{"id":2291292,"date":"2026-02-20T17:12:27","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T17:12:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2291292"},"modified":"2026-02-20T17:12:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T17:12:27","slug":"culture-wave-wcm-italy-make-executive-moves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/culture-wave-wcm-italy-make-executive-moves\/","title":{"rendered":"Culture Wave, WCM Italy Make Executive Moves"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div>\n\t\t\t\t\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>Culture Wave<\/strong>, the Los Angeles\u2013based rock artist management company partnered with Red Light Management, is accelerating its growth with new hires and promotions in its expanded touring and marketing operations.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tThe company has brought on <strong>Ryan Cunningham<\/strong> and <strong>Mike Bingham<\/strong> of Polarizer Management, who join Culture Wave as artist managers and bring rosters including The Armed, Trauma Ray, Spiritual Cramp, Agriculture, and others. Cunningham will continue his longtime role at Biz 3 Publicity as well.\u00a0<\/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\/virgin-music-downtown-acquisition-pieter-van-rijn-coo\/\" 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\tCo\u2011founder Andrew Jarrin said their \u201cforward-thinking approach fits seamlessly with what we\u2019re building.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\t\u201cWhen the time came for Polarizer Management to align with a larger company to better serve our artists\u2019 growth, Culture Wave\u2019s scale, momentum and strategic thinking reflected exactly the trajectory we were striving toward,\u201d added Bingham. \u201cWe couldn\u2019t be more excited for what\u2019s ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tThe company has also promoted <strong>Rachel Hacken<\/strong> to artist manager after several years of day\u2011to\u2011day support for founder Jason Mageau\u2019s roster. Hacken now manages Kittie, Gore., Thousand Below and Holy Wars. New team additions include <strong>Alana Lopez<\/strong> as touring and logistics manager; <strong>Madison Stern<\/strong> as day\u2011to\u2011day manager; <strong>Ana Garcia<\/strong> as digital marketing coordinator; <strong>Erin Carignan <\/strong>as day\u2011to\u2011day manager for Cunningham; and <strong>Joey Mullen<\/strong> as co\u2011manager for Agriculture.<\/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\/lists\/publishing-deals-majid-jordan-liz-rose-tom-tykwer-animaj\/\" 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<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-lazy-image__img lrv-u-background-color-grey-lightest lrv-u-width-100p lrv-u-display-block lrv-u-height-auto\" src=\"\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Majid-Jordan-MusicBird-billboard-1800.jpg?w=237&amp;h=147&amp;crop=1\" alt=\"Majid Jordan\" data-lazy-srcset=\"\" data-lazy-sizes=\"auto\" height=\"\" width=\"\"\/><\/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\tThese staffing moves coincide with major wins across Culture Wave\u2019s roster. Spiritbox earned a third Grammy nomination, released their sophomore album Tsunami Sea, and played multiple sold\u2011out headline and arena shows. Neck Deep completed a sold\u2011out U.K. tour and marked a milestone anniversary of Life\u2019s Not Out To Get You. Loathe sold out their U.S. and EU\/UK tours and supported Korn and Gojira in arenas. Kittie released <em>Spit XXV<\/em> and performed across major European festivals. The Free Nationals secured a Webby nomination and announced a Blue Note Los Angeles residency, while Polaris expanded its touring footprint with major support slots.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tFounded by Mageau and Jarrin, Culture Wave continues to scale while maintaining a hands\u2011on, artist\u2011first ethos within the broader Red Light Management ecosystem.<\/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>Lodovico Pagani (Warner Chappell Music Italy)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Lodovico-Pagani-wcm-billboard-ett.jpg?w=225\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Lodovico Pagani\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Lodovico-Pagani-wcm-billboard-ett.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Lodovico-Pagani-wcm-billboard-ett.jpg?resize=225,300 225w\" 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>Warner Chappell Music Italy <\/strong>has restructured its Italian creative leadership team, announcing several promotions and new hires in Milan. <strong>Lodovico Pagani<\/strong> has been elevated to head of A&amp;R, where he will oversee creative strategy and development for a roster that includes Annalisa, Carl Brave, Ghali, Laura Pausini, Sick Luke and more. <strong>Rossella Lorello<\/strong> transitions to the sync and licensing division, strengthening the bridge between A&amp;R and sync placements across film, TV, advertising and gaming. To support Pagani, former Intera Music executive <strong>Giacomo Domenichelli<\/strong> joins as A&amp;R manager, while <strong>Francesca Rossi<\/strong> is promoted to head of legal. \u201cLodovico possesses an intuitive understanding of Italy\u2019s creative heartbeat,\u201d said Santiago Men\u00e9ndez-Pidal, president, Southern Europe, WCM. \u201cBy elevating him to lead A&amp;R, hiring Giacomo and Francesca, and moving Rossella\u2019s deep creative knowledge into our Sync division, we\u2019re creating a more integrated and creative ecosystem for our songwriters.