories-label lrv-u-text-transform-uppercase\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tRelated\t\t<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<div class=\"injected-related-story-wrapper lrv-u-flex lrv-u-justify-content-space-between  a-children-border-vertical a-children-border--grey a-children-border-width-050\">\n<div class=\"o-card  lrv-u-width-100p\">\n<div class=\"o-card__image-wrap lrv-u-flex-shrink-0 u-width-191 u-width-150@mobile-max\">\n<div class=\"c-lazy-image   lrv-u-margin-b-00@mobile-max u-width-130px@mobile-max lrv-u-margin-b-00@mobile-max\">\n\t\t\t<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/pete-anderson-death-veteran-record-label-executive-dead-72\/\" class=\"c-lazy-image__link lrv-a-unstyle-link\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"a-crop-6x4 a-crop-3x2@mobile-max\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tGMR is one of four major performance rights organizations in the U.S., alongside ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. The company has carved out a distinct position by prioritizing creators and representing a roster that includes Drake, Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Pearl Jam and the Eagles, as well as the estates of John Lennon, Prince and George Harrison.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tBoth Grimmett and Toig emphasized their shared vision moving forward, underscoring a philosophy that has defined GMR since its founding.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\t\u201cElevating my role allows me to work with Jeff to shape the future strategy of the business while continuing to work closely with GMR\u2019s incredible roster of songwriters, composers and publishers for many years to come,\u201d said Grimmett.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tAdded Toig, \u201cFor over 8 years, I\u2019ve been proud to work alongside Randy and Irving to build GMR into the truly special company it is today. GMR\u2019s client-led approach remains unchanged and has been the hallmark of the company since its founding.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"pmc-gallery-vertical\">\n<div class=\"c-gallery-vertical-loader u-gallery-app-shell-loader\">\n<ul class=\"pmc-fallback-list-items lrv-a-unstyle-list lrv-u-margin-t-2\">\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Michael Seltzer (Seltzer LLC)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/michael-Seltzer-press-billboard-list.jpg?w=200\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Michael Seltzer\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/michael-Seltzer-press-billboard-list.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/michael-Seltzer-press-billboard-list.jpg?resize=200,300 200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 87.5rem) 1000px, (min-width: 78.75rem) 681px, (min-width: 48rem) 450px, (max-width: 48rem) 100vw\"\/><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Courtesy Photo\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\t<!-- do not apply CSS styles to this element! --><\/p>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\t<strong>Michael Seltzer<\/strong> has launched <strong>Seltzer LLC<\/strong>, a New York\u2013based 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\u2019 RECORDS, ALTA Music Group, Julian Bunetta\u2019s NOTEBOOK and the Marley family across multiple TUFF GONG\u2013related 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 <em>thousands<\/em> of deals involving artists such as Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Jay\u2011Z, 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 <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/billboard-top-music-lawyers-2025-list\/\" data-type=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/billboard-top-music-lawyers-2025-list\/\">Billboard Top Lawyer<\/a>, Seltzer says he\u2019ll tailor his practice to today\u2019s rapidly evolving industry. \u201cI\u2019m excited to create a practice that\u2019s agile, innovative, and strategic to meet today\u2019s needs,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Gene Whitney (HYBE America)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gene-whitney-hybe-billboard-list-1000.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Gene Whitney of HYBE America\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gene-whitney-hybe-billboard-list-1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gene-whitney-hybe-billboard-list-1000.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gene-whitney-hybe-billboard-list-1000.jpg?resize=681,454 681w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 87.5rem) 1000px, (min-width: 78.75rem) 681px, (min-width: 48rem) 450px, (max-width: 48rem) 100vw\"\/><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Courtesy of HYBE America\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\t<!-- do not apply CSS styles to this element! --><\/p>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\t<strong>Gene Whitney<\/strong> is the new general counsel of <strong>HYBE America<\/strong>, bolstering a leadership team amid that just last week <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/ethiopia-habtemariam-joins-hybe-america-president-music\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/ethiopia-habtemariam-joins-hybe-america-president-music\/\">added<\/a> 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 \u201cbrings a rare combination of legal expertise, business acumen and a deep understanding of how music operates across emerging platforms.