Sony Music Publishing has promoted Dee Hale to senior vice president of film and TV administration. Based in Nashville, Hale will continue reporting to executive vp Dale Esworthy and serve as the primary contact for SMP’s studio clients, while supporting UK operations.
has announced a wave of key leadership moves across its publishing, commerce and Nashville divisions as the company celebrates its 15th anniversary., where he’ll continue overseeing global deals and strategy.
Under Kumar’s leadership, EMPIRE Publishing has become a leading independent publisher, representing Grammy and Latin Grammy-nominated songwriters and earning recognition across ASCAP, BMI, and NMPA awards. The division debuted in Billboard’s Hot 100 Publisher Rankings Top 10 in 2024. “We met nearly two decades ago and he’s been part of the foundation of what this company stands for,” EMPIRE founder and CEOsaid of Kumar. “He will continue to lead with integrity and creativity, and his passion for music and strategic vision have helped elevate every facet of our publishing business.” join as directors in the division. The team will drive monetization and streaming strategies for EMPIRE’s diverse roster, including Latin and global acts.as director of A&R. Small will lead digital engagement for Nashville artists, while songwriter and producer Waters will focus on talent discovery and creative development. Both hires underscore EMPIRE’s commitment to an artist-first, genre-fluid approach in one of the industry’s most competitive markets. EMPIRE Nashville leader Jen Way praised Small for bringing “such a special energy and creativity to everything she does,” calling her the ideal person to guide the label’s digital strategy. She described Waters as a versatile creative with strong storytelling instincts who will “represent exactly where EMPIRE Nashville is headed—artist-first, genre-fluid, and creatively fearless.”to senior vice president of film and TV administration. Based in Nashville, Hale will continue reporting to executive vp Dale Esworthy and serve as the primary contact for SMP’s studio clients, while supporting UK operations. She’ll also remain co-chair of the Society and Publisher Forum A/V Committee, shaping global practices in film and TV administration. Hale joined SMP in 1993 and has worked with major studios including Sony Pictures, Tyler Perry Studios and Apple, as well as legendary composers such as Hans Zimmer and John Williams. Praising her leadership, Esworthy said Hale’s dedication to songwriters and composers is “unsurpassed and unwavering.”) to vp of e-commerce and business development. Angulo will oversee streaming strategies for MCA and Mercury Nashville rosters, including artists such as Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves and Keith Urban, while continuing to develop data-driven campaigns and partnerships like Peloton’s CMA Fest activation. Viegut’s newly created role reflects MCA’s focus on expanding e-commerce initiatives, having previously managed DSP relationships at the Country Music Association. The promotions coincide with a departmental restructure, with Angulo and Vipin Reddy dividing streaming responsibilities across MCA and Mercury Nashville. “Tatiana’s ability to drive successful streaming strategies and Taylor’s keen focus on the growing importance of e-commerce demonstrate their forward-thinking approach,” said Mike Harris, MCA CEO. “Their expertise will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and support our artists in the evolving music landscape.”pictured ) has joined the company as director, publicity & communications. Kelleher previously served as senior publicist at 2PM Sharp and spent over five years at R&CPMK. She has led global campaigns for artists including Jonas Brothers, Counting Crows, Tauren Wells and more.has been promoted to director marketing, and began at the label as a project manager in 2023. Benz previously worked at UMe, the catalog division of UMG.Coach Q & G-Man uinelle “Coach Q” Holder and George “G-Man” Waters have launched Label Services Unlimited, a web-based company offering data-driven label operations for independent artists. The platform provides services such as budgeting, marketing and royalty management, aiming to help artists retain control while accessing professional support. The venture follows Holder’s recent distribution partnership with Vydia and includes a leadership team featuring Sabrina Vaz-Holder, Justin White and Erika “Qban” Guilarte. In-person workshops are planned for 2026. Holder’s career includes roles with The Orchard, Heir Wave Music Group,and Alienz Alive, while Waters brings experience from G-Man Entertainment and G-Man Live. The founders revealed they’ve been “quietly collaborating for a while now, but it feels amazing to officially join forces and demonstrate the power of teamwork in Hampton Roads and beyond.”