Kakao Entertainment Leadership Change & More

Warner Records Nashville made several strategic changes to its leadership and creative teams. They include Patrick Sabatini, who was named executive vp of operations and business & legal affairs; Kristen Williams, promoted to executive vp of radio & commercial partnerships; Victoria Mason, elevated to executive vp of marketing; Brooke Hardesty, upped to senior vp of digital marketing; Rohan Kohli, promoted to senior vp of A&R; and Austin Jenkins, previously at MCA and Lucille Records, who was hired as senior vp of A&R.

“It’s a privilege to make music with such strong leaders who embody and uphold our core values,” said Cris Lacy, chair & president of Warner Records Nashville, in a statement. “We meet artists where they are. We share the belief that our artists are the source of Truth,” says Lacy. “Protecting, igniting, and evangelizing their influence across the global stage is the foundation of everything we do. An unwavering commitment to this ideal has propelled the iconic careers of Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Dan + Shay, Cole Swindell, Gabby Barrett and Randy Travis, and has inspired the aggressive campaigns driving next-gen superstars like Gavin Adcock, Avery Anna, Chase Matthew, Hudson Westbrook, Bailey Zimmerman, and many more.” — Chris Eggertsen

Range Media Partners announced Evan Winiker has been promoted to Managing Partner. Winiker is a founding partner of Range Music, and one of the first managing partners named within the company. Prior to joining the company, Winiker served as a manager at Full Stop and the Creed Co. Ahead of his roles in management, he spent a dozen years touring with Jack Antonoff in FUN. And Steel Train.  

Cameron Lutz was promoted to partner within Range Media. Lutz joined the company in 2021 as senior vp of marketing. He transitioned to become an artist manager, where he managed Luke Grimes, Lauv, Carter Faith and Haffway. Before joining Range, Lutz worked within the music artists partnership team at Meta for nearly six years, where he helped lead partnerships with music talent on Facebook and Instagram. During his tenure at Meta, he was recognized on Billboard’s Country Music Power Players list. 

United Talent Agency (UTA) announced seven new partners within the music department this week, including Christian Bernhardt (UTA Live/Music), Alisann Blood (UTA Live/ Music Brand Partnerships), Brandi Brammer (UTA Live/Music), Jules De Lattre (UTA Live/Music), Sara Schoch (UTA Live/Music Brand Partnerships), Elisa Vazzana (UTA Live/Music) and James Wright (UTA Live/Music) within the agency’s music division.  

In all, 35 were named partners across 23 divisions, including Filmed Entertainment, UTA LIVE (consisting of Comedy Touring, Music and Speakers), Klutch Sports Group and Business Communications.  

“Congratulations to our new partners, whose contributions have been at the center of our momentum — championing clients, building teams and pushing our business forward in a rapidly evolving industry,” David Kramer, CEO of UTA, said in a statement. “Their achievements exemplify what differentiates UTA: ambition paired with integrity, collaboration at the highest level, and a commitment to always looking ahead. Partnership is more than a title — it’s a recognition of impact, trust and dedication to our clients and one another. As we enter our next phase of growth, their partnership will play a critical role in shaping the future of our agency.” 

The Team announced six promotions across its booking, festivals, performing arts centers and tour marketing divisions this week, as well as two new hires in the London office: music agents Belinda Law and Ishsha Bourguet.  

Law (vice president and agent) began her career at Premier Artists in Australia, relocating to London to work at Primary Talent International, Echo Location Talent Agency (acquired by United Talent Agency). While at UTA, she represented acts including Diplo, Major Lazer, Dillon Francis and Jazzy.  

Bourguet (director and agent) began her career as a promoter and DJ, where she helped to introduce U.K. bass music to South Africa. She began her agenting career at Echo Location Talent (and later UTA), where her roster included Tyla, Buju Banton and Mr Eazi. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Belinda and Ishsha to our team,” Alex Hardee, executive vp and managing executive at The Team said. In a statement. “They each bring a deep understanding of the global touring landscape and share our artist-first mindset and collaborative approach to building careers. We’re excited to have them help drive the continued growth of our London office and broader international business.”  

Among the newly-promoted team members include Carly Goldberg (director and agent, New York), India Lawson (senior manager and agent, London), Seven Jarrett (manager and agent of festivals), Lauren LoLordo (manager and agent of performing arts centers, Chicago) and Sean Merlin (manager and agent, tour marketing).  

“Nurturing the careers of talented members of our global team is core to our culture and the way we serve our artists,” Lee Anderson, President of The Team’s music group, said in a statement. “Carly, India, Seven, Lauren and Sean have each made meaningful contributions to our business and to the artists we represent. We’re proud to recognize their hard work and leadership with these well-earned promotions and excited to see them continue growing.” 

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. and Sphere Entertainment Co. announced Allen Lo is joining both companies as executive vice president, chief legal officer, effective March 30. In his role, Lo will partner closely with the companies’ respective senior leadership teams.  

