HYBE America appointed Johanna Fuentes as executive vp and head of communications and public relations. In the role, L.A.-based Fuentes will oversee all internal and external communications in North and South America. She will oversee communications and PR for the company’s music, film and TV projects, including Big Machine Label Group and Quality Control Music, HYBE’s Latin American and U.S. Hispanic labels and the company’s partnership with Universal Music Group.
With more than 25 years of experience, Fuentes has served in roles at Warner Bros., HBO, Showtime Networks, Bravo and CBS. She was most recently head of global communications for the WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group and executive vp of worldwide corporate communications and public affairs at Warner Bros.
“Johanna is a world-class communications leader with an extraordinary track record of guiding companies through moments of growth, transformation and cultural impact,” said Isaac Lee, chairman and CEO of HYBE AMERICA, in a statement. “Her strategic vision, deep industry relationships, and ability to connect corporate leadership, artists, and audiences make her an invaluable addition to our executive team as we continue to expand HYBE’s presence and influence across the Americas.”
“I’m thrilled to join HYBE AMERICA at a defining moment for both the company and the global music industry,” added Fuentes. “HYBE is building a next-generation entertainment model with deep roots in culture, fandom, and global ambition. I look forward to bringing my experience navigating periods of rapid change to help define a bold, cohesive narrative that supports the company’s continued expansion across the Americas.”
Tony Goldring joined CAA as an agent in the global touring division. He previously spent 25 years at WME, most recently as head of the agency’s international touring department, where he helped expand touring opportunities for clients including Rihanna, Shakira, Pitbull, Alicia Keys, Duran Duran, Justin Timberlake and Ms. Lauryn Hill.
“Tony is a great addition with his depth of knowledge and experience, and we’re excited to have him join the team,” said Rick Roskin, CAA’s co-head of global touring, in a statement. “As more artists continue to take their tours to new markets, our global touring business continues to grow and evolve. With Tony joining, we’re creating even more opportunities to support clients on a broader scale.”
Check out more of the week’s executive moves below.
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Hayley Dukes/ASCAP
Hayley Dukes has been promoted to the role of senior vp of licensing at ASCAP, the company announced Monday (Jan. 5). Dukes — who joined ASCAP in her previous role as vp of licensing in 2020 — will remain responsible for overseeing negotiations, analyses and operations for the many multi-year licensees that ASCAP works with across digital, broadcast, cable and radio. Prior to ASCAP, Dukes had been in licensing and operations and digital business development at AMC Networks and had previously worked at HBO.
“Hayley’s deep knowledge of audiovisual industry operations has made her a key player on the ASCAP licensing team,” said ASCAP’s executive vp/head of licensing Stephanie Ruyle, to whom Dukes reports. “I’m looking forward to working further with her as we continue to respond to licensee needs in the evolving media landscape while driving fair compensation for ASCAP members.” — Dan Rys
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Jamie Diamond Leaves UMG/UMPG
Universal Music Publishing Group’s senior director of communications Jamie Diamond has left her role at UMG, having moved to the East Coast to start a new chapter with her family, she wrote in a memo obtained by Billboard. The longtime publicist, who joined UMPG in 2017, had helped drive communications for the major publisher for nearly nine years and helped build the She Is The Music campaign in partnership with UMG, among many other initiatives. — Dan Rys
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Jay Cruze (Big Machine Label Group)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Big Machine Label Group Big Machine Label Group promoted Jay Cruze to national director of radio strategy. Cruze previously served as director, Southeast promotion & marketing for Big Machine Records. In his new role, Cruze will represent Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co. and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Cruze joined Big Machine Records in 2023 and previously held roles at iHeartMedia, Average Joes Entertainment and Bigger Picture Group.
“Jay was an exceptional addition to Big Machine Records three years ago and his impact has only continued to expand across the entire label group,” Kris Lamb, executive vp/GM of Big Machine Records, said in a statement. “His deep understanding of national programming, paired with the trust and relationships he has built at radio, has become a powerful asset for our company. I am proud that the full label group will now benefit from Jay’s insight as he steps into this next chapter.”
“I’m beyond grateful to Scott, Kris and the entire Big Machine team for the trust they’ve placed in me,” Cruze added. “I’ve been lucky to learn from and work with some of the best people in radio and records over the last three years, and I cannot wait to expand that by working with the entire label group in 2026. Let’s go!” — Jessica Nicholson
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Kim Alton & Shannon Sorensen/The Copyright Alliance
Kim Alton, senior director of advocacy & public policy at the Recording Academy, was elected to the Copyright Alliance board as the newest at-large board member, while Shannon Sorensen, senior vp of legal and business affairs at the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), was re-elected to the board.
