Executive Turntable: Warner Chappell Bolsters Asia-Pacific Digital Muscle — Plus, 101 Studios Adds Proven Pop Promoter

Spotify has appointed Akshat Harbola as general manager for the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Türkiye, expanding his remit as the company prepares to open a new Istanbul office by the end of June. His leadership marks a significant step in Spotify’s long‑term commitment to Türkiye’s music and creator ecosystem. Harbola called the Istanbul office a “structural, not symbolic” move, emphasizing Türkiye as a priority market. The new hub will grow throughout the year with local hires and expanded executive support. Harbola said Spotify aims to boost global visibility for Turkish artists, noting rising international demand and sharp growth in streams of Turkish music. Spotify will also invest in local programs, including Masterclass sessions launching in 2026 to support artists and teams.

Doug Thornton is shifting into a new role as president of venue planning services at Legends Global, where he will work closely with the CSL, business development and owner’s rep teams to support venue development and renovation projects across North America. He will step away from leading the company’s North America venue management division, a role he assumed after Legends Global acquired ASM Global in 2024, with a successor to be announced soon. Thornton’s 28-year tenure has included major operational leadership roles through multiple ownership transitions and contributions to landmark events and venues, including Super Bowls, NCAA Final Fours, and openings or renovations at Caesars Superdome, Soldier Field, Allegiant Stadium, and more.

Audacy is revamping its programming structure by organizing content teams by format rather than geographic market. In a staff memo, CEO Kelli Turner (pictured) said the long‑standing city‑by‑city model no longer fits today’s digital landscape. Programming will now operate in vertical buckets such as news, sports and country, giving brand managers direct reporting lines to their format vps and freeing market leaders to focus on revenue. Chief business officer Chris Oliviero will lead the overall content organization, with head of podcasts Leah Reis‑Dennis continuing in that role, evp of product John Pacino heading product and chief programming officer Jeff Sottolano directing programming. Chief revenue leaders Bob Philips and Liz Mozian will now report directly to Turner. With regional president Brian Purdy shifting to senior advisor, his markets have been reassigned to other RPs.

Too Lost has strengthened its leadership ranks with four senior appointments across finance, A&R, label acquisition, and artist strategy. Mark VanAtta (pictured) joins as vp of finance, bringing operational experience from Tree House Brewing Company, Postcard Cabins and Warner Music Group. Marc Emert‑Hutner, a 20‑year ASCAP veteran known for signing and developing top writers including Charli XCX, Adam Levine and Olivia Rodrigo, becomes vp of A&R. Nate Fisher, formerly senior director of A&R and label acquisition at ADA, steps in as director of research and label acquisition, leveraging deep experience across WMG, Sony and beatBread. Longtime team member Jen Ferrer is promoted to director of commercial and artist strategy, expanding her role in product, artist development and global platform growth. The hires come during a surge of growth for Too Lost, which recently made the 2025 Inc. 5000 list with 3,677% revenue gains, a 1,200% rise in headcount, new offices in Los Angeles and Reykjavík, and a roster of over 400,000 artists and labels.

101 Studios has named Nashville-based Jon Borris as its new head of music, where he will lead the development and expansion of the studio’s new music label. As part of its broader push into music, 101 has partnered with Thirty Tigers for marketing, distribution and label services. Borris brings nearly three decades of industry experience, including six years at Republic Records working with artists like Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, Drake, Ariana Grande and The Weeknd. He previously spent 20 years at Sony Music, helping develop stars such as Adele, Beyoncé, One Direction and John Legend. “Music has always been at the center of my career, and this new role is a thrilling chance to build something special at the crossroads of culture and sound with brilliant artists,” Borris said.

DICE rolled out new leadership as founding team member Andrew Foggin (pictured) becomes executive vice president of music, while longtime president Russ Tannen moves into an advisory role. Over 12 years, Tannen helped shape DICE’s culture and global growth, and will continue to support long‑term strategy and key relationships. Foggin, also with the company since its inception, brings experience across venue, promoter and artist partnerships. As evp of music, he’ll guide DICE’s music strategy and lead its growing team. The transition underscores DICE’s commitment to stability and innovation as it expands globally and renews major partnerships, including recent deals with Alexandra Palace, Scala, Circoloco and successful O2 Arena shows with Olivia Dean. “DICE’s foundation was built by a team that believed in doing things differently, and that ethos remains central to everything we do,” said Foggin.

