HYBE has named Jenni Pfaff as chief people and transformation officer, reporting to HYBE CEO Jason Jaesang Lee. Based in Los Angeles, Pfaff will oversee all of talent and organizational strategies at HYBE globally.
“I’m honored to step into this global role as HYBE enters its next chapter of growth. What makes HYBE so special is the incredible talent across our multi-label ecosystem, pushing the envelope on innovation each day,” said Pfaff. “My priority is to build a globally connected people strategy that supports the creative independencewhile bringing our teams together around a shared culture of trust, transparency, and a real commitment to living our core values.”
Prior to joining HYBE in 2025, where she was first hired as U.S. chief people and transformation officer, Pfaff had been the executive vp of strategy, integration and operations at Warner Chappell Music. In 2022, she was named to Billboard’s Women in Music Top Executives list.
“I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing Jenni’s vision and steadfast leadership,” Isaac Lee, CEO of HYBE America, said in a statement. “She has been a constant champion of empowering our individual team members to bring new ideas, perspectives and collaboration to the forefront for the betterment of our company. Our organization is stronger because of her contributions, and I’m thrilled to see her dedication rewarded with this appointment.”
As U.S. chief people and transformation officer, Pfaff helped with the hiring of HYBE America’s senior leaders including Ethiopia Habtemariam, Jake Basden, Gene Whitney and Johanna Fuentes. — Ariel King
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Ari Gelaw (Sony Music Publishing)
Image Credit: Credit Presley Ann Sony Music Publishing has promoted Ari Gelaw to senior vp, creative A&R. In her new role, she will continue to be based out of the company’s Los Angeles office and report to Sony Music Publishing’s president and head of U.S. A&R, Katie Welle. Gelaw will be responsible for leading Sony Music Publishing’s U.S. R&B/Hip-Hop team across its New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles offices.
“Ari is an exceptional A&R and incredibly skilled at supporting talent,” Welle said in a statement. “Her sharp creative instinct and dedication to songwriters have been key to our growth, and this promotion reflects her continued impact both creatively and as a leader. I couldn’t be more thrilled to work alongside Ari as we continue to elevate the success of our roster and our team.”
Gelaw added, “I’m grateful to Katie and Jon for their continued belief in me, and I am excited for this next step. There’s incredible moment across the R&B and hip-hop space, and I look forward to working with our amazing team to build on this energy and help our songwriters reach even greater heights.” — Ariel King
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Andrew Lambeth (K-LOVE)
Image Credit: Courtesy K-LOVE K-LOVE Inc., parent organization of Christian radio networks K-LOVE and Air1, has named Andrew Lambeth as chief marketing and communications officer, effective Sept. 1, 2026. Lambeth will serve on the company’s ministry leadership team and lead communications, creative and marketing departments.
Lambeth most recently served as co-general manager and senior vp of marketing at Centricity Music, working with artists including Lauren Daigle, Katy Nichole and Jordan Feliz.
“I’ve spent my entire career inside Christian music because I believe these songs and artists do something special. They encounter people with the truth of the Gospel in the way and at the time that people need it the most,” Lambeth said in a statement. “At Centricity, I got to help launch artists and build stories around that belief, and I’m so grateful for a decade alongside the talented people there. K-LOVE is where many of these songs and stories meet the most people, and I’m honored to join K-LOVE’s excellent team in working to inspire people to move closer to Jesus.”
“Andrew is an industry leader who brings a brilliant strategic focus to this Ministry,” Tom Stultz, K-LOVE chief executive officer, added. “We believe he will help us continue to expand and grow the K-LOVE audience and impact for the cause of Christ. His inside knowledge of the Christian music industry along with his many established contacts position him to make meaningful contributions to this Ministry quickly and in ways that are sustainable for year to come. His passion for helping others draw closer to Jesus makes him an excellent fit for K-LOVE.” — Jessica Nicholson
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Kristian Downs (Secretly Distribution)
Kristian Downs has been promoted to executive director, platform operations at Secretly reporting to COO Chris Welz.