“I look forward to working with Kim and to continue working with Shannon—both of whom have long been involved with an array of important copyright-related initiatives that are critical to our community,” said Copyright Alliance CEO Keith Kupferschmid in a statement. “There is no doubt that they will both make tremendous contributions while serving on the board.”
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Marc Sazer, John Acosta & Gail Kruvand/American Federation of Musicians Local 47
Marc Sazer, a violinist, was elected president of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 47 union in Los Angeles, while composer John Acosta will return as vp and bassist Gail Kruvand will continue as secretary/treasurer. The trio of officers, along with new board members, will be sworn in for a three-year term on Monday (Jan. 12).
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Dorothy Caccavale/JET Management
Music manager Dorothy Caccavale joined John Scholz and Tyler Goldberg‘s JET Management, the L.A.-based management company focused on dance music. Caccavale will help guide the careers of a roster including OMRI., Nils Hoffman and underscores.
“I have looked up to John and Tyler for the longest time and it’s such an honor to be joining the JET team,” said Caccavale in a statement. “I am excited to be able to bring my experience, energy and ideas to JET and work together to help further the careers of such an amazing artists.”
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Ken Lesnik & Kirk Mortensen/True Tickets
Digital ticket delivery service True Tickets promoted Ken Lesnik to chief commercial officer and Kirk Mortensen to chief product officer. Lesnick was previously head of business development, in which role he helped develop relationships with more than 100 arts and cultural organizations in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia.
“This next chapter is an exciting one for True Tickets, and I’m proud to be part of it,” said Lesnik in a statement. “In an industry that’s often focused on transactions, we’re building something different: a technology that helps venues know their real audiences and deepen those relationships over time. That’s what gets me fired up every day.”
Mortensen, who previously served as head of product, will now lead the company’s product vision and development. In his previous work with the company, he helped evolve the company’s product suite to enable secure resale, foster audience engagement and more.
“Our partners do vital work in their communities, and we’re proud to help them grow audiences and reduce ticket fraud and abuse,” said Mortensen. “As CPO, I’ll focus on listening closely to clients and their patrons so we can build capabilities that improve patron experiences and sustain healthy growth.”
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Tony Ferguson/Public Relations Society of America
Tony Ferguson officially began his term as president of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Los Angeles Chapter on Jan. 1. The PR industry veteran formerly served as vp of media at Columbia Records before establishing his own firm, L.A.-based Society House. While most recently directing the rollout of De La Soul’s first studio album in nine years, Cabin in the Sky, he has worked with other clients such as Roc Nation, George Clinton and various nonprofits. “Taking on this leadership role at PRSA LA is not just about vision — it’s about action,” said Ferguson in a statement. — Gail Mitchell
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Molly DeMellier/Sounds Profitable
Sounds Profitable, the trade association for the podcast industry, appointed Molly Demellier as head of communications. In the role, DeMellier will lead all global communications for the organization, which recently expanded through a merger with Podcast Movement, including media relations, marketing, external storytelling and internal communications. She will additionally support PR and marketing efforts for Sounds Profitable partners and oversee the brand’s presence at festivals include SXSW, Cannes Lions and the organization’s own Podcast Movement event.
DeMellier was previously director of marketing and PR, U.S., at Acast and most recently served as COO at Sundaze PR.
“Our merger with Podcast Movement opened the door for ambitious growth and elevating communications is central to how we serve this industry,” said Bryan Barletta, partner at Sounds Profitable and president of Podcast Movement, in a statement. “Molly’s experience building narratives in podcasting as well as across major entertainment and tech brands makes her the ideal leader to drive this next chapter.”
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Amy Rahja/Target Center
Amy Rahja was promoted to general manager at Minneapolis’ Target Center, managed by Legends Global. She joined the venue in 2019 as director of booking, marketing and sales and was promoted to assistant general manager in 2022. She previously held leadership roles at VStar Entertainment Group, Feld Entertainment and Broadway Across America.
“Amy has a very deep understanding of both touring and venue strategy and is passionate about building and maintaining strong teams — a winning strategy for a premier venue like Target Center,” said Leonard Bonacci, senior vp of stadiums and arenas at Legends Global. “Since she came onboard, she has been truly instrumental in its success helping to cement its position as one of the country’s top arenas, and we are excited to see her thrive in her new role.”
Added Rahja, “I’m truly excited to step up into the general manager position and continue to guide this talented team and work closely with partners and promoters to ensure that every event is a success. I will remain dedicated to creating an environment where all team members feel valued and guests are treated like VIPs every time they walk through our doors.”
