The expanded Culture Wave team. Photo Credit: Alex Bemis
Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of February 20th, 2026.
If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the latest music industry hires here.
Culture Wave
Culture Wave has announced one promotion and a number of hires. On the former front, the Red Light Management subsidiary has officially upped Rachel Hacken to artist manager.
Meanwhile, Culture Wave has integrated Polarizer Management and, in the process, welcomed managers Ryan Cunningham and Mike Bingham as well as their rosters; Cunningham will also remain a publicist with Biz 3 Publicity.
Next, Paramore touring percussionist Joey Mullen has signed on as co-manager (with Bingham) for Agriculture.
Rounding out the hires are Alana Lopez (who joins as touring and logistics manager); Madison Stern (day-to-day manager for Culture Wave co-founder Andrew Jarrin); Erin Carignan (handling day-to-day management for Cunningham while continuing as The Armed’s tour manager); and Ana Garcia (digital marketing coordinator).
Warner Chappell Music Italy
WCM Italy has promoted 10-year team member Lodovico Pagani to head of A&R and elevated four-year company vet Francesca Rossi to head of legal.
Additionally, Rossella Lorello, part of WCM Italy for nearly three decades, has transitioned to the sync and licensing unit. And Intera Music project manager Giacomo Domenichelli has come aboard as A&R manager.
Qobuz
Qobuz has brought on Will Evans, previously Bandcamp’s artist and label ambassador, as music merchandiser for Australia and New Zealand.
Hybe America Nashville
In Nashville, Hybe America has tapped Sandbox Entertainment president Jake Basden to lead Blue Highway Records, its newly rebranded country and roots rock division.
Virgin/UMG/Downtown
Having officially closed its Downtown buyout, UMG’s Virgin has confirmed Pieter van Rijn (formerly Downtown’s CEO) as COO. Plus, Downtown board chair Andrew Bergman is transitioning into a senior advisory role, while founder Justin Kalifowitz is stepping away from the company.
KHS America
KHS America has boosted Ryan Rehnborg, part of its team since 2018, to creative and marketing communications manager.
Secretly Distribution
After more than 22 years with Secretly, COO Chris Welz has been named partner.
Runner Music
Runner Music has hired Julia Betley, most recently Warner Records’ SVP of creative sync, as head of sync.
Loew’s Jersey Theatre
Ahead of the scheduled Loew’s Jersey Theatre reopening later in 2026, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment has enlisted Bruce Wheeler to lead the venue as GM.
Various Artists Management
Various Artists Management has confirmed a trio of promotions in the UK: senior manager George Shepherd is now associate director; head of marketing and promotions Rebecca Dixon has become global head of marketing and strategy; and Kayleigh Ramchand-Bentley is officially GM.
Additionally, Advanced Alternative Media vet Kelley Fox has joined as senior international A&R.
Wasserman
After becoming “a distraction,” Casey Wasserman has stepped away from and confirmed plans to sell his namesake agency.
AXS
AXS has added former All Things Live Sweden CEO Henrik Berndtson as Nordics GM.