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Sara Holmes (Warner Records)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"198\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/Warner-Records-logo-NEW-2019-billboard-1548.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Warner Records\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/Warner-Records-logo-NEW-2019-billboard-1548.jpg 1548w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/Warner-Records-logo-NEW-2019-billboard-1548.jpg?resize=300,198 300w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/Warner-Records-logo-NEW-2019-billboard-1548.jpg?resize=942,623 942w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 87.5rem) 1000px, (min-width: 78.75rem) 681px, (min-width: 48rem) 450px, (max-width: 48rem) 100vw\"\/><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Courtesy of\u00a0Warner Records\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\t<!-- do not apply CSS styles to this element! --><\/p>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\t<strong>Sara Holmes<\/strong> has been elevated to vice president of promotion and artist services at <strong>Warner Records<\/strong>, reporting to senior vp Josh Reich. Holmes, a 14-year veteran of the label, began as an assistant at Warner\u2019s 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\u2019s headquarters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Pam Kaufman (Gap)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Pam-Kaufman-gap-cr-Marquis-Perkins-billboard-1800.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Pam Kaufman of Gap, Inc.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Pam-Kaufman-gap-cr-Marquis-Perkins-billboard-1800.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Pam-Kaufman-gap-cr-Marquis-Perkins-billboard-1800.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Pam-Kaufman-gap-cr-Marquis-Perkins-billboard-1800.jpg?resize=681,454 681w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 87.5rem) 1000px, (min-width: 78.75rem) 681px, (min-width: 48rem) 450px, (max-width: 48rem) 100vw\"\/><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Marquis Perkins\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\t<!-- do not apply CSS styles to this element! --><\/p>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\t<strong>Gap Inc.<\/strong> has welcomed <strong>Pam Kaufman<\/strong> as executive vice president and chief entertainment officer, a new role reporting to CEO Richard Dickson beginning Feb. 2. Kaufman will lead the company\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Mike Gitter (Frontiers \/ BLKIIBLK Records)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/mike-gitter-frontiers-ett.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Mike Gitter\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/mike-gitter-frontiers-ett.jpg 1029w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/mike-gitter-frontiers-ett.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/mike-gitter-frontiers-ett.jpg?resize=681,454 681w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 87.5rem) 1000px, (min-width: 78.75rem) 681px, (min-width: 48rem) 450px, (max-width: 48rem) 100vw\"\/><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Evan Moses\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\t<!-- do not apply CSS styles to this element! --><\/p>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\t<strong>Frontiers Label Group<\/strong> has launched <strong>BLKIIBLK Records<\/strong>, a new metal and hard rock label, and tapped veteran A&amp;R executive <strong>Mike Gitter<\/strong> to lead the effort. Gitter will serve as head of BLKIIBLK and also global head of A&amp;R for Frontiers, bringing decades of experience from stints at Century Media, Roadrunner, Razor &amp; Tie and Atlantic, where he signed acts like Lorna Shore, Killswitch Engage, Bad Religion and Ice-T\u2019s Body Count. The move follows major releases from Frontiers, including Biohazard in 2025 and Megadeth\u2019s 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: \u201cEstablish 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Derek Cournoyer (ElevenLabs)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"247\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Derek-Cournoyer-elevenlabs-billboard-list.jpeg?w=247\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Derek Cournoyer of ElevenLabs\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Derek-Cournoyer-elevenlabs-billboard-list.jpeg 896w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Derek-Cournoyer-elevenlabs-billboard-list.jpeg?resize=247,300 247w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 87.5rem) 1000px, (min-width: 78.75rem) 681px, (min-width: 48rem) 450px, (max-width: 48rem) 100vw\"\/><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Courtesy Photo\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\t<!-- do not apply CSS styles to this element! --><\/p>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\t<strong>Derek Cournoyer<\/strong> has joined <strong>ElevenLabs<\/strong> as <strong>strategy lead for music business affairs<\/strong>, where he will help guide the company\u2019s expanding music initiatives, including Eleven Music \u2014 the AI music\u2011making platform. Based in Los Angeles, Cournoyer arrives after more than a decade at Kobalt, where he was <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/kobalt-derek-cournoyer-aeg-jim-king-music-industry-job-news\/\" data-type=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/kobalt-derek-cournoyer-aeg-jim-king-music-industry-job-news\/\">most recently<\/a> 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 <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/derekcournoyer\/\" data-type=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/derekcournoyer\/\" target=\"_blank\">LinkedIn<\/a>, Cournoyer called ElevenLabs \u201cone of the most advanced and widely respected AI audio platforms,\u201d adding that joining now feels \u201ctimely and meaningful.