Mr Viral
Your weekly roundup of promotions, hires and exits across music. This go-round? A pair of big departures at TikTok, and Capitol Christian promotes five.
Courtesy Photo
Believe has appointed Darya Pourshasb as chief marketing officer, reporting to founder and CEO Denis Ladegaillerie, while confirming its acquisition of ampd Method, the deep-data marketing platform Pourshasb founded.
In her new role, Pourshasb will lead global marketing strategy, catalog marketing, and campaign execution, leveraging her expertise in streaming performance and ROI-driven initiatives. The Brooklyner brings over 15 years of experience across music and tech, including senior roles at Spotify, where she served as global head of premium content, as well as stops at Sony Music Entertainment and Royal.io.
“Marketing is becoming more fragmented and complex, requiring stronger digital expertise and unique mastering on how to sequence and bundle campaigns that can deliver for artists,” Ladegaillerie said. “Darya has demonstrated throughout her career the ability to provide cutting-edge expertise to help grow audiences and drive performance. This unique understanding will be a game changer for us and our artists.”
Related
Darya Pourshasb added: “Throughout my career, I have consistently developed highly engaging marketing campaigns and innovative partnerships to drive audience development and fan engagement. I’m extremely excited to join Believe and put my deep-data marketing expertise and ROI-focus at the service of the Group’s ambition to grow our artists’ audience, engagement and monetization across both frontline and catalog.”
Check out a rundown of this week’s staffing news below, including Sherry Alaghehband and Nicole Thomas at Virgin Music Group, Brad Moist at Integrity Music, Amani Duncan at My Code and more.
Charlotte Stahl (TikTok)
Image Credit: Illustration by Jaque Silva/NurPhoto/Getty Images
Charlotte Stahl is departing TikTok after more than five years, most recently serving as head of music partnerships EMEA. Stahl joined the platform in 2020 as Artist Relations Manager for Germany and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Head of Music Operations for the DACH region and Central and Eastern Europe in 2022. In 2024, she stepped into a regional leadership role overseeing artist, label, and partner relationships across EMEA. Before TikTok, Stahl built her career at YouTube, Aviator Management, Roba Music Publishing and Sony Music Entertainment. In a LinkedIn post announcing the move, she reflected on helping artists and labels thrive on TikTok during a transformative era for music discovery and promotion. “I got to witness music careers take off, songs unexpectedly conquer the world, artists pouring creativity into amazing videos, and the TikTok community shaping culture in real time,” she wrote. Stahl plans to take time off before pursuing her next chapter.
Elsewhere, Ollie Wards announced he will soon depart after serving as director of music for Australia and New Zealand since August 2020. “After an awesome 5.5 years, soon I’m hanging up my headphones at TikTok,” he shared on LinkedIn. More from Lars Brandle here.
Sherry Alaghehband (Virgin Music Group)
Image Credit: Jenny Jimenez
Virgin Music Group has appointed Sherry Alaghehband as vice president of national promotion, strengthening its radio strategy across all formats. In her new role, Alaghehband will collaborate with Virgin’s promotion team to support campaigns for label partners and artists, reporting to SVP Marni Halpern from Seattle. Alaghehband co-launched Young & Optimistic Records in 2024 and previously served as vp of promotion and radio marketing at Atlantic Records, as well as regional promotion manager at Epic Records.
Roger Faxon (Salt)
Music rights tech firm Salt announced that Roger Faxon, former EMI CEO and a key member of its board, will step down for health reasons. Faxon has been instrumental in shaping Salt’s strategy and advancing its mission to bring transparency, accuracy and efficiency to music rights and royalty payments. Salt, backed by industry icons including Björn Ulvaeus and Dave Stewart, operates a global rights and royalties network and recently secured a 10-year deal to process $3.4 billion in music royalties. “It has been a privilege to work with the team at Salt,” Faxon said. “I have been consistently impressed by the calibre of the management, the progress the company has made and the commitment to building great technology solutions that genuinely improve outcomes for rights holders.”
