The Country Music Association has selected Brittany Schaffer as its next chief executive, while Warner Music Group is expanding its independent distribution and label services division ADA across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The announcements lead a wave of executive moves spanning labels, publishers, live entertainment and trade bodies.
CMA Names Brittany Schaffer Incoming CEO
Schaffer will join the Country Music Association (CMA) on September 8 and assume the CEO role at the end of the year, succeeding Sarah Trahern, who is retiring after 13 years. Schaffer currently serves as Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business at Belmont University. She previously spent five years as Spotify’s Head of Artist & Label Partnerships for Nashville, where she shaped the platform’s country, Christian/gospel and Americana strategy.
Warner Music Group Expands ADA in EMEA
Howard Corner has been appointed to the newly created position of Head of ADA, EMEA, while retaining his role as Managing Director of ADA UK, a division he has led since 2013. Corner reports to Simon Robson, President of Recorded Music, EMEA.
Believe Unifies Global Commercial and Tech Structures
Believe has introduced a unified structure across its Global Commercial and Product, Tech and Operations organizations. Elsa Bahamonde Bourgain, President of Artist Services and Label & Artist Solutions, will lead the combined commercial division, reporting to Global Head of Music Romain Vivien. She is supported by Liubov Kevkhaia as VP of Label & Artist Solutions and Emmanuelle de Hosson, formerly General Director at Play Two, as VP of Artist Services.
On the technology and operations side, Group COO Romain Becker will head a unified Product, Tech and Operations structure, reporting to Founder & CEO Denis Ladegaillerie. Becker oversees Group CTO Antoine Jacoutot, Global SVP Operations Sandrine Lalau-Keraly, and newly appointed Group CPO Luxi Huang.
Triple Tigers Promotes Raffaella Braun to Co-President
Triple Tigers Records has elevated Raffaella Braun to Co-President, following the departure of Kevin Herring ahead of his retirement. Braun, previously the label’s VP of Radio Promotion, works alongside Co-President Annie Ortmeier and reports to Founder and Managing Partner George Couri. Her background includes roles as a CAA booking agent and event producer.
Sony Music Publishing Elevates Luis Pinilla
Sony Music Publishing has promoted Luis Pinilla to Senior Vice President, Global Head of Strategy, a newly expanded remit that covers roster growth and emerging technologies including AI. Pinilla, who has spent more than 14 years across SMP and EMI Music Publishing, previously served as SVP of Corporate Strategy & Financial Planning and continues to report to Chairman & CEO Jon Platt.
Legends Global Hires Two VPs of Live Entertainment
Legends Global has added Tom Alexander and Jenn Sonick as Vice Presidents of Live Entertainment, joining the central booking team that programs its network of 450 venues. Alexander brings three decades of touring and arena booking experience, including roles at AEG and Live Nation, most recently as VP of Live Programming at OCVIBE. Sonick arrives from ATG Entertainment, where she handled talent buying for Kings Theatre and the Emerson Colonial Theatre. Both report to Jason Rio, SVP of Live Entertainment and Content Development.
A2IM Appoints 2026-27 Executive Committee
The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) has named Glen Barros (Exceleration Music) chair of its Executive Committee for the 2026-27 term, with Louis Posen (Hopeless Records) as Treasurer and David Barnes (Rhymesayers Entertainment) as Secretary. New board members include Katie Garcia (Bayonet Records), Tony Kiewel (Sub Pop), Steve Kline (Better Noise Music) and Elliott Peters (EMPIRE).
Alta Music Group Launches Publishing Arm
Alta Music Group has launched Alta Publishing, naming Zeb Berg (formerly of Electric Feel) as Head of Publishing. Sony Music Publishing will administer the new division worldwide.
Merlin Hires Dan Nevin as VP, Industry Relations
Dan Nevin has joined Merlin in the newly created role of VP, Industry Relations, reporting to CEO Charlie Lexton. He will focus on the organization’s relationships with independent trade associations and strategic partners.
