Music Chairs -- Week 27 2021

USA

Copyright expert Devlin Hartline has joined the Washington, DC-based Hudson Institute's Forum for Intellectual Property as Legal Fellow. He was Assistant Professor of Law at Scalia Lawand Director of Communications at the Center for the Protection of Intellectual Property.

Los Angeles-based independent streaming entertainment company Cinedigm has promoted Tony Huidor to Chief Technology & Product Officer. He was Senior Vice President of Product & Technology and General Manager of Digital Networks. He reports to Chris McGurk, Chairman & CEO of Cinedigm. Huidor's expanded role will also include oversight of Cinedigm India, the Company's streaming technology and engineering hub for India and Southeast Asia. Huidor previously worked for Universal Music Group (UMG).

CANADA

Jeff King, the former COO of Canada's rights society SOCAN, has been appointed CEO of ATOP TV, a subscription-based IPTV platform that currently offers over 190 Canadian, American and Ethnic TV channels and an array of media rich internet content at competitive prices. 

UK

US independent music company Concord has promoted Justin Prakash to CFO of Concord Music Publishing and Concord Theatricals. He replaces Kent Hoskins who was elevated to CFO of Concord in March of this year. Based in London, Prakash reports to Hoskins. In his new role, Prakash will be responsible for leading the global Publishing and Theatrical accounting teams, including all aspects of reporting, planning and corporate compliance. He will partner closely with the senior executive team, especially Chief Publishing Executive Jim Selby and Chief Theatricals Executive Sean Patrick Flahaven, in assessing new artist signings, shows and opportunities.


FRANCE

Pascal Nègre, President of independent music company 6 & 7, has been elected President of neighbouring rights collecting society SPPF by the organisation's Board of Directors. He succeeds Emmanuel De Buretel, Founder and CEO of Because Music, who did not seek re-election after two three-year terms. Nègre is a former CEO of Universal Music France who set up his own independent company after leaving the group in 2016. He was also President of the other record labels' collecting society SCPP for over 20 years, until 2016. Nègre said he will work to serve the music sector and seek common positions with other stakeholders. "I will put all my energy to address the many challenges and issues that are face us,” he said. 


ITALY

After 19 years at the helm of the company, Warner Chappell Music Italy MD Roberto Razzini is stepping down at the end of the month. Razzini joined Warner Chappell in 1990 as product manager and was promoted to head of international in 1993, before becoming MD in 2002. “Roberto has been integral to building and maintaining our dominant market share in Italy,” said  CEO/co-chair Guy Moot and COO/co-chair Carianne Marshall in a memo to staff. A replacement to Razzini has yet to be announced.

ISRAEL

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has opened an office in Israel, UMPG Israel, with Itamar Shafrir as General Manager, Publishing and Production Music. He reports to both Simon Baker, General Manager of UMPG Europe Publishing, and Michael Sammis, President of Universal Production Music worldwide.

AUSTRALIA

Australia's music credits database company Jaxsta has appointed Beth Appleton as its Chief Marketing Officer, effective July 27. Based in Sydney, Appleton is tasked with "developing and driving Jaxsta’s ongoing marketing strategy." Prior to joining Jaxsta, Appleton was the General Manager and Senior Vice President Marketing Australasia at Warner Music Australia. She also worked for Warner Music Group,Universal Music Group and V2 Music in the UK. She reports to Jaxsta CEO and Co-FounderJacqui Louez Schoorl. "By showcasing all musical creatives and delivering complete and verified data, Jaxsta is creating opportunities for talent in all areas of music," said Appleton.