Believe Appoints Marcela Moreira as Country Director in Brazil

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has promoted David Goldsen to executive vp, A&R. Having joined the company in 2009, Goldsen has worked with songwriters including Zach Bryan, Sleep Token, Teddy Swims and more.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with David for over 15 years,” Ryan Press, president, North America at WCM, said in a statement. “He has a rare ability to spot talent ahead of what’s hot before it breaks mainstream, and to guide them toward not just their personal dreams, but real cultural impact. Watching him turn that instinct into massive wins for our songwriters and our team has been incredibly rewarding. He’s become a key leader in Warner Chappell’s continued evolution.”

Goldsen added, “I’ve been extremely lucky to work with many of the best songwriters in music. Thank you to Ryan for being a mentor and for trusting me all this time, and to Guy, Carianne and the entire WCM team who have always put songwriters first. I’m forever grateful to all of them for continuing to support me and allowing our global team to champion great songwriting, bring our ideas to life and follow our passions to create the best home for creatives.”

The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) announced that David Weingarden, Cassie Dickson and Shayna Melgaard have joined the organization’s board of directors.

Weingarden serves as vp of concerts and events at Z2 Entertainment, LLC; Dickson is director of HR and project manager at Audiotree, Lincoln Hall and Schubas Taverne and Melgaard is director of programming and talent buying at Hennepin Arts Center.

“NIVA’s newest board members bring a wealth of diverse experiences, perspectives and expertise that will strengthen the organization as it continues to champion independent venues, festivals, promoters and presenters nationwide,” Steven Parker, executive director of NIVA, said in a statement. “Their collective backgrounds will be instrumental in advancing NIVA’s mission to protect, support and elevate independent venues and the broader ecosystem of artists, workers, entrepreneurs and local communities they sustain. As the industry continues to evolve, their leadership will help ensure that independent music and cultural places remain vibrant, resilient and accessible for future generations.”

AEG Presents announced Cameron Marcotte has been named vp and Jake Hiersteiner and Mike Ryan as director, while Alyssa Sarilarp has been hired as a senior design and construction specialist, Will Evans as senior project manager and Marysol Flores as administrative assistant.

“We’ve spent the last few years thoughtfully building this team, and it’s exciting to see it come together in such a strong and cohesive way,” Colin Conway, senior vp of venue planning and acquisition and development said in a statement. “Everyone brings a different perspective — from operations and production to design and construction — and that combination is what allows us to create bespoke, curated venues for artists and fans alike. With this group in place, we are positioned to build upon prior successes and continue to growth AEG Presents’ portfolio of premiere, award-winning venues.”

Shawn Trell, executive vp, chief operating officer and general counsel, added, “Venue development is fundamental to our business and essential to our long-term success. The artists and their music are what inspire and connect audiences, but the work that happens behind the scenes is what makes it all possible. Colin and his team’s focus on identifying, analyzing and developing new venue opportunities is integral to AEG Presents’ growth and strategic positioning.”

Alyssa Slaimen has been appointed vp of government and external affairs at the Digital Music Association (DIMA), the trade association which represents Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube and more.

“As DIMA’s reach and impact continue to grow, Alyssa brings direct legislative experience that our policy work demands,” Graham Davies, president and CEO of DIMA, said in a statement. “She joins at a moment when rules being written around AI, copyright and streaming will shape the music industry for years to come, and we are delighted to welcome her to the team.”

Global live entertainment and ticketing company Damai International (a division of Alibaba Group’s Damai Entertainment) has named ticketing veteran Mark Meyerson head of North American ticketing. The newly created role is set to launch and scale the company’s ticketing operations across North America and integrate them with MAISEAT, Damai Entertainment’s international ticketing platform. In his new role, Meyerson will oversee go-to-market strategy, sales and the build-out of a North American sales team, while integrating these operations with MAISEAT. 

Meyerson has held vp and GM roles at both Ticketmaster and Vendini/CrowdTorch, and worked on tour ticketing and marketing strategies for artists including Prince, Bon Jovi and Celine Dion. He has also worked  in executive and advisory capacities at House of Blues, AEG Live, ScoreBig, CashorTrade, Events Locker and, most recently, Crowdfun/TourQ. 

“North America represents one of the most dynamic and important markets in Damai International’s global expansion strategy,” said Damai International president Walter Zheng in a release. “Mark and I have known each other for more than 20 years, and I’m confident he’ll bring the industry expertise and leadership needed to build lasting partnerships and expand our global platform.”

Meyerson’s appointment follows a period of strategic expansion by Damai International across North America with the recent hires of Kevin Morrow and Jason Miller, both former Presidents of Live Nation New York.  — Taylor Mims

Josh Pulgarin, Scott Lee, Jackie Andersen and Ryan “Dog” Nelson have joined together to form Upper Hand Management, which pulls together two companies including SL Management and Good Fight Management. Good Fight Management will continue its operations following Andersen and Nelson’s departure from the company.

“There’s a consistency throughout the artists we work with,” Pulgarin said in a statement. “That consistency is rooted in a shared set of values and work ethic. They care deeply about what they do, work hard and are focused on building something that lasts. Those are the same principles that define Upper Hand and the people behind it.”

Nelson said, “Managers who aren’t in the same company hold their cards close. When you’re in business with the person, it’s easier to share openly. The biggest value of us talking all the time and exchanging expertise is the opportunities this will bring to all the bands on our roster.”

Amy Crawford has been elected as president of the Association of Music Producers board, while Adrian Womack and Jean Scofield were elected as east and west coast presidents, respectively.

“All of us on the Chapter Board are proud of helping AMP grow and continue to build on the momentum we’ve had since the pandemic,” Crawford said in a statement. “Issues surrounding AI and changing dynamics at many of the largest advertising agencies have presented challenges to our members, as well as to the industry as a whole. At the same time, AMP represents a community of creative leaders whose companies produce some of the industry’s most influential and impactful work, with global impact. My goal is to work alongside our members and leadership to ensure AMP remains at the forefront of the industry and well prepared for the future.”