Virgin Music Group has completed its acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings, bringing together two major platforms focused on serving independent artists, entrepreneurs, and rights holders worldwide.
The deal marks a key step in Virgin Music Group’s strategy to create a global, end-to-end music services platform spanning artist and label services, distribution, and publishing. As part of the transaction, Pieter van Rijn has been appointed chief operating officer of Virgin Music Group. He previously served as CEO of Downtown and will report to co-CEOs Nat Pastor and JT Myers while remaining based in Amsterdam.
Downtown founder Justin Kalifowitz confirmed he is stepping away from the company he established in 2007, publishing a founder’s letter on the company’s website. Andrew Bergman, who had been chairman of Downtown, will move into a senior advisory role.
Founded in 2007, Downtown serves more than 5,000 business clients and over four million creators across 145 countries. Its core divisions include artist and label services, distribution and music publishing. The company’s portfolio includes FUGA, Downtown Artist & Label Services, CD Baby, Downtown Music Publishing and Songtrust.
In his new role, van Rijn will oversee global operations, technology, product development and strategic integration across the combined businesses. He is also tasked with ensuring continuity for Downtown’s clients, teams and brands while identifying new opportunities for growth and collaboration across the broader platform.
Van Rijn became Downtown’s CEO in 2024 after serving as president of Downtown Music beginning in July 2022. Before that, he was CEO of FUGA, joining in 2014 and leading the company through international expansion and technology development. Under his leadership, FUGA grew to serve more than 900 industry clients across more than 50 countries, expanding its presence across EMEA, North America, LATAM and APAC and building out a full-service label services and music-technology offering.
A graduate of Erasmus University Rotterdam, van Rijn began his career as a recording and songwriting artist signed to Sony Music before moving into corporate strategy and mergers and acquisitions, advising large European companies.
The acquisition underscores Virgin Music Group’s commitment to scaling services and technology for the global independent music community while preserving the distinct brands and capabilities built by Downtown over nearly two decades.
KEY QUOTES:
“Pieter’s appointment signals our intent to bring these businesses together thoughtfully and strategically. This is about making both Virgin Music Group and Downtown even better — preserving their distinct strengths while increasing the investment, technology and global resources available to independent entrepreneurs. Pieter’s experience and leadership make him the right person to help guide us forward.”
Nat Pastor, Co-CEO of Virgin Music Group
“This combination enhances the choice, service and global reach available to the independent community. I’m grateful to Justin and Andrew for their vision in building Downtown, and to Nat and JT for their trust as we enter this next chapter. Our focus is clear: strengthen what makes both companies special and deliver even greater value to the entrepreneurs we serve.”
Pieter van Rijn, Chief Operating Officer of Virgin Music Group
“Today recognizes the extraordinary company the Downtown team has built. Justin’s pioneering spirit — and the leadership of Andrew, Pieter and colleagues worldwide — created an organization defined by its powerful belief in independent creators. We deeply respect what this team has built and are committed to backing it, protecting what makes Downtown successful, and expanding opportunities for the global independent community.”
JT Myers, Co-CEO of Virgin Music Group
“I’m extremely proud of the culture we created, grounded in trust, long-term partnership and the constant pursuit of excellence. Pieter van Rijn epitomizes that culture and watching my friend grow into such an exceptional leader has been extremely gratifying. Justin and I look forward to cheering on Nat, JT, Pieter and the combined teams as they continue to create new opportunities for the global music community.”
Andrew Bergman, Senior Advisor and Former Chairman of Downtown