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Crystina Cinti, Kelsi Ring, Nick Calafato (WMA)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Crystina-Cinti-wma-ett.jpg?w=200\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Crystina Cinti of WMA\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Crystina-Cinti-wma-ett.jpg 1372w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Crystina-Cinti-wma-ett.jpg?resize=200,300 200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 87.5rem) 1000px, (min-width: 78.75rem) 681px, (min-width: 48rem) 450px, (max-width: 48rem) 100vw\"\/><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Courtesy of WMA\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\t<!-- do not apply CSS styles to this element! --><\/p>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\t<strong>WMA<\/strong> marked its 10th anniversary in the U.S. with a series of executive moves meant to boost its international expansion. <strong>Crystina Cinti<\/strong>, 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\u2019s offerings across entertainment, brands and culture. The agency also named <strong>Kelsi Ring<\/strong> 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, <strong>Nick Calafato<\/strong>, formerly of Vevo, has been appointed global head of film and photography for WMA Studios. Said Weller: \u201cAs 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Maxim Karlik (CAA)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Maxim-Karlik-press-caa-billboard-1800.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Maxim Karlik of CAA\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Maxim-Karlik-press-caa-billboard-1800.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Maxim-Karlik-press-caa-billboard-1800.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Maxim-Karlik-press-caa-billboard-1800.jpg?resize=681,454 681w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 87.5rem) 1000px, (min-width: 78.75rem) 681px, (min-width: 48rem) 450px, (max-width: 48rem) 100vw\"\/><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Courtesy of CAA\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\t<!-- do not apply CSS styles to this element! --><\/p>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\t<strong>Maxim Karlik<\/strong> has joined <strong>Creative Artists Agency<\/strong> as an agent in its global touring division, based in Los Angeles. At CAA, he\u2019ll 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\u2019s acting roles in <em>Happy Gilmore 2<\/em> and <em>Road House<\/em> and the launch of his graphic novel <em>Post Malone\u2019s Big Rig<\/em>. Karlik also serves on the Save the Music Foundation\u2019s Advisory Board and is a Clio Awards jury member.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Michelle V\u00e9lez (NuLife Entertainment)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Michelle-Velez-cr-Dantes-Garage-NuLife-billboard-list.jpeg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Michelle V\u00e9lez of NuLife Entertainment\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Michelle-Velez-cr-Dantes-Garage-NuLife-billboard-list.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Michelle-Velez-cr-Dantes-Garage-NuLife-billboard-list.jpeg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Michelle-Velez-cr-Dantes-Garage-NuLife-billboard-list.jpeg?resize=300,300 300w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 87.5rem) 1000px, (min-width: 78.75rem) 681px, (min-width: 48rem) 450px, (max-width: 48rem) 100vw\"\/><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Dante\u2019s Garage\/NuLife Entertainment\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\t<!-- do not apply CSS styles to this element! --><\/p>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\t<strong>Michelle V\u00e9lez<\/strong> has been hired as the director of artist strategy and strategic partnerships at <strong>NuLife Entertainment<\/strong>, an artist management, development and events company with a roster that includes Elvis Crespo, V\u00edctor Manuelle and Ebenezer Guerra, among others. \u201cTheir unique balance of vision, legacy, and authenticity are qualities that I\u2019ve long admired,\u201d said V\u00e9lez. \u201cI\u2019m excited to work with a team that\u2019s propelled some of Latin music\u2019s most recognizable names to global recognition.\u201d Bringing more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, V\u00e9lez 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 &amp; communications at Nevarez Communications, where she represented top tier acts like Elvis Crespo, Gloria Trevi and more. V\u00e9lez also serves as assistant vice chair of fundraising for Women in Music\u2019s Miami Chapter and is a member of LARAS. \u2013<em>Isabela Raygoza<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Luke Hanna (Goldenvoice)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/luke-hanna-press-goldenvoice-billboard-1800.