The music industry has witnessed significant personnel movements in early April 2025. These changes include promotions, new hires, and office expansions across various companies. Notable moves involve Ned Monahan's promotion to president at Encore Recordings, Tom Maguire leading Music Glue's new Vancouver office, and Matt Harmon joining Exceleration Music. Additionally, Creative Nation has added Alex Albanese as creative manager and promoted several long-term employees. Jennifer Stocker from iHeartMedia has taken on a regional presidency role, while FBMM announced multiple promotions within its Nashville division. Def Jam Recordings appointed Tim Pithouse as their general manager. Meanwhile, Monument Records faces closure with some staff transitioning to Sony Music Nashville. Joanna Scott joined Venue Coalition in a vice-presidential role.
These shifts reflect evolving strategies and leadership priorities within the music business landscape. The appointments signify an emphasis on expanding market presence, enhancing rights management, and bolstering creative capabilities. Companies are positioning themselves to leverage seasoned professionals for growth opportunities amidst industry dynamics.
Executive Promotions and Strategic Expansions
Several music organizations have recently undergone strategic transformations through executive promotions and geographic expansions. At Encore Recordings, Ned Monahan was elevated to president, signifying his pivotal role in shaping the company’s future trajectory. Similarly, Jacob Fain joined as A&R head, bringing valuable expertise from Elektra. Music Glue expanded into Vancouver under the leadership of veteran Tom Maguire, highlighting their commitment to international growth. These moves underscore a focus on strengthening leadership teams and broadening operational footprints.
In addition to geographical expansion, other firms prioritized internal talent development. For instance, FBMM recognized Laura Beth Hendricks, Ben Huddleston, and Abby Lamb by promoting them to associate business manager roles after years of dedicated service. This decision reflects the organization’s dedication to fostering employee growth and rewarding loyalty. Moreover, iHeartMedia appointed Jennifer Stocker as area president overseeing Nebraska-Iowa markets, leveraging her extensive experience spanning over two decades. Such promotions not only stabilize organizational structures but also infuse fresh energy into existing frameworks, ensuring continuity alongside innovation.
Leadership Transitions and New Partnerships
Leadership transitions marked another critical aspect of recent developments in the music sector. Creative Nation embraced change by hiring Alex Albanese as creative manager following his tenure at Sony Music Publishing. Concurrently, they advanced Abby Holcomb to senior operations and digital director and Jayne Hamblin to management and records director, reinforcing their team’s strength. Def Jam Recordings welcomed Three Six Zero president Tim Pithouse as general manager, indicating a strategic shift towards revitalizing its brand identity. These transitions aim to align top-tier talents with evolving corporate objectives.
Furthermore, partnerships emerged as crucial elements driving these transformations. Exceleration Music onboarded Matt Harmon as head of rights development, underscoring their intent to fortify intellectual property management capabilities. Meanwhile, Monument Records’ closure prompted certain personnel and artists to transition to Sony Music Nashville, preserving relationships while adapting to changing circumstances. Lastly, Joanna Scott’s entry into Venue Coalition as VP of national booking exemplifies how experienced agents can enhance booking networks. Collectively, these initiatives demonstrate the industry’s adaptability and forward-thinking approach amid shifting paradigms.