“We are pleased to welcome Allen to MSG Entertainment and Sphere Entertainment,” James Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of MSG Entertainment, said in a statement. “As a leader he has handled high-profile corporate and business legal matters, and his expertise will be an important addition to our Legal team in support of both companies’ strategic initiatives and long-term growth.” 

Lo joins MSG Entertainment and Sphere Entertainment from Meta, where he served as vice president of legal and deputy general counsel.  

“Throughout my career I have operated across a range of legal functions at innovative companies,” Lo said in a statement. “Taking on this role with two leading companies, each pushing forward in live experiences and technology, is an opportunity I welcome, and I look forward to working with the management teams to help support strategic initiatives at both companies.”  

Prior to joining Meta, Lo served as deputy general counsel, patents and IP litigation at Google. Lo also serves on the board of visitors of the Georgetown University Law Center. 

James Simmons joins Creative Artists Agency (CAA) as an agent in the global touring division based in the London office. Simmons previously served as a music agent at Willliam Morris Endeavor (WME) and worked with artists including Mumford & Sons, Little Simz, James Blake, Nilüfer Yanya, Louis Dunford and Rex Orange County. His career began at International Talent Booking (ITT).  

“We’re very pleased to welcome James to the team,” Emma Banks, CAA’s co-head of global touring, said in a statement. “He’s built strong momentum in the live space, with experience supporting arena tours across the U.K. and Europe and contributing to major stadium shows, including Wembley and key venues in Australia. He brings fresh perspective, great instincts, and a strong network, which will be invaluable as we continue to grow opportunities for our artists across the U.K. and beyond.” 

TouchTunes has named Andrew “Rusty” Russakoff as the company’s new CFO, and he will join the executive team later this month. In his new role, Russakoff will partner with TouchTunes’ senior leadership team to optimize financial performance, capital allocation and strategic decision-making.  

“I’m thrilled to welcome Rusty to the leadership team during such a high-growth period for the company,” Scott Levine, CEO of TouchTunes, said in a statement. “As we continue to build the future of in-person social entertainment with music, darts, loyalty and payments into a single connected experience, Rusty’s deep financial expertise and proven track record of strategic gravitas and tactical execution make him the ideal leader to help us drive our vision and deliver long-term value to our partners and players alike.”  

Russakoff previously served as CFO at Angi, leading finance, accounting, treasury and investor relations at the company. He also held senior finance roles at IAC, where he supported financial planning and portfolio oversight across the company’s digital platforms including Match Group and Vimeo. 

“TouchTunes has established itself as the clear leader in connected in-venue entertainment, and the breadth of its product ecosystem — from jukeboxes to dartboards to integrated payments — reflects a business model built for durability and growth,” Russakoff said in a statement. “I’m eager to bring my experience to help the team scale what’s working and capitalize on the significant opportunity ahead.” 

Production Resource Group (PRG) appointed Lawrence Burian as CEO effective April 13. Burian will also join the company’s Board of Directors. He most recently served as CEO oat LIV Golf, with experience in live entertainment and sports events, venue operations, hospitality, media rights, brand partnerships and corporate strategy. 

“We are pleased to welcome Lawrence to PRG at this pivotal moment for the company and the live experiences industry,” Lauren Krueger, board member of PRG and managing director at KKR, said in a statement. “With nearly three decades of leadership experience across entertainment, sports, media and hospitality, Lawrence brings deep operational expertise and a strong track record of guiding complex, high-profile organizations through periods of transformation and expansion. Lawrence is the right leader to build on PRG’s global scale and integrated products and services to accelerate growth.”  

Burian previously held senior leadership positions within the Madison Square Garden family of companies, with experience at sports franchises including the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Sphere, MSG Networks and the Radio City Rockettes. He also served on the board of directors of the Tao Hospitality Group, the Tribeca Film Festival and the Boston Calling Music Festival. 

“At a time when so much of life is digital and remote, people are craving connection and moments that inspire, energize, and bring us all together,” Burian said in a statement. “PRG has an extraordinary legacy of creativity and technical excellence, helping make those moments unforgettable for millions of people around the world. We will continue to differentiate ourselves through relentless customer service and by deepening the long-term partnerships that fuel our success. PRG is well positioned to grow while continuing to deliver for our clients and remain a place where people can do their best work. I look forward to working with the Board and our talented leadership team to take PRG to new heights. 

The Nashville-based Hey Now Records has added to its staff, including key promotion execs, vice president national promotion Brooke Diaz, as well as national directors for the West and East Coasts, Bill Lubitz and Jane Staszak. Anna Scott Welch has also been brought on as Hey Now’s director of streaming.

Hey Now president/co-founder Kris Lamb said in a statement, “These are all people I’ve worked with and trusted over time. Bringing them together at HEY NOW creates a real advantage through their existing chemistry. Together they create something more connected and more focused, allowing us to move with intention, operate with clarity and build real audience platforms for our artists. That foundation is everything for what we’re setting out to do. I look forward to the future we are going to build, the music that’s coming soon, and a way to deliver for artists that’s tailored to everything they not only need but deserve.”