\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>Jillian Webber Launches wbbr.<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/broke-records-jillian-webber-wbbr-cr-long-truong-billboard-1800.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"From Left to Right: Sanji Sai (Marketing - broke,) Haley Sorg (Associate Talent Manager - Innovo,) Sam Saideman (CEO - Innovo,) Jillian Webber (Creator,) JEYEM (Artist,) Meg Lind, Nick Anthony (Music Producer,) Kavish Ganapathy (Content Marketing - broke,) Nathaniel Kosko (Marketing Director - broke)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/broke-records-jillian-webber-wbbr-cr-long-truong-billboard-1800.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/broke-records-jillian-webber-wbbr-cr-long-truong-billboard-1800.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/broke-records-jillian-webber-wbbr-cr-long-truong-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: Long Truong\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>Broke Records<\/strong>, the indie label under Create Music Group founded by Andre Benz and Brandon De Oliveira, has partnered with Innovo Management and TikTok creator <strong>Jillian Webber<\/strong> to launch <strong>wbbr.<\/strong>, a new label aimed at connecting music with the creator economy. Led by Innovo CEO Sam Saideman and Webber, wbbr. positions creators as key partners in artist discovery and development. The label\u2019s first signing is JEYEM, a 25\u2011year\u2011old alt\u2011pop\/rock artist, who said he is partnering with broke records, Jillian and Innovo at a moment that \u201cfeels really special,\u201d adding that he has always valued taking the time to understand what he wants to say and who he is as an artist before releasing music. Backed by broke\u2019s infrastructure and Innovo\u2019s creator\u2011driven marketing, wbbr. focuses on long\u2011term artist development rather than short\u2011term virality.\u00a0 \u201cBroke has always been about building sustainable careers,\u201d said Benz. \u201cPartnering with Sam and Jillian on wbbr. allows us to build artists in a way that reflects today\u2019s ecosystem where creators help shape culture alongside the music itself.\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>Targa Sahyoun + Morgan Dorr (File Eaters)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"210\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/targa-sahyoun-morgan-dorr-file-eaters-1800.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Targa Sahyoun and Morgan Dorr\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/targa-sahyoun-morgan-dorr-file-eaters-1800.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/targa-sahyoun-morgan-dorr-file-eaters-1800.jpg?resize=300,210 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: Targa Sahyoun and Morgan Dorr\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<span>F<\/span>ormer Capitol Records executive <strong>Targa Sahyoun<\/strong> and Sony Music producer\/composer <strong>Morgan Dorr<\/strong> have launched <strong>File Eaters<\/strong>, a new software platform designed to streamline global music file management by embedding metadata\u2014including splits, publishing, IPI numbers and PRO information\u2014directly into audio and video files. The offline model keeps creator data secure, while features such as stem recognition, auto\u2011naming, file grouping and automatic delivery aim to eliminate manual administrative work. Since its 2026 launch, File Eaters has raised more than $1 million in seed funding and assembled an advisory board that includes Google DeepMind CXO Simon Bouton. The company is working with 26 beta clients to build customized workflows and debuted its product during Grammy Week.<\/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>Marghie Evans (Do Write Music)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"287\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Marghie-Evans-do-write-music-ett.jpg?w=287\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Marghie Evans\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Marghie-Evans-do-write-music-ett.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Marghie-Evans-do-write-music-ett.jpg?resize=287,300 287w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 87.5rem) 1000px, (min-width: 78.75rem) 681px, (min-width: 48rem) 450px, (max-width: 48rem) 100vw\"\/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/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<span>N<\/span>ashville-based copyright administration company <strong>Do Write Music<\/strong> has selected Music Admin Inc. as the new home for ongoing catalog stewardship as Do Write Music Inc. co-founder <strong>Marghie Evans<\/strong> steps into retirement after more than 35 years as a music publishing executive. Do Write Music\u2019s roster has included songwriters such as Jeffrey Steele, Tom Paxton, Jon Vezner, Kathy Mattea, Gary Burr, Victoria Shaw, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Cheap Trick\u2019s Robin Zander, in addition to catalogs from several independent publishers.