Shiest Bubz (Babygrande Records)
Babygrande Records has appointed Shiest Bubz as vp of A&R. A legendary figure in New York’s underground scene, Bubz is known as a cultural gatekeeper and entrepreneur, credited with elevating The Diplomats and building The Smoker’s Club into a nationwide movement. He will spearhead Babygrande’s A&R strategy, drive artist discovery and development, and expand the label’s footprint. “Shiest is a true architect of culture,” said Babygrande founder and CEO Chuck Wilson. “His impact on the city, his taste, and his ability to galvanize talent are unmatched.”
David Gutekunst (Capitol CMG Publishing)
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo
Capitol Christian Music Group Publishing has revealed a round of promotions. David Gutekunst has been promoted to executive vp, leading the publishing division and overseeing all business operations and strategy across the company’s creative, marketing and admin teams. Additionally, Kent Draughon has been promoted to senior vp of administration and operations, while Katie Barolak and Terryl Padilla have both been promoted to senior director of creative. Jessica Marion has been promoted to vp of marketing and song promotion. Brad O’Donnell, president of Capitol Christian Music Group, said in a statement, “I’ve been fortunate to work alongside David for two decades now and see firsthand the impact he’s had on our publishing business. He loves songs, he loves writers, he loves our staff and he loves our genre. He’s a great executive and I know he’s going to do big things in this new leadership role.” –Jessica Nicholson
Brad Moist (Integrity Music)
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo
Christian music label Integrity Music has hired Brad Moist as VP of A&R and development, where he will scout and develop new talent and shape the label’s creative direction. Moist most recently served as senior A&R, brand and marketing manager for Gotee Records, playing an essential role in guiding the careers of Terrian, Cochren & Co., Hollyn and more artists. Moist also created and led the Mono Vs Stereo imprint at Gotee, signing and developing artists including The Showdown, Chasing Victory and more. At Gotee, Moist was also involved in radio promotion campaigns on songs including “No Fear,” the 10-week Billboard Christian Airplay No. 1 hit, as well as Cochren & Co’s 2023 hit “Running Home.” “Brad has the broad experience in A&R, development and promotion that will make a positive impact immediately,” Blaine Barcus, president of Integrity Music, said in a statement. “His heart is aligned with our mission of impacting the world with excellent music that points listeners to Jesus.” –J.N.
Edward “Q” Brickell (Broke Records)
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo
Broke Records has appointed Edward “Q” Brickell as head of legal affairs. Brickell brings more than 15 years of experience as a music executive and entertainment attorney, coupled with a longstanding commitment to harm-reduction, having pioneered sober-support spaces at major U.S. festivals—a concept later formalized as a nonprofit where he continues to serve on the board of Harmonium. His career spans management roles at Red Light and Cinder, helping develop acts like Illenium and William Black, and legal work for promoters, artists, and nonprofits, including End Overdose, recognized by the White House.“The culture of the company is centered around creative thinking, efficiency, urgency, and servicing our roster day in and out,” said co-founder Andre Benz. “Edward represents this at the highest level and we’re thrilled to have him take this approach leading our legal department now.”
Nicole Thomas (Virgin Music Group)
Image Credit: Brendan Johnston
Virgin Music Group has promoted Nicole Thomas to managing director of South Africa, following her tenure as co-country manager. Thomas joined Virgin via Electromode, where she served as General Manager, and previously worked in studio management at CSR Studios and in finance at Primedia Music. She also announced internal promotions: Gareth Wilson (general manager), Nicola Chadwick (head of business affairs & royalties), Hlompho Motana (senior business development manager) and Waide Lemos (head of label operations). Based in Johannesburg, VMG South Africa partners with leading artists in the rising Lekompo genre and recently extended its long-term deal with Gallo Record Company and Content Connect Africa. “Nicole has guided our South African business with a focus and energy that has made a real difference for our labels in the region,” said JT Myers, co-CEO of VMG.
Various (Creative Artists Agency)
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo
Creative Artists Agency has promoted six team members to agent or executive roles. Jack Belkin becomes an agent in Los Angeles after joining CAA in 2021. Carly Damelio, also LA-based, moves up to executive in brand partnerships, where she started as an assistant in 2019. Nashville’s Ella Fernandez is now an executive in marketing, following roles in tour marketing and social media. In London, Rhys France advances to agent, focusing on corporate and private music events. Todd Matsumoto becomes an executive in brand partnerships with a focus on Asian music, while Sydney Weltman is promoted to agent in Los Angeles.
