BMG has restructured its US repertoire operation as part of “a US growth plan”.
The plan, which BMG states has been “designed to allow the company to accelerate out of the pandemic,” sees Los Angeles-based Thomas Scherer promoted to President, Repertoire & Marketing, Los Angeles and New York, responsible for both West Coast and East Coast repertoire organizations.
In addition, Nashville-based John Loba becomes as President, Recorded Music, Nashville.
Both report directly to BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch.
Heading Scherer’s team in Los Angeles are two newly promoted EVPs, Monti Olson responsible for US publishing and Dan Gill responsible for recorded music in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile Jason Hradil – currently SVP, Global Repertoire– will become EVP, Recorded Music, New York; taking on the responsibilities of John Loeffler who will enter into a newly expanded role focused on VIP client relations, US-wide business development and strategic partnerships.
Thomas Scherer, a longtime music industry executive, joined the new BMG in 2008 as one of the original employees at the company headquarters in Berlin.
He previously served as EVP, Repertoire & Marketing, Los Angeles and prior to that, as EVP Frontline Publishing where he led the integration of BMG’s creative teams around the world and was instrumental in the development of the company’s operations in China.
Since taking over the Los Angeles operation – BMG’s largest repertoire base worldwide – Scherer has achieved particular success with releases from Run The Jewels, Jason Mraz, KSI and Curtis Waters while entering a long term partnership with Dark Horse Records, among many other projects.
Elsewhere, newly promoted EVP US Publishing, Monti Olson will lead BMG’s Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York creative teams, as well as creative service for BMG’s Film & TV publishing clients, reporting to Scherer.
With over 20 years in the industry, Olson has worked with BMG publishing clients including 21 Savage, Juice WRLD, Del Records, and Diane Warren.
Olson initially joined BMG in 2018 as co-head of A&R Publishing in the US.
“After a very strong 2020, we are determined to be in a position to accelerate out of this pandemic rather than resting on our laurels. This new streamlined structure will allow us to raise the bar of excellence when it comes to servicing our artists.”
Hartwig Masuch, BMG
As EVP, Recorded Music, Los Angeles, reporting to Scherer, Dan Gill will be responsible for BMG’s frontline recordings repertoire and strategy in Los Angeles, including hip-hop/rap label RBC Records (YouTube phenom and rapper KSI, Chief Keef, Waka Flocka Flame, Big L, and Gucci Mane) and metal/hard rock label Rise Records (Dance Gavin Dance, AFI, PUP, Sevendust).
Recent successes include Run The Jewels’ RTJ4 and newcomer Curtis Waters (Stunnin). Gill joined BMG in 2014, following the acquisition of Vagrant Records. Previously he served as SVP Recorded Music.
Additionally, Jecoure Lamothe has been promoted to Senior Director, A&R and Marketing, RBC Records.
Lamothe joined BMG following the acquisition of RBC by BMG in 2018. He will now oversee all day-to-day operations of the label and its artists, reporting directly to Gill.
In New York, another longtime BMG executive Jason Hradil has been elevated to EVP, Recorded Music, New York and SVP, International Marketing now overseeing BMG’s frontline recordings repertoire and marketing on the East Coast and BMG’s US interests in global recordings.
Hradil joined BMG in 2011 as the company’s first US recorded employee when he was tasked with helping to shape BMG’s entry into the US record business, overseeing all marketing, sales, promotion and distribution for artist releases in North America.
In 2019, he was promoted to SVP International Marketing, servicing all international repertoire including the international successes of Kylie Minogue and LP, in addition to key domestic titles overseas.
Hradil assumes responsibilities previously held by John Loeffler, who assumes an expanded role in US repertoire focused on VIP client relations and strategic business development.
After a 30-year career as producer for TV and commercials, Loeffler joined BMG in 2009 as a consultant following the purchase of Cherry Lane Records.
He has since become the driver behind a slate of relationships with artists including Huey Lewis, Roger Waters, Bad Company, John Fogerty, and Kenny Loggins.
He was also the architect behind the recent launch of OM Records – an innovative partnership with French soccer club Olympique de Marseille.
BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch said: “The US continues to be BMG’s richest repertoire source and largest revenue generator.
“After a very strong 2020, we are determined to be in a position to accelerate out of this pandemic rather than resting on our laurels.
“This new streamlined structure will allow us to raise the bar of excellence when it comes to servicing our artists.
“I would like to thank Thomas, Jon, Monti, Dan, and Jason for all their contributions to the company and wish them continued success in their new roles.”
“BMG US just enjoyed its best year yet so it’s an honor to take on responsibility for our New York operation as well as LA.”
Thomas Scherer
Thomas Scherer said: “BMG US just enjoyed its best year yet so it’s an honor to take on responsibility for our New York operation as well as LA.
“I look forward to working alongside Jon Loba as we pursue our objective to provide a real partnership for our artists and songwriters: inspire, help them build and own their creative works and offer them new opportunities to express their talents into books, podcasts, films and documentaries, video games and beyond.
“More than ever, BMG is the most artist-friendly alternative to the traditional music business.”Music Business Worldwide
