Downtown Music Holdings has expanded its Legal and Business Affairs team with two senior executive appointments.
Previously Head of Corporate Legal Affairs of Downtown’s FUGA subsidiary, which the company acquired in 2020, Claire Jacobs has been named Downtown’s Vice President of International Legal & Business Affairs.
Amber Charania, who previously served as Legal Counsel for Downtown, has been promoted to Director of Legal & Business Affairs.
In her new role, Jacobs will oversee all international corporate legal activities for Downtown, and will report to Peter Rosenthal.
Joining FUGA in March 2019, Jacobs was instrumental in the process of the sale of FUGA to Downtown, says the company, and has since led FUGA’s international expansion and GDPR compliance.
Jacobs, meanwhile, was previously Legal Counsel for TPV Technology, Gibson Brands Inc, Apple Inc, and TomTom NV.
Jacobs will continue to be based in Amsterdam, where Downtown employs over 100 people working across its distribution, neighboring rights, and royalty collection businesses.
As Director of Legal & Business Affairs, Charania will continue to provide legal support across Downtown’s business in a variety of global legal and finance matters, including mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity financings and corporate governance.
Charania joined Downtown in October 2020, having previously served as a corporate attorney, then subsequently spending several years in music law.
The new hires at Downtown come shortly after the company made several executive appointments across its finance and investment teams.
In December, Jan Peter Kerstens was named as Downtown’s CFO, Alan Goodstadt transitioned to the role of Chief Investment Officer, and Becca Klein was appointed Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis.
FUGA, meanwhile, recently inked a deal with independent music company Mascot Label Group, home to artists such as Black Stone Cherry, Beth Hart, Shaman’s Harvest, Vola and Dragged Under.
“Claire’s and Amber’s work this past year has been invaluable to the entire Downtown group.”
Peter Rosenthal, Downtown
Peter Rosenthal, Downtown’s Group General Counsel, said: “Claire’s and Amber’s work this past year has been invaluable to the entire Downtown group.
“As Downtown continues to increase business activity, evaluate M&A opportunities, and expand globally, their expertise and leadership will be vital to the enterprise.”
“I have enjoyed working alongside the Downtown team since FUGA joined the group in 2020.”
Claire Jacobs
Claire Jacobs, added: “My role at FUGA has been extremely rewarding and I have enjoyed working alongside the Downtown team since FUGA joined the group in 2020.
“I am looking forward to working more closely with Peter and the executive team while being instrumental in Downtown’s rapid global expansion.”
“I’m excited to continue my journey at Downtown.”
Amber Charania
Amber Charania, said: “Since joining the group in 2020, Downtown has been an inspiring place to work and at every stage of its growth, you can feel that you’re at an industry leader who is driving change.
“I’m excited to continue my journey at Downtown, while working alongside Peter, Claire, and the broader global legal team.”Music Business Worldwide
