Universal Music Group has announced the formation of the UMG Global Impact Team, which will “enact and amplify the company’s vision for positive change through community engagement, environmental sustainability, events and special projects.” The team’s leadership includes:
Susan Mazo, who is promoted to EVP and chief impact officer; she was previously EVP of social responsibility, events and special projects. She brings nearly 30 years of industry experience, joined UMG in 2014 and has been a leader in the fields of sustainability, charitable giving, and community engagement; she also has developed numerous initiatives in the fields of artist healthcare, mental health and the unhoused, and was honored at Variety’s Power of Women New York event in 2023.
Dylan Siegler has been appointed SVP, head of sustainability. She brings two decades of experience in driving environmental and social impact in the Fortune 500, including decarbonization and climate justice strategy in energy, tech and the built environment. Previously, she was a music journalist.
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Inside Projects, a strategy and marketing agency that specializes in social impact, will make UMG its exclusive partner within the music industry, advising the global impact team and the company across communications, public policy, artist and shareholder relations.
Menna Demessie, SVP and executive director, task force for meaningful change and former SVP of policy and the Leadership Institute of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, will also serve as a member of the Global Impact Team leadership, as will
• Markie Ruzzo, who has been promoted to VP global impact, and
• Sharlotte Ritchie, who previously served as senior director, communications and head of the Task Force for Meaningful Change in the UK, and will now serve as to senior director, global impact & communications.
In making the announcement, UMG chairman-CEO Lucian Grainge said, “The formation of the Global Impact Team reflects our commitment not only to accelerating our work in these critical areas but to do so in a way that leverages the experience and talent of these exceptional individuals to drive positive impact across our company, our industry and in the communities in which we serve.”
+ Global sports, music, and entertainment company Wasserman has announced the expansion of Lee Anderson’s role to president of Wasserman’s music division, effective immediately. Anderson, a founding member of Wasserman Music’s executive leadership team, played a pivotal role in establishing the agency when it launched in 2021.
In addition to serving as president, Anderson represents such artists as Cautious Clay, David Guetta, Disclosure, Kenny Beats, Skrillex, Swedish House Mafia and Zedd. He previously held senior leadership roles at AM Only, which was acquired in 2017 by Paradigm; Paradigm’s North American live music representation business was acquired by Wasserman in 2021 to create Wasserman Music.
“As our music business has continued to grow and expand, Lee has taken on an increasing number of leadership responsibilities and has been instrumental in shaping the foundation of Wasserman Music and charting a path for even broader global success,” said Casey Wasserman, Chairman and CEO of Wasserman.
+ Big Loud Records has promoted Patch Culbertson to EVP / GM, effective immediately, reporting directly to the company’s partners, Seth England, Joey Moi and Craig Wiseman.
Culbertson first joined Big Loud Records as VP of A&R in 2017 and rose to SVP / GM of the label in 2021. With this promotion, he continues to oversee day-to-day operations. The label’s roster includes Ashley Cooke, Dylan Gossett, Ernest, Hardy, Lauren Alaina, Lauren Watkins, Lily Rose, Maggie Rose, Morgan Wallen, Stephen Wilson Jr. and others. Previously, Culbertson spent eight years at Republic Records, rising to director of A&R at their New York headquarters.
“Patch has been a critical part of Big Loud’s success for over seven years now,” England says. “He is a true leader that’s continued to invest in this company with his time and expertise, and his impact can’t be underestimated.”
+ Arista Records has promoted of longtime A&R exec Matt D’Arduini to executive VP of A&R. He will continue to work out of the New York office and report to president David Massey.
D’Arduini, who has been with Arista since its relaunch in 2018, has worked closely with such artists as Måneskin, JP Saxe, Paul Russell and on the recently released soundtrack for “The Idea of You.” He previously worked with Massey at for six years at Island Records (working with such artists as Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, Shawn Mendes and Mike Posner) after 10 years at Robins Entertainment (Cascada, Afrojack, more).
Massey said, “It has been a privilege to work with Matt since the very beginning to bring our roster to where it is today. His leadership is integral to our continued success and I look forward to the future growth of our artists under his guidance and support.”
+ Day After Day Productions (DADP) has announced the hiring of Melanie Davis as head of tour marketing, along with promotions for Marc Ertel to head of creative, and Erin Patterson to head of marketing.
Davis was previously head of marketing for ICM Partners’ concert division (2013-2022) and held similar leadership roles at Azoff Music, Nederlander Concerts, Live Nation, and Bill Graham Presents. The company’s clients include Rock Hall of Famer Missy Elliott, Ludacris, Flo Rida, Bow Wow, The Queens of R&B featuring Xscape, Staind, Aaron Lewis, 98 Degrees, Wayne Newton, Engelbert Humperdinck and and more.Davis, Ertel, and Patterson will be supported by Marketing Coordinator Justin Scott-Young and DADP’s central services division.
Founder-CEO Seth Shomes said, “Melanie’s experience and strategic vision will be invaluable as we continue to elevate the marketing efforts for our artists and live events. Additionally, Erin and Marc’s well-deserved promotions recognize their exceptional contributions to our clients and agency and ensure a cohesive and powerful marketing force.”
+ The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) has hired Alex Machurov as head of business development, where he will oversee A2IM’s strategic partnerships as well as sponsorship opportunities for the association’s event properties such as the annual Indie Week Conference and the Libera Awards.
Machurov previously was with Superfly for more than a decade, overseeing brand sponsorships and activations for festivals such as the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and the Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco, among others. He was also chief revenue officer at Revolution Marketing, managing sponsorships for properties such as the Merriweather Post Pavilion amphitheater in Maryland and the Orion Amphitheater in Alabama, as previously was VP of national events & experiential partnerships at iHeartMedia.
“Alex’s expertise and his passion for the independent music community will enrich our current activities and steer A2IM to more expansive opportunities,” said Richard James Burgess, CEO of A2IM.
