Queen Latifah, LL Cool J Join BET’s Inaugural Board

Veteran music copyright litigator Richard Busch is now special counsel in Adams & Reese’s global intellectual property practice. Based in Nashville, Busch is perhaps best known for winning the landmark 2015 verdict that held Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams liable for infringing Marvin Gaye‘s “Got to Give It Up” with their chart-topper “Blurred Lines.” More recently, he’s repped late Parliament-Funkadelic keyboardist Bernie Worrell in a royalties dispute with George Clinton and Salt-N-Pepa in their copyright termination battle against Universal Music Group.

Busch joins Adam & Reese from King & Ballow, and he’s brought fellow IP lawyers Drew Davis and David Niemierzycki along with him to the new firm. Adams & Reese’s managing partner, Gif Thornton, says, “These additions reflect the intentional, strategic growth we are pursuing across the firm. The expansion of our global intellectual property practice reflects where the market is heading and how we intend to grow alongside our clients.” — Rachel Scharf

Karen Lieberman has been appointed as senior vp of commerce and digital for the Disney Music Group (DMG). She will lead the company’s global commerce strategy across digital and physical formats, digital marketing and have oversight over DMG’s sync and licensing team.

“Karen’s strategic vision and understanding of the evolving music landscape have helped drive tremendous growth across Disney Music Group,” DMGpresident Ken Bunt said in a statement. “As our business continues to expand, Karen is uniquely positioned to help lead DMG into its next phase of innovation and global growth. Her ability to connect music, technology, commerce and fan engagement makes her one of the most forward-thinking leaders in our industry.”

Lieberman previously served as vp, sales and digital for DMG. Prior to joining the company, she was vp of digital strategy at Kobalt Music and was at Sony Music Entertainment as vp of global marketing strategy.

“I am beyond excited for this next chapter at Disney Music Group,” Lieberman said in a statement. “I am extremely grateful to Ken for the opportunity to expand into additional areas to continue the growth of music at Disney. From the best soundtracks in the business, to world-class artist development, and an iconic and vast catalog of music, I couldn’t ask for a better place than DMG to be a part of bringing the magic of Disney Music to meet listeners and fans wherever they are.”

Disney is currently in the midst of rolling out soundtrack releases for Toy Story 5, Mandalorian And Grogu and the live-action Moana. Disney is also rolling out soundtracks for TV including Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and Camp Rock 3.

Merlin announced several senior promotions, including Emma Robinson to vp of partnerships, Shannon Bradley to director of commercial partnerships, Alice Moss and Daneile Yandel to director, partnership operations and Simon Marcel to manager, partnership operations.

“Independent music continues to shape culture globally, and Merlin plays a vital role in ensuring independent rightsholders have the infrastructure, access and representation needed to compete at the highest level,” Robinson said. “I’m incredibly proud to take on this new role and to continue working alongside our members, partners and the wider Merlin team as we help build meaningful, sustainable opportunities for the Merlin community worldwide.”

Charlie Lexton, CEO of Merlin, said in a statement, “These promotions recognize a group of executives who have played an important role in strengthening Merlin’s partnerships and operational capabilities during a period of rapid change across the digital music landscape. Emma has already made an outstanding contribution to Merlin and she, Shannon, Alice, Daniele and Simon each bring deep expertise, strong industry relationships and a clear commitment to supporting Merlin’s members globally. As the digital ecosystem continues to evolve, from Ai and social platforms through to new rights management challenges, investing in the people helping our members navigate that complexity remains a key priority for Merlin.”

BMI announced several promotions within their Creative and Corporate Communications departments based in its New York City headquarters, including John Ellwood to vp, creative; Deirdre Chadwick to assistant vp, creative, classical & jazz; Jeff Gilligan to assistant vp, creative director and Jodie Thomas to assistant vp, corporate & media relations.

Heran Mamo has been hired as U.S. hip-hop music curator at Amazon Music. In the role, she helps shape the streaming service’s hip-hop programming while championing both emerging and established artists in the genre.

Prior to Amazon Music, Mamo, an award-winning journalist, served as senior R&B/hip-hop/Afrobeats writer at Billboard. She was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 media list in 2026 for being the first writer in Billboard‘s 130-year history with an African music beat. — Chris Eggertsen

Publicist Sara Yazdani founded YD Media, a boutique PR agency that specializes in PR and communications for clients across entertainment, music and media. Her roster includes creative agency and production studio MDRN Logic (PlayStation, Adobe); ETC, producers of the Fantastic Reality Festival; hip-hop trading card game Five Mics; R&B singer and actor Tim Johnson, Jr.; transmedia studio Iconic Arts; and Canadian and Indigenous sketch comedy group Red, White, and YOU.

Yazdani was previously at Creativ Company, where she led PR efforts for projects featuring Eminem and Big Sean in collaboration with Emil Nava and production company 1stAveMachine. Before that, she was a national publicist at Biz 3, where she led day-to-day and tour PR for artists including Terrace Martin and Jessie Reyez. She has also served in roles at the Recording Academy, where she supported media relations for the Grammys, and Disney Music Group, where she coordinated promo tours for artists including Joywave and Sabrina Carpenter. — Chris Eggertsen

Julian Franzoni has been named general manager for Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Argentina and Uruguay. He will oversee the regional operations and report to Gustavo Menéndez, president of U.S. Latin & Latin America at Warner Chappell Music.

Franzoni joined the company in 2016, rising from consultant to director, and signed and developed acts including CA7RIEL and Paco Amorso, Nico Cotton, Duki and Davus.