Abby Lin has been named global head of sync for The Jonas Group, where Lin will oversee global sync initiatives and work closely with the company’s songwriters, artists and creative partners to expand placement for their musical works globally. Lin most recently served as VP of Film & TV Sync Licensing at Sony Music Entertainment. “Abby’s track record in sync is unmatched, and her ability to connect music with story is exactly what we value at The Jonas Group,” Kevin Jonas Sr., Founder and CEO, said in a statement. “She’s a trusted leader and collaborator, and we’re excited to have her guiding our global sync strategy.” –Jessica Nicholson

Jos Watkin (pictured) has joined APG as vice president, where he will help expand the company’s presence in recorded music and publishing. Watkin arrives from Polydor Records, where he signed and developed artists including Good Neighbours, Confidence Man and Elmiene, and previously held a senior role at BMG working with acts like A. G. Cook, Mura Masa, Overmono and Floating Points. Known for spotting culturally impactful talent, he will strengthen APG’s pop‑focused writer and producer roster and support cross‑platform opportunities. APG has also promoted A&R executive Tyler Borland to director. Borland has signed multi‑certified artists such as Odetari and 6arelyhuman, along with producer Flawed Mangoes, and now leads a team focused on signing new talent.

Opry Entertainment Group announced new executive appointments for Nashville venue Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater (Ascend Amphitheater), as well as the Ryman Auditorium. Shawn Krauel was named vice president of festival & amphitheaters, while Justin Jordan joined the team as general manager of Ascend Amphitheater. Jordan most recently served as president/GM of REV Entertainment & Arena at Indianapolis’ Innovation Mile. Pete Tamayo joined as senior operations manager at Ascend Amphitheater, while Dave Marren is OEG’s new senior concerts booking manager of Ascend Amphitheater. Gordon Hughes has joined as senior concerts booking manager at the Ryman Auditorium. “As OEG continues to grow, we are focused on building a strong, collaborative programming organization that supports our venues in Nashville and throughout our portfolio,” Patrick Moore, CEO of Opry Entertainment Group, said in a statement. “These leadership additions strengthen our ability to deliver a wide range of live music experiences and scale our venues and live experiences vertical while remaining deeply rooted in Music City.” –Jessica Nicholson

Dolly Parton’s Life of Many Colors Museum named three executives in anticipation of its planned opening in June. Executive director Rebecca Seaver previously established the Dolly Parton Archive; events & group sales manager Jen Molyneux segues from Scarlett Entertainment, where she was an account manager; and marketing operations coordinator Shannon Carpenter rolls into the post after a decade in media management, most recently as an independent contractor.

Joe Rinaldi has been named president of the National Independent Venue Association of California (NIVA CA), succeeding the two-year co-presidency of Gabe Docto, Jim Cornett and Josh Lieberman. Rinaldi, managing partner of San Diego’s Music Box and National Buyer for the 45,000-capacity Mission Bayfest, has served as NIVA’s Southern California Advocate since 2021. His appointment follows recent leaders Julia Heath and Casey Lowdermilk and comes on the heels of a successful 2025 Mission Bayfest. Rinaldi will guide NIVA CA’s newly outlined four-pillar agenda, which focuses on organizational self-sufficiency, unifying more than 630 independent venues and promoters statewide, advancing ticketing reform and establishing a California Music Office.

Berklee has appointed alumna Katie Vitolins as vice president of alumni products and services, effective January 20, 2026. With two decades of experience across music and technology, she will oversee the transformation of Berklee’s alumni engagement platform, expanding services, resources, and career support. Vitolins previously led fan commerce at Amazon Music and launched Amazon Music for Artists, following earlier roles heading artist and label services for Spotify North America and working at Universal Music Group and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Berklee president Jim Lucchese praised her platform‑building expertise. “She has built systems that help artists and creators grow sustainable careers,” he said. “That perspective will be invaluable as we seek to set a new standard for how Berklee supports alumni at every stage of their professional lives.”

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has promoted Jennifer Davidson to the expanded role of chief marketing, communications and content officer, continuing to report to CEO Bill Kramer. Davidson currently leads marketing, audience development, communications, digital and social strategy, and brand creative across the Academy, its Foundation, the Academy Museum and the Oscars. In her expanded position, she’ll oversee Academy Studios, a new production arm responsible for organization‑wide digital content—including interviews, livestreams and podcasts that reflect the Academy’s mission and cultural identity. Davidson has served as the Academy’s chief marketing and communications leader since 2024, with Kramer praising her “creative vision” as essential to reaching a broader global audience and elevating filmmaker storytelling year‑round.

Veteran music attorney Craig Marshall has joined The Zia Firm as an equity partner, further advancing its expansion into recorded music, publishing and catalog transactions. Based in Los Angeles, Marshall brings a roster that includes Wallows, Amelia Moore, Elle King, Boys Like Girls, Joyner Lucas and Kevin Abstract, while also overseeing operations for Reach Records and South Asian label D36. His career began at Priority Records, followed by senior business affairs roles at Capitol and Interscope. Marshall spent 12 years at Myman Greenspan, rising to partner, and also worked at Manatt.