Sphere, Island, Superstruct Make Executive Moves

Island Records has promoted Caroline Ellis to vice president of A&R, based in Los Angeles and reporting to Jackie Winkler, svp and head of A&R. Ellis, who joined Island in 2020 as senior director of A&R, will continue working with artists including Chappell Roan and Suki Waterhouse, whom she recently signed. Before Island, Ellis developed talent at Interscope, collaborating with acts such as The 1975 and Pale Waves. Her promotion comes as Island celebrates a strong Grammy showing, earning six nominations in the Big Four categories, including record, song and album, and two consecutive years with multiple best new artist nods. Island operates within REPUBLIC Collective, alongside Republic Records and Def Jam. “Caroline has impeccable taste and a rare ability to connect with artists, building the kind of trust that fuels great music,” said Winkler. “Her exceptional ear and steady temperament are true assets to the team.”

James Barton, co‑founder and chairman of Superstruct Entertainment, has announced he will step down from his full-time role at the end of 2025. Barton, who founded Creamfields and previously served as Live Nation’s president of electronic music, launched Superstruct with Roderik Schlösser in 2017. Under his leadership, the company has grown to operate over 80 events including major festivals like Wacken, Sonar, Victorious, Sziget, Tramlines and more. Superstruct was acquired by KKR for €1.3 billion ($1.39 billion) in 2024. CEO Alex Mahon praised Barton’s achievements and confirmed he will remain available to advise the board. “Thank you for believing in the simple but powerful idea of building a home for independent festival and event creators,” he said in a memo to staff, via MBW. “None of us could have imagined just how far it would take us, or how much it would shape us.”

Alain Lanceron is set to transition to chairman emeritus of Warner Classics & Erato on Jan. 1, after steering WMG’s classical division for over a decade. Lanceron, who previously headed Virgin Classics and EMI Classics France, was named president of Warner Classics & Erato in 2014 following WMG’s acquisition of Parlophone Label Group. At the same time, David Bither, president of Nonesuch Records, will expand his role to oversee Warner Classics & Erato, while Markus Petersen is promoted to executive vp and GM. Warner Classics & Erato, home to a storied catalog and acclaimed artists, plans new releases in 2026 from Eric Lu, Jakub Józef Orliński, Fatma Said and others, alongside continued revitalization of its historic catalog. Alain Lanceron called leading Warner Classics & Erato “the greatest honor of my life,” saying he’s proud to have revitalized and premiered landmark works with top artists. While stepping back from daily management, he plans to support the label’s strategic future alongside David Bither and Markus Petersen. Bither praised Lanceron’s “outstanding contributions” to Warner Classics and the broader classical world, noting he will be “drawing on his insight and support in his new role.”

[PIAS] announced that Nick Hartley, its legendary COO and CFO, will retire on New Year’s Eve, after more than 40 years in the music industry. Hartley began his career as a chartered accountant before joining EMI Australia in 1984, later serving as CFO at PolyGram in Australia and the UK. He joined [PIAS] in 2000 and has been instrumental in its global growth, financial strategy, and partnerships, including the company’s 2024 acquisition by Universal. CEO Kenny Gates praised Hartley as a cornerstone of [PIAS] for over 25 years. “His expertise and dedication to our company have been invaluable to our growth and success,” said Gates. “While we will miss his extraordinary financial leadership, we wish him well in his fully deserved retirement.” A successor will be named soon as the company continues its mission to support independent artists. Hartley expressed gratitude for his transformative tenure — “Together, we have navigated the evolving landscape of the music industry” — and boasted his confidence in the music group’s future.

The ASCAP Foundation has appointed Patricia Leonard as executive director, succeeding Nicole George-Middleton, who was promoted to evp and head of creative membership at ASCAP. Leonard brings over 20 years of experience in arts and philanthropy, previously serving as chief philanthropy officer at the Princess Grace Foundation and holding leadership roles at Manhattan Theatre Club and the Metropolitan Opera. A composer and advocate for contemporary music, Leonard serves on boards including New York Women Composers and is a founding member of the New York Composers Circle. She studied under Pulitzer Prize–winning composer David Del Tredici and holds degrees from Boston Conservatory and Merrimack College. ASCAP Foundation president Paul Williams praised Leonard’s expertise, saying “her love of music and her deep background in the arts and philanthropy will enable the Foundation to continue to thrive for years to come.”

Music Venue Trust, advocate of UK grassroots music venues, announced changes ahead of 2026. Chris Prosser and Jane Beese have been appointed co-chairs. Prosser, a founding trustee, recently served as interim co-chair, while Beese joined the board in 2023. Phyllis Belezos steps down as co-chair after four years but remains a trustee. MVT also welcomes Madeleine Blyth, a placemaking specialist, bringing the board to 16 members … ECCHO Live, a Nashville nonprofit advocating for live events professionals, has expanded its noard of directors with six new members: Joe Birdsong (CFO, Premier Global Productions), Joseph Logsdon (rep, 3G Productions), David Schultz (tour manager, Parmalee), Aaron Siebert (vp, Tait), Marni Wandner (founder, Future Present) and Taylor Watson (tour manager, Hardy).