— senior vp, controller and principal accounting officer — is departing the company effective today . In an SEC filing, MSGE noted that his exit is not connected to any dispute over accounting practices, disclosures or internal controls. Until a successor is named, Executive Vice President and CFO David J. Collins will serve as interim principal accounting officer. Taki joined MSGE in September 2024, overseeing accounting, SEC reporting, and shared services for MSGE, MSG Sports, and Sphere Entertainment. His prior roles include CFO at Ziff Davis, Chief Accounting Officer at Altice USA, and senior positions at Cablevision Systems and PricewaterhouseCoopers., the label announced via chairman and CEO Tyler Arnold and president Ben Adelson. Weingart will lead 360-degree campaigns for the label’s roster, including Tucker Wetmore, whose gold-certified album What Not To debuted in the Billboard 200 Top 15 under his guidance. He also oversees marketing for artists such as Bryant Barnes, Foggieraw, Jake Minch and Marshmello. Previously, Weingart served as general manager of Simple Stupid Records and held senior marketing roles at Alamo Records and 300 Entertainment, where he worked on campaigns for Rod Wave, Lil Durk, Young Thug and Migos. “Jackson Weingart has quickly developed an incredible track record for not only breaking artists but being on the cutting edge of developing new tactics, strategies and ideas to navigate the intersections of music and tech to further his artists careers,” said Mercury Records EVP Alex Coslov. “His independent background and innovative spirit make him the perfect fit for Mercury Records.”as its new executive director, effective February 2026. Sale will lead revitalization efforts for the historic venue, focusing on diverse programming including music, theatre, film, dance and lectures. She joins after nearly six years as executive artistic director at Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, Mass., where she guided the organization through pandemic recovery, strategic planning and major infrastructure upgrades. Previously, Sale served as AD of Seattle Children’s Theatre and associate AD at Indiana Repertory Theatre. An accomplished director and advocate for new work, she has collaborated with leading festivals and theaters nationwide. “I am grateful to Harper House Music Foundation and Stephen and Allison Sullens for their visionary commitment to this beloved theatre,” said Sale. “In an age of increasing isolation, our community arts spaces uniquely illuminate our shared humanity – a profound experience to which I have dedicated my entire career.”as CEO, effective last month, following his year as interim chief and tenure as a board member since 2020. An early investor in the company, D’Ambrosio will lead its next phase of growth, emphasizing technology-driven services for independent artists and labels. Amuse, which employs nearly 100 staff across New York, London and Stockholm, has evolved from an open distribution platform into a full-service alternative to traditional labels, combining distribution, data tools and Artist & Label Services. The company recently surpassed $30 million in artist investments and manages over 400 partnerships, including billion-streaming acts like Yot Club and The Walters. Amuse also added, a nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ professionals in the music industry, has announced its 2025-26 board of directors as it expands nationally. Since its 2021 launch, the organization has served over 1,000 queer professionals across 200 companies, and the new board will advance its mission to increase visibility and career development. Co-presidents Dan Iammatteo and Nico Machlitt lead a diverse group that includes Andrea Pearl, Dave Yeager, David Hawkins, Ed Razzano, Evangeline Elder, Frederico Tonete, Hector Rosario, Jack Babnew, Johny Gonzalez, Malik Welton, Meredith Nadeau, Michael Tomczak, Miguel Ramos, Nicholas Douglas, Nico Delle Femine, Paulina Vo, Samantha Moura and Zach Porfiris. The board spans major hubs such as New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, Austin, Oakland and Charlotte, enabling localized programming and networking. “Diversifying our board was a priority,” said Iammatteo, while Machlitt emphasized the organization’s “growth over the past four years shows what’s possible when LGBTQ+ professionals have a seat at the table.”was named Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum GM, following a role as 2022 Special Olympics USA Games vp of operations; andwas added as CTK director of content development and archiving after seven years as a Sony Music Nashville content producer …as executive creative director. Van Sasse van Ysselt, an award-winning experiential design leader with more than 15 years of experience, previously served as vp of design and creative services at Sphere Entertainment. In her new role, she will oversee creative strategy for Britehouse, driving development of immersive attractions in partnership with global intellectual property brands. Her career also includes work with Moment Factory, C2 Montreal, and Tamschick Media+Space across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. “Nathalie’s work redefined what’s possible in immersive entertainment at scale, and we’re energized to bring her creative ambition to Britehouse,” said Britehouse founder and CEO Zoe Tan.as marketing director. Collins joins from Audio Network, where he led global campaign strategy, bringing expertise in data-driven growth and creative marketing. In his new role, he will oversee brand, growth and creator marketing strategies to expand Lickd’s global reach. The hire follows the launch of Lickd for Brands, a platform enabling companies to legally use music across TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and Snapchat — tending to a major challenge for marketers.
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