Empire, Sony, MCA, Mercury Make Executive Moves

Sony Music Publishing has promoted Dee Hale to senior vice president of film and TV administration. Based in Nashville, Hale will continue reporting to executive vp Dale Esworthy and serve as the primary contact for SMP’s studio clients, while supporting UK operations. She’ll also remain co-chair of the Society and Publisher Forum A/V Committee, shaping global practices in film and TV administration. Hale joined SMP in 1993 and has worked with major studios including Sony Pictures, Tyler Perry Studios and Apple, as well as legendary composers such as Hans Zimmer and John Williams. Praising her leadership, Esworthy said Hale’s dedication to songwriters and composers is “unsurpassed and unwavering.”

MCA Nashville has promoted Tatiana Angulo (pictured, left) to vice president of streaming and Taylor Viegut (right) to vp of e-commerce and business development. Angulo will oversee streaming strategies for MCA and Mercury Nashville rosters, including artists such as Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves and Keith Urban, while continuing to develop data-driven campaigns and partnerships like Peloton’s CMA Fest activation. Viegut’s newly created role reflects MCA’s focus on expanding e-commerce initiatives, having previously managed DSP relationships at the Country Music Association. The promotions coincide with a departmental restructure, with Angulo and Vipin Reddy dividing streaming responsibilities across MCA and Mercury Nashville. “Tatiana’s ability to drive successful streaming strategies and Taylor’s keen focus on the growing importance of e-commerce demonstrate their forward-thinking approach,” said Mike Harris, MCA CEO. “Their expertise will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and support our artists in the evolving music landscape.”

Big Machine Label Group has expanded its publicity and marketing teams with new additions and promotions. Jenn Kelleher (pictured) has joined the company as director, publicity & communications. Kelleher previously served as senior publicist at 2PM Sharp and spent over five years at R&CPMK. She has led global campaigns for artists including Jonas Brothers, Counting Crows, Tauren Wells and more. Sara Benz has been promoted to director marketing, and began at the label as a project manager in 2023. Benz previously worked at UMe, the catalog division of UMG. Sarah Bertrand joins as director, digital marketing and previously served as manager, digital marketing at MCA. Ansley Neeley joins as senior manager, marketing and previously served as manager, marketing and creative at Monument Records. Kaitlin Mays has joined as senior manager, digital marketing and previously worked at MCA. Taylor Perez joins as manager, digital marketing and previously worked at Warner Records Nashville. Emily Haupt was promoted to manager, marketing at BMLG, while Jenna Udell rises to manager, audience development. –Jessica Nicholson

Quinelle “Coach Q” Holder and George “G-Man” Waters have launched Label Services Unlimited, a web-based company offering data-driven label operations for independent artists. The platform provides services such as budgeting, marketing and royalty management, aiming to help artists retain control while accessing professional support. The venture follows Holder’s recent distribution partnership with Vydia and includes a leadership team featuring Sabrina Vaz-Holder, Justin White and Erika “Qban” Guilarte. In-person workshops are planned for 2026. Holder’s career includes roles with The Orchard, Heir Wave Music Group,and Alienz Alive, while Waters brings experience from G-Man Entertainment and G-Man Live. The founders revealed they’ve been “quietly collaborating for a while now, but it feels amazing to officially join forces and demonstrate the power of teamwork in Hampton Roads and beyond.”

BMI revealed a round of promotions on the company’s creative team. Nina Carter (Nashville) (Pictured) was promoted to executive director, partnerships & events. Marché Butler (R&B/Hip-Hop – Atlanta), MaryAnn Keen (Country – Nashville), Katie Kilgallen (Pop/Rock – NYC), Chris McCormick (Classical – NYC) and David Streit (Pop/Rock – LA) were elevated to senior director roles, while Alex Bostelman (Pop/Rock – LA) was promoted to director, creative, while Claire Dodelin (Nashville) was promoted to associate director, creative. –J.N.

Madison Square Garden Entertainment announced that Layth Taki — senior vp, controller and principal accounting officer — is departing the company effective today (Nov. 14). In an SEC filing, MSGE noted that his exit is not connected to any dispute over accounting practices, disclosures or internal controls. Until a successor is named, Executive Vice President and CFO David J. Collins will serve as interim principal accounting officer. Taki joined MSGE in September 2024, overseeing accounting, SEC reporting, and shared services for MSGE, MSG Sports, and Sphere Entertainment. His prior roles include CFO at Ziff Davis, Chief Accounting Officer at Altice USA, and senior positions at Cablevision Systems and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Jackson Weingart has been named vp of marketing & digital strategy at Mercury Records, the label announced via chairman and CEO Tyler Arnold and president Ben Adelson. Weingart will lead 360-degree campaigns for the label’s roster, including Tucker Wetmore, whose gold-certified album What Not To debuted in the Billboard 200 Top 15 under his guidance. He also oversees marketing for artists such as Bryant Barnes, Foggieraw, Jake Minch and Marshmello. Previously, Weingart served as general manager of Simple Stupid Records and held senior marketing roles at Alamo Records and 300 Entertainment, where he worked on campaigns for Rod Wave, Lil Durk, Young Thug and Migos. “Jackson Weingart has quickly developed an incredible track record for not only breaking artists but being on the cutting edge of developing new tactics, strategies and ideas to navigate the intersections of music and tech to further his artists careers,” said Mercury Records EVP Alex Coslov. “His independent background and innovative spirit make him the perfect fit for Mercury Records.”

