Ever Kipp has rejoined Big Hassle Media as senior publicist / director for the Pacific Northwest region following the acquisition of his indie PR firm, Tiny Human. Kipp began his career at Big Hassle back in the early 2000s before moving to Barsuk Records, where he led publicity efforts for indie darlings like Phantogram, Nada Surf and Death Cab for Cutie (he earned a gold plaque for Death Cab’s Narrow Stairs record). In 2010, he launched Tiny Human, growing the Black and Loud Festival into a national touring event and supporting artists such as Babes In Canyon and Sixpence None the Richer. “Running Tiny Human on my own was rewarding but challenging, and it made me realize how much I value being part of a team,” the Seattle-based Kipp told Billboard. “That’s why it feels so meaningful to return home to Big Hassle. I’m proud of what I built at Tiny Human.” Big Hassle founder Ken Weinstein added:  “Ever was a part of Big Hassle in its formative years and helped us build the company as we were starting out. It’s awesome to have him back in the family. He was always an incredible human, and over the years, has become a fantastic publicist. He brings a high level of professionalism, tenacity, and strong relationships. We’re excited to grow with him.”

Oak View Group appointed Amy Latimer as chief business officer, effective Oct. 24. Based in Boston, Latimer will oversee OVG’s comprehensive venue services, including management, hospitality, security, parking, sustainability consulting and premium experiences across its global portfolio of venues. Reporting to interim CEO Chris Granger, who recently replaced ex-chief Tim Leiweke, Latimer brings decades of leadership experience, most recently serving as evp and COO at Delaware North, where she managed over 200 locations worldwide. Her career includes transformative work at TD Garden in Boston, where she led major renovations as president. “Oak View Group continues to grow exponentially on a global basis, and Amy’s partner-first perspective and deep understanding of how to create and deliver world-class venue experiences will provide additional support and innovation to our team, our partners and the communities in which we operate,” said Granger.

Riser House Entertainment launched a new division focusing on the rock and alternative genres, Riser House Rock. Jason Martin will lead the new division as its president. Martin most recently served as vp of promotion at Elektra Music Group, and has held national promotion roles at Roadrunner and Fueled by Ramen. Jim Kaufman will serve as JV partner on select artist signings. Producer/mixer/exec Kaufman is managed by Andrew Brightman of Brightman Music. Sofia Barbetta, digital marketing and engagement manager at Riser House Entertainment, will lead online strategy for the new rock division. Jennifer Johnson, co-founder of Riser House Entertainment, said: “Launching a rock label has been a dream, and there’s no one better than Jason Martin to bring it to life. His passion, creative vision, and experience make him the perfect force to lead this next chapter.” –Jessica Nicholson

Universal Music Greater China appointed Cora Lam as head of legal and business affairs and Mark Gao as senior vice president of brand partnerships. Both will be based in Hong Kong, reporting to chairman & CEO Timothy Xu. Lam, formerly general counsel at Warner Music Asia, brings over 20 years of legal expertise across mergers and acquisitions, governance and various deal-making. Gao, with 25 years in sports and entertainment, previously led Momentum Sports and held senior roles at CAA Sports China and NBA China. Their appointments follow strategic moves at UMGC, including artist alliances and leadership hires. Lam succeeds Patsy Chan, who currently serves as head of legal and business affairs for Asia. Lam has announced she will step down after two decades of service, but will remain with the company until the end of the year to focus on Southeast Asia and ensure a smooth transition. Commenting on the changes, Xu emphasized that expanding the leadership team strengthens UMGC’s position for future growth. He praised Lam’s “deep expertise in legal and business affairs” and Gao’s “proven ability to create transformative brand partnerships,” while also thanking Chan as she “embarks on the next chapter of her career.”

The European Music Managers Alliance named German manager Tessy Schulz as its new chair, succeeding Per Kviman, who becomes one of three vice-chairs after completing his six-year term. With over two decades in the music industry, including senior roles at Sony Music and her own management company, Schulz will work with executive director Jess Partridge to strengthen EMMA, which now unites 18 national associations and represents more than 3,000 managers and 12,000 artists across Europe. To reflect this expansion, EMMA also appointed a new 10-person board: Schulz (Chair, IMUC Germany), Martijn Munk (Vice-Chair, Netherlands), Erlend Buflaten (Vice-Chair, Norway), Per Kviman (Vice-Chair, Sweden), Annabella Coldrick (UK), Ciaran Conroy (Ireland), Denes Pecsi-Szabo (Hungary), Ira Lobanok (Ukraine), Pawel Walicki (Poland), and Thea Zaitsev (Estonia).

Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., operated by Legends Global, promoted Nick Byer to general manager. With over 17 years in sports and live entertainment, Byer has worked across six states and multiple venues. Since 2023, he served as assistant GM, playing a key role in a $42 million renovation and overseeing operations, event services and revenue generation. Previously, he led House of Blues Boston to top global ticket sales rankings. As GM, Byer will manage all aspects of the 19,000-capacity venue, including booking, marketing, finance and security.

Entertainment industry attorney Dennis Lord has joined Gordon Law Group. In 2017, Lord opened his own legal/consulting practice, assisting various entertainment and media professionals and companies in areas including law, business and strategic planning. He previously worked at SESAC for 20 years, serving as executive vp and working in areas including licensing, operations, litigation and creative affairs. Lord is also a hit songwriter, having co-written country music artist Travis Tritt’s 1989 hit “Country Club.” “Dennis brings wisdom from a decades-long career in entertainment and music law which goes hand in hand with building sustainable careers and estates,” said Robin J. Gordon, founder & managing partner. “It’s a perfect fit. We see so many entertainers building great businesses but see estate planning as secondary. When building, managing and protecting a client’s wealth, we view it wholistically. Dennis is a key part of this service to our established and new client base.”

Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences in Lubbock, Texas, named Shannon Hall as general manager. Hall spent 17 years at Broward Center for the Performing Arts in South Florida, rising from marketing to finance and eventually general manager of the Miniaci Performing Arts Center. Her background includes roles at Broadway Across America and Live Nation, where she gained expertise in ticketing, accounting, and audience development. Buddy Holly Hall is managed by Legends Global.