Alfonso Perez Soto is leaving Warner Music Group after roughly a 20-year tenure marked by global expansion and strategic acquisitions. He joined WMG in 2005 as vice president of business development for Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic market, eventually rising to president of emerging markets and most recently executive vp of corporate development, focusing on recorded music. (He left WMG in 2011 for a gig at Telefónica but returned in 2012.) His leadership was instrumental in WMG’s acquisitions of Qanawat in MENA and Africori in Africa, and the launch of Warner Music India. Perez Soto developed a growth strategy for WMG focused on mergers and acquisitions, geographic expansion and artist development — strengthening the label’s footprint in emerging markets and earning him recognition on Billboard’s International Power Players lists. In a farewell memo to staff, he reflected on “building the digital path for our business, making bold acquisitions, striking key deals, assembling an amazing team… reimagining how the business works in an ever-changing global marketplace… and above all, bringing dynamic new artists from all the corners of the world to the global stage.”

Lisa Coffey is iHeartMedia‘s first chief business officer, overseeing the development and monetization of ad products, including programmatic solutions for broadcast radio. Reporting to CEO Bob Pittman and president Rich Bressler, Coffey brings deep experience from LoopMe and Amazon. Her role focuses on modernizing audio advertising by making broadcast audiences addressable and scalable. Coffey aims to unify iHeart’s broadcast and streaming platforms into a centralized ad tech ecosystem, leveraging the company’s reach and influence. “We’ve been working to transform our broadcast advertising media to a more digital-like product, including strong data, attribution and targeting capabilities as well as creating new marketing and advertising products,” said Pittman. “Lisa’s unique skills and experience will enable us to take the critical next step in bringing this to market.”

Mom+Pop Music zeroed in on Zoe Barton for the role of evp of digital, viral, commerce and marketing, overseeing global strategy across multiple departments. Reporting to founders Michael Goldstone and Thaddeus Rudd, Barton will be based in Los Angeles. She brings over a decade of experience in artist development and digital marketing, having led creative campaigns at ORIGIN for artists like A$AP Rocky and LISA. Previously, she helped shape viral marketing strategies at Warner Music and Columbia Records, contributing to major releases from Zach Bryan and Adele. “Zoe joining Mom+Pop is culturally and musically impactful for us,” said Goldstone. “She is an artist in her own right, a visionary, and we deeply value her acumen and creative instincts.”

Big Machine Label Group promoted Justin Ford to vp of creative design and branding, where Ford will continue overseeing the label’s design initiative for over 35 artists across BMLG’s imprints. Ford has earned multiple Davey Awards, Communicator Awards and PRINT Awards for design work for artists including Shery Crow, Carly Pearce and Thomas Rhett. -Jessica Nicholson

Downtown Artist & Label Services announced two major promotions within its growing Música Mexicana division. Lorena Cabral has been elevated to director of A&R in Mexico, after joining in 2024 as senior manager of A&R. She has been instrumental in signing key artists and labels such as Virlan Garcia, Conjunto Nuevo Amanecer and Movic Records. In her new role, she will lead A&R efforts across Mexico. Daniela Gutiérrez has been promoted to director of marketing, Latin, based in Mexico City. Since joining in 2022, she has led impactful campaigns for artists like Netón Vega, Luis R Conriquez and Lefty SM, expanding Downtown’s marketing reach across Latin America.

After last month’s launch of Nebula17, a label, publishing, venture capital, international strategy and management services company by former Avex USA CEO Naoki Osada, the company has now announced that Rob Inadomi is joining the company as founding partner and president of label and A&R. Inadomi will lead Nebula17’s U.S. label and global A&R strategy, a venture focused on bringing artists to international recognition. Inadomi was formerly an A&R executive at RCA Records, where he worked to expand the label’s presence in dance/electronic and K-pop via work with artists including Kygo, Martin Garrix, Alan Walker and ATEEZ. In this role Inadomi also A&R’d hits like Kygo and Whitney Houston’s “Higher Love,” a Dance Club Songs No. 1. –Katie Bain

BSI Merch appointed Rob Anderson as head of marketing, bringing over 30 years of experience from senior roles at Universal, Sony, Warner, PIAS and Nettwerk. He has led global campaigns for artists like Tate McRae, Dermot Kennedy and Shania Twain. At BSI, Rob will oversee marketing strategy, focusing on community-driven campaigns and innovative product launches. His appointment supports BSI’s growth as a tech-forward merch leader, pioneering AI-driven order processing across 250-plus artist stores. CEO Andy Allen praised Rob’s vision and impact, while Rob expressed excitement about exploring the intersection of music, brand and community with a team driving fan-focused, creative campaigns.

Your Culture named Isabella Mimi as creative strategy lead, reporting to co-founders Joe Streeter and Scott Halliday-Dillon. With over a decade of experience in social media, marketing and PR, the UK-based exec will lead long-term strategy for major artists, client acquisition and creative optimization, while also supporting sister company FourFour Digital. Since launching in January 2024, Your Culture has published over 100,000 videos and generated more than 500 million global views, working with artists like Charli XCX, Fred again.., and The Last Dinner Party while consistently achieving engagement rates twice the industry average. Mimi’s background includes leading brand ambassador networks and charity partnerships, bringing a strong mix of creative and strategic expertise to the role.

River House Artists appointed Helena Akhtar as director of digital marketing and artist development. Akhtar, formerly manager of content development and promotion at RECORDS Nashville, will lead digital storytelling and campaign execution across the label’s roster. With over seven years of experience in artist marketing and content strategy — including roles at Sony Music Nashville and WKLB Boston — she brings a strong background in digital rollouts and audience development.

Black River Entertainment appointed Nikki Kovacevich as its new marketing and PR coordinator, announced by vp of marketing Tanya Schrage. Kovacevich, a native of Akron, OH, brings experience from The Lede Company and King Publicity in Nashville. Kovacevich joins ahead of two major album releases: MaRynn Taylor’s debut on Aug. 22 and Chris Young’s tenth studio album on Oct. 17—his first with the label. Based in Nashville, she reports directly to Schrage. BREincludes a record label, publishing company and management division, with a roster featuring Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Young, MaRynn Taylor, and Scotty Hasting. Kovacevich can be reached at nkovacevich@blackriverent.com.

Griffin Haddrill launched Dark Roast Records, a boutique electronic and alternative label distributed by The Orchard. Led by general manager Michael Penney, the Vegas-based label debuted late last month with a single from arya x. Dark Roast leans on a digital-first approach, blending influencer-driven marketing with modern distribution to support innovative artists. Haddrill, known for managing global DJs and founding viral marketing agency VRTCL — acquired by Create Music Group in 2021 — brings deep industry experience, including campaigns for Justin Bieber and Lil Nas X. Penney will oversee operations and artist development.

Townsquare Media elevated Matty Jeff to director of country content and programming, overseeing strategy for its 74 country stations. He succeeds Doug Montgomery, who retired after a 30-year career. Jeff will retain his roles as brand manager and afternoon host at WGNA Albany, where he joined in 2015, and director of content for Townsquare Albany. “Matty is a proven leader, fantastic programmer, and award-winning multimedia talent,” said Townsquare chief content officer Jared Willig.

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