HYBE America has appointed veteran music exec Ethiopia Habtemariam as its new President of Music.
Habtemariam, known most recently for having headed up Universal Music Group’s Motown Records, will help advance HYBE America’s long-term growth strategy, spearhead A&R and artist development across the company’s label ecosystem, and identify new creative and commercial opportunities, HYBE America said in a statement on Thursday (January 8).
Habtemariam will be based in Los Angeles and in Atlanta, her hometown and an epicenter of global hip-hop into which the South Korea-headquartered HYBE tapped via its 2023 acquisition of label Quality Control. She will report to HYBE America Chairman and CEO Isaac Lee.
“Ethiopia is a once-in-a-generation leader whose impact on artists, songwriters, culture, and the music business is undeniable,” Lee said. “Her vision, taste, and strategic insight make her uniquely suited to help shape the next chapter of HYBE America as we continue building a future-facing entertainment company centered on artists and fans.”
Habtemariam served as Chair and CEO of Motown Records from 2021 to 2022. During that time, she spearheaded a label venture between Motown and Quality Control, overseeing the signing and/or development of artists like Lil Yachty, City Girls, Migos, Lil Baby, Leon Thomas and NBA YoungBoy.
Having started in the music industry as a teenage intern at L.A. Reid’s LaFace Records, Habtemariam spent more than two decades in various roles at Universal Music Group (UMG) companies, including Universal Music Publishing Group and Capitol Music Group.
She has worked with numerous prominent artists including Chris Brown, Theron Thomas, J. Cole, Justin Bieber, Ciara, Polow Da Don, Jhene Aiko, Cardo, Hit Boy, Keri Hilson, and Happy Perez.
HYBE America says Habtemariam will continue to “collaborate closely” with UMG in her new role, given the companies’ longstanding partnership.
“I’ve long admired how HYBE America approaches artists, fans, and the future of entertainment,” Habtemariam said.
“This is a company building with intention and investing for the long term while staying deeply connected to culture. I’m excited to contribute my experience as HYBE America continues to shape what’s next for music on a global scale.”
“This is a company building with intention and investing for the long term while staying deeply connected to culture.”
Ethiopia Habtemariam, HYBE America
Quality Control Music CEO Pierre ‘P’ Thomas said he and Habtemariam have “a long history of working together, pushing boundaries, and breaking barriers in this industry. Her passion for artists, commitment to culture, and deep understanding of the music landscape make her an extraordinary leader.”
Quality Control COO Kevin ‘Coach K’ Lee added: “Working with Ethiopia again feels full circle. From the early days in Atlanta, we built something special at Quality Control, and it means a lot to see that legacy continue in this next chapter.”
Habtemariam’s appointment comes at a time of rapid change and innovation at HYBE America, the company that HYBE built out of its acquisition of Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings in 2021.
Braun stepped down as CEO this past summer, just months before the company launched a globally-focused label services division. Over the past year, the company acquired L.A.-based VIP experiences company Confirmed360, struck a distribution deal with So So Def Recordings, and launched a joint venture with YouTube star Alan Chikin Chow, among other things.Music Business Worldwide