Jameson Roper (Future History)
Future History has named Nashville executive Jameson Roper as partner and president of U.S. operations. Roper will lead North American strategy while bringing his longtime client Bilmuri and signing metalcore powerhouse Wage War for worldwide management at the firm, which is home to Sleep Token. Roper’s appointment signals Future History’s expansion into the U.S. market, strengthening its global infrastructure and commitment to championing artists across rock, alternative and heavy music.
Amani Duncan (My Code)
My Code has appointed Amani Duncan as CEO, bringing decades of leadership across media and music. Duncan’s career includes senior roles at MTV/Viacom, C.F. Martin Guitar, Virgin Records, Capitol Music Group/EMI and Def Jam Records, where she helped shape strategies for iconic artists and brands. She later served as CEO of BBH USA, guiding campaigns for Google, Netflix and Heineken, earning honors such as Ad Age’s agency executive of the year. Duncan also sits on the board of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and has presided over juries at Cannes Lions. At My Code, she will help brands connect with growth-minded audiences through creative storytelling and media innovation.
Nashville Notes: Guitar Center Music Foundation and Industry Plant
Image Credit: AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
The Guitar Center Music Foundation has named Curtis Heath as board chair, joined by Greg Glaser, vp of Custom House and GC Pro, and Jerry Brandehoff, evp and chief merchandising officer at Guitar Center. Former chair David Helfant will remain on the board. Heath also serves as president of Guitar Center Business Solutions, overseeing GC Pro, AVDG and Custom House … Meanwhile, three former Venture Music executives have launched Industry Plant, a marketing agency that debuted this month. Led by founder/head of marketing Dustin Boyer, partner/head of operations Bobby Dirienzo and partner/creative director Olivia Pierce, the firm’s initial clients include Warner Records Nashville, Red Street, Thirty Tigers and Quartz Hill Music Group.
Lizzie Maranto and Anastasia Zivic Demirci (ECCHO Live)
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo
ECCHO Live has added two staff members, with Lizzie Maranto joining as program manager and Anastasia Zivic Demirci joining as marketing manager. Maranto’s career background includes time working in trauma-informed mental health therapy, clinical supervision and community engagement, while Demirci brings over two decades of creative strategy and communications experience in music, live events, film and brand development. “Lizzie and Anastasia bring experience that strengthens every part of our mission,” ECCHO Live Founder Chris Lisle said in a statement. “Their leadership will help us better support and advocate for the people who make live events possible. ECCHO Live recently launched a Financial Wellness aspect to its all-access program offering up to four free financial coaching sessions per year, adding another facet to the organization’s holistic support mission, alongside continuing mental health initiatives. ECCHO Live (formerly known as Career Touring Workshop) launched in 2011.
22Bullets (Ghostone Records)
Image Credit: Courtesy of PMG
Thai DJ and producer 22Bullets has been named president of Ghostone Records, the newly launched electronic and dance music imprint under Pacific Music Group. In his role, 22Bullets will lead A&R, creative direction and long-term strategy while also releasing music on the label. Ghostone Records, founded by PMG — a global entertainment company created by NE-YO, Sonu Nigam, MC Jin, and veteran executive Jonathan Serbin — aims to elevate Asian electronic talent onto the global stage and foster East-West collaboration. “I am incredibly honored to lead Ghostone Records and help shape a platform that elevates electronic artists from Asia onto the world stage,” said 22Bullets (born Varun Sony). “This imprint is focused on innovation, culture, and breaking boundaries.”
ICYMI: A Busy Week
Image Credit: Courtesy of Warner Music Group
Warner Chappell Music consolidated global sync operations under evp Rich Robinson … Universal Music U.K. promoted Rebecca Allen to chief artist and strategy officer … Warner Records Group named Jeff Sosnow president of Reprise Records, adding to his evp of A&R role … Craig Kallman (pictured) has been appointed chief music officer at Warner Music Group … Laura Segura will lead She Is The Music as executive director … 2PM Sharp hired Caroline Fields to head its new Nashville office … and RockForce named Chris Schuman and Shawn Worlow co-presidents following Bob McClintock’s exit. Find more on all these moves here.
Daily newsletters straight to your inbox
Sign Up
More From Pro
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings