Major Executive Changes and Catalog Deals Shape the Global Music Industry

Singer-songwriter, actress and Chrome Hearts co-creative director Jesse Jo Stark has signed with WME for worldwide representation in all areas. Stark's new album titled "Muse" is set for release on Nov. 6. Her upcoming music follows tour dates opening for or performing alongside Post Malone, Guns N' Roses and Jane's Addiction, along with multiple festival appearances. In addition to music, Stark leads the clothing line Deadly Doll.

Label Changes

Veteran music executive Rebecca Allen is leaving Universal Music Group U.K. after 27 years. She will continue in an advisory role at UMG. Following the merger of EMI and Island in July 2024, Allen was appointed president of the new Audience & Media division and later promoted to the role of chief artist and strategy officer. Previously, she served as president of Decca from 2017 to 2020, becoming the first female president at a Universal Music U.K. label. In a farewell letter to staff, Allen expressed pride in what they created together over 27 years.

Catalog and Leadership

Sony Music Publishing Colombia has entered into a global catalog administration agreement with the Estate of Colombian singer, songwriter and accordionist Omar Geles. The agreement covers more than 300 works, including the vallenato anthem "Cuatro Rosas" and classics like "A Blanco y Negro," "Tu Hombre Soy Yo" and "Tarde lo Conocí." Maren García commented on behalf of the family and estate, while Jorge Mejía, President and CEO of Latin America and U.S. Latin at Sony Music Publishing, praised Geles as a defining voice in vallenato music. Meanwhile, the Music Publishers Association has named Faber Music CEO Richard King as its new Board Chair for a three-year term. King succeeds Paulette Long OBE, who remains an MPA Board Director, and will work alongside managing director Peter Jackson.

Context

These updates reflect ongoing shifts in leadership, artist management, and catalog ownership across the international music business. Major record labels and publishing companies frequently restructure executive teams and acquire major song catalogs to adapt to changing commercial landscapes. Such agreements help protect and promote the long-term legacies of influential artists while expanding their reach to new global audiences.