Universal Music Group has named Libby Bush to the newly created role of President, Global Brands and Commercial Partnerships, starting in November. According to the announcement, she will “lead a new global function that brings together UMG’s brands, media, and commercial partnership businesses, including Universal Music Group for Brands … Spanning digital platforms, physical products and live experiences, these collaborations will be rooted in artists’ originality and authentic connections with fans.” Based in Los Angeles, Bush will report to UMG’s Chief Operating Officer Boyd Muir. She joins from Creative Artists Agency, where she served as Global Head of Entertainment Partnerships and was a member of the Agency Board.
Previously, Bush founded Tandem Entertainment, an entertainment partnerships agency acquired by CAA in 2020, and held roles at Marvel Entertainment, ABC Entertainment, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and the National Basketball Association. Muir said, “As the ways fans experience music evolve, the opportunities for our artists multiply. Bringing our brand, media, and commercial partnerships together under Libby’s leadership will help extend our artists’ reach and grow their revenues, while giving our partners new ways to build relationships with fans and collaborate with the world’s most influential voices.
Libby brings exceptional creative and commercial expertise to the world’s leading music company. She’ll work with our talent, teams, and partners to create memorable experiences for fans, lasting value for brands, and new possibilities for artists.” + Avex Inc. has increased its ownership of Brandon Silverstein’s S10 Entertainment, acquiring 85% of the company from Silverstein and his partners. The transaction further integrates S10 into Avex Music Group.
Silverstein continues as CEO of S10 and Avex Music Group, a board member and equity partner in Avex Music Group. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction follows Avex’s March 2025 acquisition of the S10 Music Publishing catalog, which includes shares of hits by Justin Bieber, Drake, Tate McRae, Kehlani, Doja Cat, Post Malone and Rihanna, among others.
In the transaction Silverstein was represented by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Together, we will bring the full breadth of Avex’s capabilities to artists and creators around the world.” + Warner Music Group has named Sonny Takhar as Chairman and CEO of Warner Music U.K. & Ireland, effective January 2027. Takhar will oversee creative direction, artist development, and strategic operations across WMG’s recorded music footprint in the U.K., the world’s third-largest music market, and Ireland.
Takhar will report to Val Blavatnik, Managing Director of Warner Music North America, U.K. & Corporate Development. Takhar’s remit will also include operational oversight of WMG’s independent distribution arm, ADA, in the U.K. and Ireland, and he’ll work in close partnership with Elliot Grainge, CEO and Chairman of Atlantic Music Group and Chairman of ADA in the U.S., as well as Aaron Bay-Schuck, Chairman and CEO of Warner Records Group. A founding partner of Syco Entertainment, Takhar played a key role in the careers of One Direction, Labrinth, Leona Lewis, Little Mix, James Arthur and Fifth Harmony, alongside the launch of global TV franchises “The X Factor” and “Got Talent.” More recently, Takhar co-founded Los Angeles-based KYN Entertainment in a joint venture with Live Nation, and worked with Westlife and songwriter-producer Steve Mac.
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