“Kristian has transformed our digital operations since joining Secretly Distribution six years ago,” Welz said in a statement. “His strategic vision, technical expertise and collaborative leadership have been instrumental in building the platforms that support our clients today. As we continue to invest in our technology and infrastructure, we’re thrilled for Kristian to be leading the next phase of our platform development.”
Downs joined Secretly Distribution in 2020, having previously held roles at AWAL/Kobalt and Beggers Group.
Downs added, “I’m excited to step into this role at a time when technology is playing such an important part in helping independent labels grow and adapt. A key part of my focus will be continuing to develop the systems and platforms that support our partners, ensuring they have access to best-in-class technology that enables them to operate more effectively and make informed decisions.” — Ariel King
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Symphonic Hires Four
Symphonic announced the hirings of JD Parent (manager, A&R and client development, Canada), Nick Robinson (A&R and music business development consultant, U.K.), Pia Eiser (senior A&R manager, GSA region, Europe) and David Niran (manager, A&R and client development, Africa).
“On of the most important parts of global expansion is making sure you have people who understand what each individual market needs,” Ed Poston, senior vp and head of A&R, said in a statement. “JD, Nick, Pia and David bring strong expertise in their respective countries that will help us serve their artist communities better.”
All four new hires will report to Poston. — Ariel King
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Dolly Parton’s Life of Many Colors Museum Hires
Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum is scheduled to open in Nashville this fall, and Dustin Shetley and Meg Harkins have been hired as guest experience managers, Steven Hart as financial analyst and Pam Alterio as operations coordinator. — Ariel King
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Surge Creates Launches Surge Iconics
Surge Creates has launched collectibles and branded merchandise company Surge Iconics, which has already collaborated with KISS, Styx and Lost Lands Festival.
Surge creates has worked with brands including Burger King and Kellogs, and is run by Kevin Berg, chairman of River North Group. KISS manager Doc McGhee partnered with Berg to create the first Surve Iconics collectible, a limited edition KISS Golden Ticket, which was available in 2023.
“Kevin and the team at Surge Iconics understand what great fan collectibles are supposed to be: not just merchandise, but pieces of a legacy. Fans want something they can hold onto, something that becomes part of the experience. The quality, detail and storytelling behind what they create is exceptional.” — Ariel King
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Tixel Hires Four to Leadership Team
Ticket resale platform Tixel has hired Juan Torres as vp of commercial, U.S.; Alexis Rommel as head of platform partnerships, U.S.; Meghan McBreen as business development manager, U.S.; and Jennifer Lee as U.S. operations associate.
“Ticketing reform has gone from an industry gripe toa. National conversation,” Jason Webb, co-founder and head of U.S. at Tixel, said in a statement. “Congress is debating it, artists and fans are demanding it, and price caps and speculative listing bans are finally on the table. We didn’t wait for the law to catch up; capped, verified resale is how Tixel has worked from day one. Juan, Alexis, Meghan and Jennifer have seen every corner of our industry, and they’ve chosen to spend the next chapter of their careers building the version of it that fans deserve.” — Ariel King
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Jay Cruze (Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has added four new hires to the label, continuing to expand its team following its recent reacquisition. Jay Cruze returns to the label in a new role as national director, promotion and marketing, overseeing day-to-day chart objectives, single strategy and additional national promotion responsibilities, and reporting to Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment senior vp Ryan Dokke. Cruze previously served as national director of radio strategy for Blue Highway Records.
Carly Leach returns as coordinator, promotion & marketing, while Christina Hunt returns as manager, digital marketing. Claudia Deters joins as label coordinator/executive assistant to label president/CEO Jimmy Harnen.
“As the Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment team continues to charge forward, I’m very proud to announce these additions and promotions,” founder and chairman Scott Borchetta said in a statement. “They are Machinists through and through, and their ferociouspassion is contagious.”
The staff expansions follows Borchetta’s relaunch of Big Machine Records. —Jessica Nicholson