“Julian has been a driving force for our roster and creative community since he first joined Warner Chappell,” Menéndez said in a statement. “He has established himself as a dynamic A&R leader with an extraordinary ability to connect with songwriters on a deep level, an innate instinct for the cultural pulse and a sharp vision for where the market is heading. There’s immense value in placing such a creative, forward-thinking leader at the help of our operations in Argentina and Uruguay, and I’m confident he will steer our team through this exciting next chapter.”

Franzoni has worked in the music industry since he was 19 years old, getting his start as a stage manager for Palito Ortego, Andrés Calamaro and Federic Gil Solá. For 25 years, he managed Palito Ortego’s private music publishing company Clanort, before joining WCM.

“I’ve spent my life immersed in the music scene, with a career rooted in artist development and management, and it’s incredible to see how local sounds are driving global culture today,” Franzoni said in a statement. “Alongside our exceptional team, I’m excited to continue supporting the unmatched talent we have in the Southern Cone. Together, we will amplify our songwriter’s voices worldwide.”

Sound Royalties has hired Melanie Cameron as regional director of business development for the United Kingdom. Based in London, she will report to Michael Bizenov, managing partner, and Allison Portlock, executive vp of marketing.

Cameron joins Sound Royalties from U.K. performer and recording rights body PPL, where she served as member relationship and development manager. In her new role, she will drive adoption of Sound Royalties’ financing model across the U.K. market.

“Throughout my career, I’ve seen first-hand the financial challenges many creators face, and how the evolving landscape demands more modern, flexible solutions,” Cameron said in a statement. “Sound Royalties has built an outstanding reputation for supporting creators, rights holders and independent entertainment companies with funding that genuinely works for them, and I’m proud to be able to help expand that mission across the U.K. After many years working across the music industry in neighboring rights, rights management and creator services, this feels like a natural next chapter.”

Bizenov added, “The U.K. is home to some of the world’s most original and culturally significant creative talent, and sits at the center of the global creative economy as a highly sophisticated and commercially active market for music, television and digital content. Sound Royalties has been proud to support UK creators for many years, and Melanie’s appointment represents a major new chapter for our presence in the region. Her deep industry experience gives her a thorough understanding of rights management, royalty flows and the financial needs of creators, and her ability to build meaningful, trusted relationships makes her the ideal person to lead this next stage of our growth and establish Sound Royalties as the go-to financing partner for U.K. creators.”

Katherine Palmer will join the Museum of Making Music as its new executive director effective summer 2026, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) announced. The announcement as Carolyn Grant, who has served as the museum’s executive director since its inception in 2000, steps down.

Palmer is currently finishing out her role as senior director of education and community engagement at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.

“Kathrine brings an extraordinary blend of museum leadership, music education and community engagement experience to the Museum of Making Music,” John Mlynczak, president and CEO of NAMM, said in a statement. “Her passion for connecting people through music as well as her innovative approach to educational programming make her exceptionally well suited to guide the museum into its next chapter.”

Palmer added, “Music museums have the unique ability to connect generations, cultures and communities through shared experiences. The Museum of Making Music has built an incredible legacy of storytelling and engagement, and I’m honored to join the NAMM family and help shape the museum’s future while expanding its impact and accessibility for audiences everywhere.”

Provident Entertainment has promoted John Loessy to senior director of marketing and Josh Schiffman to senior director of A&R.

Loessy has been at Provident Entertainment since 2022, joining as director of marketing. His roster includes Brandon Lake, Matthew West, Leanna Crawford, Zach Williams, KB, Lizzie Morgan, Tenroc, Madison Watkins, Taylor Hill, Patrick Mayberry and Molly Kate Kestner.

“John’s promotion reflects the tremendous impact he has made at Provident Entertainment,” Todd Stepp, senior vp of Provident Entertainment, said in a statement. “I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how he champions our artists, strengthens key partnerships and invests in those around him. His leadership has helped elevate emerging talent and broaden opportunities for established artists, contributing meaningfully to our continued growth. He leads with excellence, integrity and a genuine passion for helping others succeed. We are excited for the continued impact he will make in this new role.”

Schiffman joined the company five years ago through Essential Music Publishing.

“Josh has made a tremendous impact since joining Provident five years ago,” Sam Featherstone, vp of A&R at Provident Entertainment, said in a statement. “He brings a rare combination of creative instinct, strategic thinking and a genuine heart for people. This promotion reflects both the influence he has already had on our team and the strong leadership eh will bring as we enter our next phase of growth.”

The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) announced that Youssou N’Dour has been named vp. N’Dour won a Grammy for his album Egyptand has collaborated with artists including Peter Gabriel, Sting and Neneh Cherry.

“At a moment when music creators are navigating profound technological disruption and rapid changes in how value is generated and distributed, strong and globally respected voices such as Youssou N’Dour’s are essential,” Gadi Oron, CISAC director general said in a statement. “His artistic stature and lifelong commitment to culture will help strengthen our advocacy for fair remuneration, transparency and robust copyright protections worldwide.”

Black River Entertainment (BRE) has elevated Grace Watson to vice president of commercial partnerships and digital. During her time with Black River, Watson has substantially contributed to the success of projects including Kelsea Ballerini’s Mount Pleasant and Patterns projects, as well as Chris Young’s debut Black River Entertainment album I Didn’t Come Here To Leave.

Watson was also named as an Executive on the Rise in Billboard’s 2026 Country Power Players list. The Missouri native and Belmont University alumna joined Black River in 2023, and began her music industry career at Universal Music Group/Capitol CMG.

“We hired Grace three years ago and she has been a fantastic addition to BRE. She is a great leader who has the best relationships with our revenue partners, artist managers and The Orchard. Grace has earned this promotion!” BRE’s executive vice president, Rick Froio, said in a statement.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity from Gordon and Rick to step into this role and continue building impactful relationships and sales initiatives for our artists and label across the commercial and digital space,” Watson added. — Jessica Nicholson