The Nashville-based independent label, which counts Country Music Hall of Famer Kenny Chesney as its flagship artist, was announced recently by music industry veterans Lamb, Clint Higham and John Esposito. — Jessica Nicholson

Carols Alcala has joined Ultra Records as director of A&R, the company announced, and is based in Los Angeles. He previously worked at Thrive Music, helping grow the company since its 2015 relaunch.  

“Carlos has a great reputation and his relationships run deep from his 10+ years of experience in dance music,” David Waxman, president of Ultra Records, said in a statement. “That’s why I’m glad to have him on board as A&R director at Ultra Records.”  

At Thrive, Alcala worked with artists including Tiësto, Kaskade, ACRAZE, Wuki and Gudfella, where he helped guide creative vision and identified breakout records (including ACRAZE’s “Do It To It”). 

“Ultra is one of the most iconic dance music labels in the world, and I’m honored to help carry its legacy forward while continuing to push boundaries and shake things up,” Alcala said in a statement. “It’s an honor to work alongside David, whom I’ve long admired and deeply respected for what he and the label have done for dance music.” 

Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has added four new hires to the label, continuing to expand its team following its recent reacquisition. Jay Cruze returns to the label in a new role as national director, promotion and marketing, overseeing day-to-day chart objectives, single strategy and additional national promotion responsibilities, and reporting to Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment senior vice president Ryan Dokke. Cruze previously served as national director of radio strategy for Blue Highway Records.

Carly Leach returns as coordinator, promotion & marketing, while Christina Hunt returns as manager, digital marketing. Claudia Deters joins as label coordinator/executive assistant to label president/CEO Jimmy Harnen.

“As the Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment team continues to charge forward, I’m very proud to announce these additions and promotions,” founder and chairman Scott Borchetta said in a statement. “They are Machinists through and through, and their ferocious passion is contagious.”

The staff expansions follows Borchetta’s relaunch of Big Machine Records. — Jessica Nicholson

Molly Majorack joins Teragram Ballroom as a talent buyer, the company announced. She previously booked venues throughout Orange County, working with the Observatory and Constellation Rooms in Santa Ana, Calif., House of Blues & The Parish in Anaheim, Calif., and Riverside Municipal Auditorium and Fox Performing Arts Center. In her new role, Majorack will work closely alongside other Teragram Presents rooms, inccollaborating with The Bellwether’s Jordan Anderson and Moroccan Lounge’s David Murphy. 

“I’m incredibly happy and excited to have her in the family,” Michael Swier of Teragram Presents said in a statement. “Molly’s reputation precedes her, as expressed by those who have personally worked with her and by the accolades the industry bestows upon her; we welcome her with arms wide open.” 

The Press House appointed Alyssa Beach as Nashville director. In the role, Beach will oversee strategy for the company’s Nashville-based clients and partnerships. She reports to founder and CEO Dawn Kamerling.  

Beach’s background includes visual arts, theater, fashion and exhibition production. The Chicago native began her career in storefront theater before pivoting to gallery and exhibition work in Nashville, with roles at Ovvio Arte and The Rymer.  

“Alyssa brings both creative depth and operational precision,” said Kamerling in a statement. “We’ve been deeply engaged in Nashville for years, and bringing her on as Director allows us to build on that foundation with dedicated, on-the-ground leadership. She understands how to support artists while executing at the level our clients expect.” 

Beach added, “The Press House has built a reputation for thoughtful, high-impact work across a wide range of clients. I’m excited to join a team that understands how to connect culture and communications in a way that feels both strategic and authentic.” — Chris Eggertsen

Entertainment business management firm FBMM has promoted Shelley Grayson and Chris Trump to the roles of associate business manager. Both execs are based in FBMM’s Nashville office.

Grayson has spent more than 15 years supporting touring and recording artists, with expertise spanning domestic and international headline touring, real estate transactions, estate planning and more. Grayson is also a public director for ACM Lifting Lives’ board of directors. Trump joined FBMM in 2009, and supports a roster of developing artists and headlining acts. He is a member of the ACM, CMA, and the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Troubadour Society.

“Shelley and Chris exemplify the leadership, dedication and ‘white glove’ service we are committed to at FBMM,” FBMM owner Erica Rosa said in a statement. “These promotions reflect their hard work and the care they bring to their clients and to our team every day. My fellow owners and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow and help lead FBMM forward.” — Jessica Nicholson

Norwegian audio tech company Nomono announced Owen Grover’s appointment to general manager of the company’s North American operations as the company expands its U.S. presence.

“We’re excited to welcome Owen Grover as general manager, U.S. at Nomono,” Kristine Snyder, CEO of Nomono, said in a statement. “Owen brings a unique and powerful combination of skillsets: a strong commercial instinct, a deep understanding of technology, and a clear grasp of the spoken audio space. He is a natural relationship builder, with a clear ability to create trust, open doors and move conversations forward in a meaningful way.”  

Grover has held roles at iHeartMedia, as well as Pocket Casts and True Fire Studios. In his new position,  he will lead Nomono’s North American efforts, overseeing partnerships, market development and expanding awareness of the platform’s end-to-end workflow for creators and production teams.