Bar Harbor’s premiere Art Deco venue, the 1932 Criterion Theatre, has named Courtney Sale as its new executive director, effective February 2026. Sale will lead revitalization efforts for the historic venue, focusing on diverse programming including music, theatre, film, dance and lectures. She joins after nearly six years as executive artistic director at Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, Mass., where she guided the organization through pandemic recovery, strategic planning and major infrastructure upgrades. Previously, Sale served as AD of Seattle Children’s Theatre and associate AD at Indiana Repertory Theatre. An accomplished director and advocate for new work, she has collaborated with leading festivals and theaters nationwide. “I am grateful to Harper House Music Foundation and Stephen and Allison Sullens for their visionary commitment to this beloved theatre,” said Sale. “In an age of increasing isolation, our community arts spaces uniquely illuminate our shared humanity – a profound experience to which I have dedicated my entire career.”

Amuse has appointed Giorgio D’Ambrosio as CEO, effective last month, following his year as interim chief and tenure as a board member since 2020. An early investor in the company, D’Ambrosio will lead its next phase of growth, emphasizing technology-driven services for independent artists and labels. Amuse, which employs nearly 100 staff across New York, London and Stockholm, has evolved from an open distribution platform into a full-service alternative to traditional labels, combining distribution, data tools and Artist & Label Services. The company recently surpassed $30 million in artist investments and manages over 400 partnerships, including billion-streaming acts like Yot Club and The Walters. Amuse also added Dan Rowe, COO of Firebird Music, to its board to support strategic expansion.

Queer Capita, a nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ professionals in the music industry, has announced its 2025-26 board of directors as it expands nationally. Since its 2021 launch, the organization has served over 1,000 queer professionals across 200 companies, and the new board will advance its mission to increase visibility and career development. Co-presidents Dan Iammatteo and Nico Machlitt lead a diverse group that includes Andrea Pearl, Dave Yeager, David Hawkins, Ed Razzano, Evangeline Elder, Frederico Tonete, Hector Rosario, Jack Babnew, Johny Gonzalez, Malik Welton, Meredith Nadeau, Michael Tomczak, Miguel Ramos, Nicholas Douglas, Nico Delle Femine, Paulina Vo, Samantha Moura and Zach Porfiris. The board spans major hubs such as New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, Austin, Oakland and Charlotte, enabling localized programming and networking. “Diversifying our board was a priority,” said Iammatteo, while Machlitt emphasized the organization’s “growth over the past four years shows what’s possible when LGBTQ+ professionals have a seat at the table.”

Danny Nozell’s CTK Enterprises hired three executives: Patrick Kells joined as head of retail merchandising, building on a 30-year history that includes four years as a retail consultant; Robert Kelley was named Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum GM, following a role as 2022 Special Olympics USA Games vp of operations; and Adam Davis was added as CTK director of content development and archiving after seven years as a Sony Music Nashville content producer … Belmont University’s new Center for Mental Health in Entertainment tapped Debbie Carroll as executive director. She arrives after serving as OnSite vp of entertainment and specialized services. –Tom Roland

Britehouse Inc., a subsidiary of Eventbrite, has appointed Nathalie van Sasse van Ysselt as executive creative director. Van Sasse van Ysselt, an award-winning experiential design leader with more than 15 years of experience, previously served as vp of design and creative services at Sphere Entertainment. In her new role, she will oversee creative strategy for Britehouse, driving development of immersive attractions in partnership with global intellectual property brands. Her career also includes work with Moment Factory, C2 Montreal, and Tamschick Media+Space across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. “Nathalie’s work redefined what’s possible in immersive entertainment at scale, and we’re energized to bring her creative ambition to Britehouse,” said Britehouse founder and CEO Zoe Tan.

Lickd, the music licensing platform for creators and brands, has appointed Christopher Collins as marketing director. Collins joins from Audio Network, where he led global campaign strategy, bringing expertise in data-driven growth and creative marketing. In his new role, he will oversee brand, growth and creator marketing strategies to expand Lickd’s global reach. The hire follows the launch of Lickd for Brands, a platform enabling companies to legally use music across TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and Snapchat — tending to a major challenge for marketers.

BMG chief Thomas Coesfeld (pictured) will take over as chairman and CEO of parent Bertelsmann in early 2017 in a dual role … Warner Records Group has tapped Gregg Nadel, formerly co-chair of Warner Nashville, as its new president of A&R … Indie licensing group Merlin named Charlie Lexton as CEO, succeeding Jeremy Sirota in January … Atlantic Music Group brought in Jeremy Vuernick as evp, while Warner Records Nashville rebranded and promoted Cris Lacy to chair and president … Latin music exec Jochy Rodríguez launched his own agency, Joch Entertainment … And at Sony Music Publishing, Michael Young steps in as chief information officer, based in Nashville.