\u00a0Do\u00a0Write\u00a0songs have been recorded by artists including\u00a0Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Riley Green, Montgomery Gentry, Lainey Wilson, and Tim McGraw. Originally based in London, Evans relocated to Nashville in 2001 and has served as a past board member and secretary of Leadership Music and chair of the Copyright Society of the South. Before moving to Nashville, Evans worked as head of rights &amp; clearances for Universal Pictures Home Video (U.K.). Evans and\u00a0Do\u00a0Write\u00a0Music co-founder\u00a0Dwight Wiles (also president of\u00a0Wiles + Taylor and Co.), determined that\u00a0Music Admin Inc.\u00a0is the appropriate long-term operator to carry the catalog care forward. Music Admin Inc. was founded and is led by Aaron Loring Davis.<\/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>Blaze James + Jordyn Reese (Arduous Records)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Blaze-James-CrBZ-billboard-ett.jpg?w=225\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Blaze James\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Blaze-James-CrBZ-billboard-ett.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Blaze-James-CrBZ-billboard-ett.jpg?resize=225,300 225w\" 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: Blaze James\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<span>V<\/span>eteran artist manager and former Roc Nation global head of rock <strong>Blaze James<\/strong> has launched <strong>Arduous Records<\/strong>, a new imprint under Virgin Music Group. The label will be led operationally by industry executive <strong>Jordyn Reese<\/strong>, appointed general manager, with her agency Do Better For Artists providing full\u2011service support. The move marks Reese\u2019s first role inside the major\u2011label system after years working independently, and follows her recent joining of James\u2019 management firm, The Fellowship. Together, James and Reese aim to build an artist\u2011first label rooted in DIY principles and long\u2011term development. Arduous also announced its first signing: acclaimed art rock band Failure, whose new album Location Lost arrives April 24. The label has additionally signed rising Norwegian post\u2011punk act Heave Blood &amp; Die. \u201cI consider myself an extremely hard working person, and so Arduous fits,\u201d said James. \u201cWe are going to grind and hustle for our artists, and I\u2019m really looking forward to this next chapter.\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>Chris Welz (Secretly Distribution)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Chris-Welz-cr-Maerielle-billboard-ett.jpg?w=240\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Chris Welz\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Chris-Welz-cr-Maerielle-billboard-ett.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Chris-Welz-cr-Maerielle-billboard-ett.jpg?resize=240,300 240w\" 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: Maerielle\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>Secretly Distribution<\/strong> has named longtime chief operating officer <strong>Chris Welz<\/strong> as the company\u2019s newest Partner, following the distributor\u2019s strongest year to date. In 2025, Secretly Distribution supported thousands of releases across more than 100 labels, secured multiple Gold and Platinum certifications, launched a new APAC division and rolled out a bespoke repertoire management system, while also partnering with Cargo and Beggars Group to create an independent physical\u2011distribution pipeline in the U.K. Welz, who has shaped Secretly\u2019s global physical operations and built its digital and DSP strategy over two decades, will continue scaling the company alongside CEO Darius Van Arman, who said that Welz has been \u201ca trusted and tireless colleague\u201d for more than two decades, rising from intern to COO. He praised Welz\u2019s leadership style, noting that he \u201cnever makes people feel small\u201d and consistently lifts up those around him.\u00a0<\/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>Rebecca Dixon, George Shepherd, Kayleigh Ramchand-Bentley, Kelley Fox (Various Artists Management)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"251\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Various-Artists-Management-new-hires.jpeg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Various-Artists-Management-new-hires.jpeg?w=2048 3584w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Various-Artists-Management-new-hires.jpeg?resize=300,251 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: LuWilliams\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>Various Artists Management <\/strong>has announced a raft of new senior appointments in its London headquarters to bolster its global offering to artists. Tom Grennan, Ashnikko, Rose Gray and Good Neighbours are among the artists represented by the agency that operates in the U.K., US and Australia. <strong>Rebecca Dixon <\/strong>has been named global head of marketing &amp; strategy; <strong>George Shepherd <\/strong>has been promoted to associate director; and <strong>Kayleigh Ramchand-Bentley<\/strong> will assume the role of general manager U.K. New hire <strong>Kelley Fox<\/strong> joins VAM and Alternative Songs (a publishing company operating as a joint venture with Stellar Songs, in partnership with Downtown) as senior international A&amp;R. <strong>David Bianchi,<\/strong> joint chief executive of VAM and Alternative Songs, said \u201cThese appointments reflect the incredible internal talent we\u2019ve nurtured over the years and our commitment to bringing in fresh expertise. This new leadership team ensures that as we scale, we continue to provide the infrastructure necessary to support our artists\u2019 global ambitions.\u201d \u2013<em>Thomas Smith<\/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>Will Evans (Qobuz)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/will-evans-qobuz-ett.jpeg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Will Evans\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/will-evans-qobuz-ett.jpeg 337w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/will-evans-qobuz-ett.jpeg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/will-evans-qobuz-ett.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: 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>Will Evans<\/strong> is <strong>Qobuz<\/strong>\u2019s new music merchandiser for Australia and New Zealand, strengthening the high\u2011res streaming platform\u2019s presence in the region. In the role, Evans will collaborate with Qobuz\u2019s global music team to shape on\u2011platform merchandising, editorial, and programming, including localized playlists, artist features, and promotional spotlights. He also serves as a key contact for labels, distributors and industry partners while reporting directly to Sujan Hong, vp of music + editorial (US, CA, UK, AU\/NZ, Nordics). Evans, based in Brunswick, Victoria, previously spent eight years as Bandcamp\u2019s artist and labelambassador for Australia and New Zealand and played a major role in revitalizing Melbourne venue The Night Cat; he also manages the band Mildlife.<\/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>Jamie Slaughter + Maria Stundon (Breed Media)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"155\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Maria-Stundon-Jamie-Slaughter-breed-ett.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Maria Stundon and Jamie Slaughter\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Maria-Stundon-Jamie-Slaughter-breed-ett.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Maria-Stundon-Jamie-Slaughter-breed-ett.jpg?resize=300,155 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: Maria Stundon and Jamie Slaughter\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>Breed Media<\/strong> has announced two key appointments as the vinyl and physical manufacturing agency continues its rapid growth. <strong>Jamie Slaughter<\/strong> joins as sales manager, bringing a reputation as one of the most promising young talents in music manufacturing. He will focus on expanding Breed Media\u2019s reach by connecting with a new generation of artists and independent labels. <strong>Maria Stundon<\/strong> has been named operations lead, overseeing business workflow and supporting the company\u2019s strategic expansion following record performance results in 2025. Both appointments come amid significant growth for Breed Media, which has seen a 20% year\u2011on\u2011year turnover increase and rising demand for vinyl and CD production. The company continues to support independent creators, contributing to multiple recent U.K. chart\u2011topping releases.<\/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>Ryan Rehnborg (KHS America)<\/h2>\n<figure>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ryan-Rehnborg-khs-america-billboard-ett.jpg?w=200\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Ryan Rehnborg of KHS America\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ryan-Rehnborg-khs-america-billboard-ett.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ryan-Rehnborg-khs-america-billboard-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 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>KHS America<\/strong>, a musical instrument company that focuses on music performance, education and supporting musicians and educators, has promoted <strong>Ryan Rehnborg<\/strong> to creative &amp; marketing communications manager, expanding his leadership across the company\u2019s marketing and brand communications efforts. In his new role, Rehnborg will oversee content development, marketing communications strategy, and cross\u2011brand initiatives to support future campaigns and growth. He joined KHS America in 2018 as a videographer and has steadily advanced, most recently serving as creative &amp; marketing communications team lead.