PRS for Music has appointed Ben McOwen Wilson as its new chief executive, succeeding Andrea Czapary Martin. Wilson previously led YouTube and Google Play operations across EMEA and helped launch UEFA’s digital platforms.
Sony Music Publishing elevates Ari Gelaw
Sony Music Publishing has promoted Ari Gelaw to Senior Vice President of Creative A&R. Based in Los Angeles, she will lead the publisher’s US hip-hop and R&B team. Since joining in 2022, Gelaw has signed BigXthaPlug, Victoria Monét, Monaleo, FLO, and Samara Cyn, among others. She reports to Katie Welle, President of US A&R.
Borchetta Entertainment Group names co-VPs
Scott Borchetta’s Borchetta Entertainment Group has appointed Kevin Spellman and Henley Halem as Co-Vice Presidents of its management division, which launched earlier this year. Spellman spent 17 years at Vector Management, most recently heading its Nashville office, with a client roster that includes Cheap Trick, Emmylou Harris, and Alison Krauss. Halem has guided the careers of Kid Cudi, Yung Gravy, and Jurassic 5, among others.
Secretly Distribution promotes Kristian Downs
Secretly Distribution has elevated Kristian Downs to Executive Director of Platform Operations. Downs, who has been with the company for six years, will take on a broader strategic role overseeing tech infrastructure and platform development. He previously held senior positions at AWAL/Kobalt and Beggars Group.
Universal Music Group hires supply chain president
Universal Music Group (UMG) has brought in Tseyin Foo as President, Global Supply Chain, reporting to COO Boyd Muir. Foo joins from Skechers and earlier held leadership roles at Nike, bringing consumer goods supply chain expertise to the major label.
Frontiers Label Group adds A&R head for Germany
Frontiers Label Group, the Italy-based rock and metal company, has hired Timo Hoffmann as Head of A&R, Germany. Hoffmann will lead the label’s expansion in the region, drawing on two decades of experience at AFM Records and Atomic Fire Records/Reigning Phoenix Music across PR, catalog, and product management.
GLP opens UK office with veteran hire
Vienna-based boutique agency Georg Leitner Productions (GLP) has appointed Manfred Seipt to head its new UK operations in London. A three-decade veteran of the European and Middle Eastern live business, Seipt has worked with artists including Sting, Robert Plant, and Anna Netrebko. GLP’s roster features Kool & The Gang, Foreigner, and Earth Wind & Fire Experience.