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Luke Hanna of Goldenvoice\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/luke-hanna-press-goldenvoice-billboard-1800.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/luke-hanna-press-goldenvoice-billboard-1800.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/luke-hanna-press-goldenvoice-billboard-1800.jpg?resize=681,454 681w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 87.5rem) 1000px, (min-width: 78.75rem) 681px, (min-width: 48rem) 450px, (max-width: 48rem) 100vw\"\/><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Courtesy of Goldenvoice\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\t<!-- do not apply CSS styles to this element! --><\/p>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\t<strong>Goldenvoice<\/strong> has hired talent buyer <strong>Luke Hanna<\/strong> 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, \u201cThe warmth of this homecoming has been overwhelming\u2026 Feels great to be back.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>ICYMI: CMA, TuneCore and More<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"232\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/P1035Q42.jpg?w=232\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Sarah Trahern at The 59th Annual CMA Awards held at the Bridgestone Arena on November 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/P1035Q42.jpg 1545w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/P1035Q42.jpg?resize=232,300 232w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 87.5rem) 1000px, (min-width: 78.75rem) 681px, (min-width: 48rem) 450px, (max-width: 48rem) 100vw\"\/><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Michael Buckner\/Billboard\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\t<!-- do not apply CSS styles to this element! --><\/p>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\t<strong>Merlin<\/strong> announced its 2026\u201327 board, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/andreea-gleeson-steps-down-tunecore-ceo-believe-advisor\/\" data-type=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/merlin-five-new-board-members\/\">introducing<\/a> several new members alongside the return of the executive who originally established the organization \u2026 <strong>Country Music Association<\/strong> CEO <strong>Sarah Trahern<\/strong> revealed she will <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/cma-ceo-sarah-trahern-retirement-2026\/\" data-type=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/cma-ceo-sarah-trahern-retirement-2026\/\">retire<\/a> at the end of 2026 \u2026 <strong>TuneCore<\/strong> CEO <strong>Andreea Gleeson<\/strong> is <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/andreea-gleeson-steps-down-tunecore-ceo-believe-advisor\/\" data-type=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/andreea-gleeson-steps-down-tunecore-ceo-believe-advisor\/\">stepping aside<\/a> after a decade with the DIY distribution platform, transitioning into a strategic advisor role for parent company Believe \u2026 <strong>UMG<\/strong> made a <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/umg-hannah-poferl-chief-data-officer\/\" data-type=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/umg-hannah-poferl-chief-data-officer\/\">significant hire<\/a> with longtime journalist <strong>Hannah Poferl<\/strong> appointed chief data officer \u2026 Finally, <strong>Warner Music Latina<\/strong> <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/warner-music-latina-brenda-carrasco-promotion-exclusive\/\" data-type=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/pro\/warner-music-latina-brenda-carrasco-promotion-exclusive\/\">elevated<\/a> <strong>Brenda Carrasco<\/strong> to senior vp of marketing and artist strategy.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ubpass.co\/billboard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/2HpFicp.png\" alt=\"Billboard VIP Pass\" style=\"max-width: 100%;height: auto\"\/><br \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.billboard.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Global Music Rights has announced a leadership transition, promoting Jeff Toig to chief executive officer while co-founder Randy Grimmett moves into the role of executive chairman. The shift formalizes a partnership that has shaped GMR\u2019s direction for years, with the company emphasizing that the move reflects continuity rather than a change in strategy. Toig, who [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2237938,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25179],"tags":[345215,317318,342789,433015,366087,328722],"class_list":["post-2237937","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music","tag-billboard-green","tag-executive-turntable","tag-gap","tag-gmr","tag-hybe-america","tag-warner-records"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GMR-Seltzer-HYBE-Warner-Make-Executive-Moves.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2237937","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2237937"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2237937\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2237939,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2237937\/revisions\/2237939"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2237938"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2237937"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2237937"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2237937"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}