\u00a0<\/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>Ground Control Business Management\/Wiles + Taylor<\/h2>\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<span>W<\/span>ealthspire\u2019s Ground Control Business Management (Ground Control) has acquired Nashville-based Wiles + Taylor &amp; Co. (Wiles + Taylor), a business management and tax consulting firm that serves touring artists, songwriters, and industry executives. Wiles + Taylor will continue operating in Nashville, expanding Ground Control\u2019s presence in Nashville. The transaction adds approximately 65 employees to the firm, including Wiles + Taylor partners Steve Eggart and Kevin Dalton. Wiles + Taylor was founded in 1986 by the late Gary Smith. \u201cJoining Ground Control helps us scale and continue growing without compromising our culture,\u201d Dwight Wiles, president of Wiles + Taylor, said in a statement. \u201cAs touring and global revenue streams grow more complex, artists need advisors who understand both the details and the broader strategy. This partnership gives us additional infrastructure to keep serving our clients\u2019 evolving needs while preserving continuity for our talented team.\u201d \u2013<em>Jessica Nicholson<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div>\n<p>\t<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"c-logo lrv-a-unstyle-link u-display-inline-flex lrv-u-width-100p  u-width-165 u-height-30 u-max-width-130px@mobile-max u-margin-t-040@mobile-maxlrv-u-flex-basis-100p@mobile-max lrv-u-justify-content-center@mobile-max\" href=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/\" title=\"Billboard\"><br \/>\n\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_1\" data-name=\"Layer 1\" version=\"1.1\" viewbox=\"0 0 702.8 85.2\"><defs\/><path d=\"M63 84.2h19.2V26H63zM86.2 84.2h19.1v-81H86.2zM109.3 84.2h19.2v-81h-19.2zM334.8 32v-6h-19.2v58.3h19.2V56.5c0-7.1 3.7-11 10.5-11h2.3V25.4c-5.8.2-10 2-12.8 6.6M72.6 0c-6.1 0-11.1 5-11.1 11.1s5 11.1 11.1 11.1 11.1-5 11.1-11.1S78.8 0 72.6 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11.1-11.1 11.1M702.8 83.2v-79H424v79.1h278.8ZM515.7 35.5c0 13.9-10.7 18.3-26 18.3h-25.6v16.4H442v-53h47.8c15.2 0 26 4.4 26 18.2Zm78.9 0c0 9.3-5.9 14.5-14.2 16.8l19.1 18h-28.1l-17-16.4h-11.3v16.4H521V17.2h47.8c15.2 0 26 4.4 26 18.2Zm92.3 8.3c0 18.2-18.3 27.8-44.2 27.8s-44.2-9.6-44.2-27.8c0-18.3 18.3-27.9 44.2-27.9s44.2 9.6 44.2 27.8Zm-22.8 0c0-9.3-9.9-13.9-21.4-13.9s-21.4 4.7-21.4 13.9 9.9 13.9 21.4 13.9 21.4-4.7 21.4-13.8Zm-92.3-8.3c0-3.3-2.4-5-7.4-5h-21.3v10.1h21.3c5.1 0 7.4-1.8 7.4-5.1m-78.9 0c0-3.3-2.4-5-7.4-5h-21.4v10.1h21.4c5 0 7.4-1.8 7.4-5.1\" class=\"cls-11\"\/><\/svg>\t\t<span class=\"lrv-a-screen-reader-only\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"c-tagline  a-font-accent-l@desktop u-font-size-1205 a-font-accent-xs@mobile-max u-font-size-15@mobile-max u-line-height-22px@mobile-max lrv-u-text-align-center@mobile-max u-letter-spacing-0030@mobile-max lrv-u-padding-t-025 lrv-u-margin-a-00 u-padding-t-0125@mobile-max u-padding-b-0063@mobile-max lrv-u-color-grey-dark lrv-u-text-align-center@mobile-max\">Daily newsletters straight to your inbox<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"c-link  lrv-a-unstyle-button lrv-u-cursor-pointer lrv-u-display-inline-flex lrv-u-background-color-brand-primary lrv-u-background-color-grey-dark:hover lrv-u-color-grey-dark lrv-u-color-brand-primary:hover u-padding-lr-0.875 u-padding-tb-10 lrv-u-flex-shrink-0 u-align-items-center a-font-basic-fancy-xs u-margin-t-0.188 u-margin-b-0188 u-margin-b-040@mobile-max\" href=\"https:\/\/cloud.email.billboard.com\/signup\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><br \/>\n\tSign Up<\/a>\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>Culture Wave, the Los Angeles\u2013based rock artist management company partnered with Red Light Management, is accelerating its growth with new hires and promotions in its expanded touring and marketing operations.\u00a0 The company has brought on Ryan Cunningham and Mike Bingham of Polarizer Management, who join Culture Wave as artist managers and bring rosters including The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2291293,"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":[345215,317318,374547,423962,443956],"class_list":["post-2291292","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music","tag-billboard-green","tag-executive-turntable","tag-qobuz","tag-secretly-distribution","tag-warner-chappell-music"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Culture-Wave-WCM-Italy-Make-Executive-Moves.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2291292","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=2291292"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2291292\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2291294,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2291292\/revisions\/2291294"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2291293"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2291292"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2291292"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2291292"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}