A look at how CAA's dedicated search team helps private equity and music companies find top talent amidst a surge of institutional investment.
In late April, from CAA's New York offices in the Chrysler Building, Becher, a managing partner for music and entertainment, discussed how the agency's executive search practice has become a critical bridge between the music industry and the influx of institutional capital.
The practice, which originated from informal requests by studio executives for hiring recommendations, has evolved into a structured, professional service that now handles over 100 searches for music companies annually. Becher emphasized that the success stems from CAA's deep understanding of entertainment, its platform connectivity, and access to top talent.
Meanwhile, Mackereth, a London-based leader on the music industry search team, noted that the team observes how industry leaders capitalize on smart capital and how global investors select companies and leaders. He highlighted that partnering with sophisticated capital has created growth opportunities and allowed private equity firms to identify the right executives-from CFOs to chief people officers-both within music and adjacent industries.
As the industry shifts toward a tech-first focus and attracts unprecedented investment, Becher and Mackereth's services are in high demand. In this ultra-competitive labor market, they provide insight into the skills leaders seek, the often quirky vetting processes used by major companies, and the pitfalls that can derail experienced professionals. Becher described board-level and C-suite hiring as a jigsaw puzzle, where the right piece ensures effective company operation.
He noted that CAA's dedicated practice began about three years into its expansion into music, with Universal Music Group as its first big client. Before that, professional executive search in music was nearly nonexistent. The team now works with private equity, venture capital, and other financial institutions that see immense value in music catalog acquisitions and live events.
For example, they partnered with Pophouse Entertainment from its inception, hiring top executives including the CEO and several board members for an avatar concert venture in London. The search process involves extensive site visits, numerous phone calls with stakeholders, and the use of assessment tools. Some clients employ psychometric tests or engage coaches and psychologists for critical hires.
One memorable case involved a client who required final candidates to spend a weekend at a doctor's hunting lodge in the Carolinas for a comprehensive cultural fit assessment. While Becher and Mackereth hesitate to claim full credit for the financial world's growing recognition of music as a valuable asset, they acknowledge that their work has opened eyes to the strength of talent in the space.
They emphasize that relationships are paramount in the music industry, and their ability to identify individuals with the right connections helps investors navigate and translate the complex music landscape. Ultimately, CAA's executive search practice not only fills positions but also helps structure organizations to ensure all necessary skill sets are present, driving growth in a rapidly evolving sector
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