The Radio Music License Committee announced leadership changes following its annual meeting. Ed Atsinger, chairman for eight years, will step down, with Mike Dowdle, senior consultant for Bonneville International, assuming the role. Executive director Bill Velez will retire Jan. 1, after 17 years of service, succeeded by Andrew Sutor, former general counsel at Audacy. Additionally, Rebekah Freundt, a longtime staff member, has been promoted to director of finance and data management, reporting to Sutor. “The RMLC plays a vital role for the radio industry, and I’ve been happy to help steer the ship these past eight years,” said Atsigner. “With a bunch of license deals now completed, it seemed like the right time to allow someone else the opportunity to captain the ship.”

Ashok Parwani has been appointed head of music at Divo, the South Indian digital media and music firm majority-owned by Warner Music India. The move underscores Divo’s strategy to expand its Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam catalogues and strengthen creator partnerships. Parwani, an industry veteran with over 40 years of experience, previously spent two decades at Sony Music India, where he helped make Sony Music South the region’s top label. Divo, acquired by WMG in 2023, manages a fast-growing catalog and Loopd, an artist-first label for independent talent. The company is also pursuing cross-border collaborations, including a partnership with Sri Lanka’s M-Entertainments. “Ashok brings unparalleled regional expertise and industry relationships that align perfectly with our long-term vision for South India,” said Jay Mehta, managing director of WMI. “Divo is an essential, high-growth pillar of our national strategy, and his proven leadership will be vital as we accelerate our mission to build world-class pathways for local artists and take the incredible sounds of India to a global audience.”

Musicians On Call, the nonprofit delivering live and recorded music to patients nationwide, has elected Michael Solomon, co-founder of 10x Management and MOC, as chair of its national board of directors. Joining him are Lee Perlman, evp and chief administrative and financial officer of the Greater New York Hospital Association, as vice chair, and Deb Reiner, svp of marketing and corporate affairs at HCA Healthcare, as secretary. Solomon, a longtime advocate and entrepreneur, brings extensive experience in entertainment and philanthropy. Perlman and Reiner add deep expertise in healthcare and strategic communications. CEO Pete Griffin described the appointments as crucial to advancing MOC’s mission, stating: “Michael’s passion for using music to help others is unmatched. Our organization exists today because, as a co-founder, he recognized the transformative power music can have in a hospital room.”

Nashville-based artist development and publishing company Back Blocks Music has revealed several staffing changes. Elizabeth Cook has been promoted to creative director. Cook previously served as creative coordinator; in her new role, she will oversee creative development, calendars and catalog management. Additionally, the company has expanded with two strategic new hires. Megan Clemens has joined Back Blocks Music as director of digital marketing, and previously served as head of digital at CSM Management. Laine Lonero steps into the role of marketing coordinator. “Our team is entering a new season of growth and we’re sharpening our focus on long-term artist and songwriter development,” BBM founder/CEO Rakiyah Marshall said. “Each of these women represent the caliber of leadership, passion and expertise that aligns with Back Blocks’ vision as we look ahead to 2026.” Back Blocks Music’s roster includes Ethan Burdick, Ashley Cooke, Blake Pendergrass, and Tucker Wetmore. –Jessica Nicholson

Photo (L-R) Elizabeth Cook, Laine Lonero and Megan Clemens

United Talent Agency has promoted 19 colleagues within its music division across multiple offices, including 12 new agents and seven coordinators. In Los Angeles, Grace Cunningham, Ashley Ramos, Matt Reinberg and Tyler Stimmel are elevated to agent roles, with Stimmel joining music brand partnerships. Eleni Hart and Taylor Krebs become agents in Nashville, while Eli Hanavan, Alex Baranello and Matt Popper advance in New York alongside Joe Marino, now marketing manager. Kayleigh Lawrence and Josh Pollard earn agent titles in London, continuing to support international touring. Seven others—Sydney Bryant, Branda Cavanna, Emanuele Grisafi, Kayla Morgan, Dani Narins, Sabrina Sutton and Tom Walker—move up to coordinator positions. 

Top Row (L-R): Grace Cunningham, Ashley Ramos, Joe Marino, Tyler Stimmel, Elena Hart, Taylor Krebs

Bottom Row (L-R): Eli Hanavan, Alex Baranello, Matt Reinberg, Joe Marino, Kayleigh Lawrence, Josh Pollard

Jeremy Sirota explained his decision to step down from Merlin and what moments he’s most proud of from his tenure at the global organization. Read our exit interview … Eric Wong has been promoted to executive vp of recorded music at Warner Music Group, expanding his leadership remit across the company’s global marketing and A&R operations.